Free South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A South Dakota vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a receipt and proof of purchase for the private sale of an automobile. It records the essential details of the transaction, including the buyer and seller's information, the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as well as the final purchase price.
In South Dakota, a bill of sale is legally required to transfer the title and assess the motor vehicle excise tax. While the South Dakota Department of Revenue (DOR) provides an official form (Form MV-016), you can use a generic document as long as it contains all necessary information. The bill of sale itself does not need to be notarized; however, the seller's signature on the actual certificate of title must be notarized or signed in the presence of a county treasurer.
South Dakota Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in South Dakota. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle Privately in South Dakota
Step 1: Negotiate the purchase price and agree on payment terms. Private vehicle sales in South Dakota rely heavily on verifying funds safely, making a cashier's check or cash the most secure methods of payment.
Step 2: Complete the South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form MV-016) with accurate vehicle details, the exact purchase price, and the date of sale. For vehicles under 20 years old, complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement on the back of the title.
Step 3: While the bill of sale does not require notarization in South Dakota, the seller MUST sign the actual Certificate of Title in the presence of a notary public or a local county treasurer.
Step 4: The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle, as South Dakota plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle. The seller must also submit a Seller's Report of Sale to the DOR within 15 days to release themselves from liability.
Step 5: The buyer has 45 days to take the endorsed title, bill of sale, and proof of identification to their local County Treasurer's office to pay the 4% motor vehicle excise tax and register the vehicle. South Dakota does not require smog or emissions testing.
Frequently Asked Questions About SD Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in South Dakota?
Yes. A bill of sale is required by the South Dakota Department of Revenue (DOR) to prove the actual purchase price of the vehicle, which is used to calculate the 4% motor vehicle excise tax during the title transfer.
Does a South Dakota vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, the bill of sale itself does not require a notary's signature in South Dakota. However, the seller's signature on the vehicle's Certificate of Title must be notarized or witnessed by a county treasurer.
Can I write my own bill of sale in South Dakota?
Yes, the South Dakota DOR accepts generic or handwritten bills of sale as long as they contain the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, purchase price, date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and the seller. Alternatively, you can use the official state form, Form MV-016.
Are private vehicle sales in South Dakota considered 'as-is'?
Yes, all private vehicle sales in South Dakota are legally considered 'as-is' unless a written warranty is explicitly provided. South Dakota's lemon laws apply only to new vehicles, so buyers are responsible for thoroughly inspecting the used vehicle before completing the purchase.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in South Dakota?
South Dakota imposes a 4% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax on private vehicle sales. This tax is calculated based on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale. If the listed price seems unusually low compared to standard valuations, the state may assess the tax based on the vehicle's fair market value.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the South Dakota DMV?
To successfully transfer the title, the buyer must bring the properly assigned and notarized Certificate of Title, a completed Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form MV-016), an Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration (Form MV-1001), valid identification, and payment for the 4% excise tax and registration fees to their local County Treasurer's office.