Free South Dakota Bill of Sale Template

A South Dakota bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale and transfer of personal property. It serves as proof of ownership, protects both parties, and may be required by the South Dakota Department of Revenue or your county treasurer’s office for titling and registration.

A valid South Dakota bill of sale should include:

• Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
• Description of the property (make, model, year, VIN/HIN/serial number)
• Purchase price and date of sale
• Notarization, if desired

A South Dakota bill of sale is required or recommended for these transactions:

• Vehicles: Required for all private sales. Buyers must register within 45 days of purchase. Auto liability insurance minimums: $25,000 property damage per accident, $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident. Title and Odometer Disclosure Statement also required (for the Odometer Disclosure Statement only required if vehicle is less than 20 years old and weighs less than 16,000 lbs).
• Boats: Required for motorized boats and non-motorized boats over 12 feet in length. Registration must be completed within 45 days at the county treasurer’s office. Bill of sale notarization is optional but recommended.
• Trailers: Required for titling all trailers; registration required for trailers over 3,000 lbs. Small homemade/rebuilt trailers under 3,000 lbs get an identification number (through the treasurer). Large manufactured trailers (3,000+ lbs.) without a VIN must get an actual VIN (through the department). Farm trailers used only on private property are exempt unless the farm vehicle is a stock trailer, gooseneck trailer, or semitrailer towed by a licensed motor vehicle on any public highway or a passenger vehicle, two- or three-axle truck, or semitractor..
• Firearms: Recommended for all private sales, though South Dakota law does not require registration, permits, or background checks for most firearm transfers.
• Motorcycles: Required for all private sales; registration and titling must be completed within 45 days of purchase. Bill of sale notarization is optional.

Notarization rules in South Dakota:

• Vehicles: Not required.
• Boats: Not required, but recommended for private-party sales.
• Trailers: Not required.
• Firearms: Not required.
• Motorcycles: Not required.

Keep these rules in mind when completing a South Dakota bill of sale:

• Vehicle & boat deadlines: Registration must be completed within 45 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
• Farm trailer exemptions: Farm trailers used exclusively on private property do not require registration or titling.
• VIN requirements: Homemade trailers under 3,000 lbs. must apply for a VIN before registration.
• Boat fees: Range from $15 for small vessels to $45 for large motorboats; titles required for motorized and large non-motorized vessels.
• Optional notarization: Adds legal protection in case of disputes for private-party sales.