South Dakota Vehicle Title Guide & FAQs

Signing Your South Dakota Vehicle Title

South Dakota title transfers are straightforward, but accuracy matters. Your title is a legal document, and mistakes can void it. Always use blue or black ink only and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title.

What Will Void a South Dakota Title

• Signing in the wrong section
• Signature that does not match the name on the title
• Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over mistakes
• Using white-out or correction fluid
• Tears, rips, or damaged titles
• Signing in the dealer reassignment section (unless authorized)

If any of these occur, the South Dakota DMV will require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be sold.

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Selling a Car in South Dakota With LetGoRide

South Dakota title transfers must be completed correctly to avoid delays or rejected paperwork. This guide explains where to sign your title, common mistakes that can void it, and how to replace a lost or damaged South Dakota title without issues.

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Where to Sign a South Dakota Title

Sign on the back of the title where it is labeled “Signature of Seller(s)” or “Signature of Seller(s) or Authorized Agent”.

Print your name where it reads “Hand Printed Name(s) of Seller(s)” or “Hand Printed Name of Seller(s)/Company Name”.

Do not sign anywhere else unless instructed by the South Dakota DMV.

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Vehicles With Multiple Owners

If more than one owner appears on the South Dakota title, the number of required signatures depends on how the names are listed:

• Owner 1 OR Owner 2 – Only one owner must sign
• Owner 1 AND/OR Owner 2 – Both owners must sign
• Owner 1 AND Owner 2 – Both owners must sign
• No conjunction listed – Both owners must sign

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Titles Showing a Lienholder

If a lienholder is listed on the South Dakota title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred.

• Lien release noted directly on the title
• Or a separate official lien release letter from the lender

Without a lien release, the DMV will not process the title transfer.

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Replacing a Lost or Damaged South Dakota Title

If your South Dakota title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, you must obtain a duplicate title before selling the vehicle.

• Duplicate titles are issued through the South Dakota Department of Revenue
• All owners listed on the title must sign the application
• Processing times and fees apply

Official instructions and forms are available here:

http://dor.sd.gov/Motor_Vehicles/Titling_and_Registration/Titling_Motor_Vehicles.aspx

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After Selling Your Vehicle in South Dakota

After the sale is complete, remove your license plates before releasing the vehicle, unless instructed otherwise by the South Dakota DMV.

Plates generally remain with the seller and may be transferred or returned according to state guidelines.

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