Vehicle owners may be required to transfer an out of state car title in South Dakota either upon a move from another state or immediately after purchasing a motor vehicle from another state. Motorists may perform an out of state title transfer through a local county treasurer’s office or through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the South Dakota Department of Revenue (SD DOR). For more information about how to perform an out of state car title transfer in South Dakota, continue reading the following sections.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in South Dakota?

Prior to performing an out of state car title transfer process in South Dakota, motorists need to understand the procedure of transferring a vehicle title from one state DMV to another after a move. This re-titling procedure is called a cross state car title transfer and it enables motorists to transfer the car titles issued from an out of state DMV to the SD DMV.

In order to receive a certificate of title in South Dakota, individuals need to follow the steps laid out by the SD DMV. Remember, if you do not complete a title transfer when you bring a nonresident vehicle into the state, you will be unable to legally drive it.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in South Dakota?

An out of state car title transfer must be performed when South Dakota residents purchase motor vehicles from out of the state or when nonresidents move to the state with vehicles titled by another state. However, motorists should keep in mind that a title transfer is only necessary if a vehicle was previously titled in another state. Therefore, if you have purchased a vehicle from an out of state dealership and only have a certificate of origin, you will be required to apply for a brand new SD car title, rather than a car title transfer.

In addition, you will need to transfer an out of state car title if you receive a vehicle as a gift or through an inheritance. In these cases, you will need to provide proof that you are the new owner of the vehicle along with other important documents in order to successfully transfer a title. These documents can include a will and testament that names you as the new owner, or just a title transfer form that indicates the vehicle was given to you.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in South Dakota

The process of transferring an out of state car title in South Dakota requires vehicle owners to prepare a list of necessary documents and submit them to the SD DMV for a title transfer to take place. Therefore, motorists may need to prepare the following documents needed for an out of state title transfer:

• A completed application for a South Dakota vehicle title and registration
• Current out-of-state vehicle title
• Payment for the applicable fees and taxes

Note that in addition to the outlined out of state title transfer paperwork motorists may have to provide other documents, depending on their specific situation. For example, motorists who have purchased a titled vehicle from out of the state will need to provide a bill of sale to prove a transaction took place, as well as a document that proves the original owner signed over the title.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in South Dakota as a New Resident

When completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in South Dakota, motorists need to complete the re-titling process at a nearby SD DMV branch immediately after their move. The SD DMV has determined the following steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident:

• Conduct a vehicle inspection.
• Submit the required documentation.
• Pay the applicable fees and taxes.

Remember that you will also need to provide a valid form of identification and any other documents that may specifically apply to the type of car you own.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in South Dakota After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The South Dakota process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car is similar to the one for transferring a title after you obtain residence in the state. Vehicle owners who want to perform an out of state title transfer after buying a car from another state are required to provide the same documents as new residents applying for a title transfer, as the procedure will be very similar.

However, the requirements for an in-person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle in South Dakota may differ, based on the driver’s specific situation. For example, if you have purchased a vehicle whose title is held by a financial institute, you will need to first fill out a form to gain access to the existing title in order to re-title the vehicle in South Dakota.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in South Dakota

Motorists are expected to submit payment for the applicable cross state car title transfer fee in South Dakota. Motorists should know that they will need to pay a $10 title transfer fee, an excise tax of four percent of the vehicle’s purchase price and any late fees that may apply if a resident has waited too long to file his or her request.

The price of a cross state car title transfer could also increase if you register the vehicle with the SD DMV at the same time, which is usually recommended. Keep all these fees and additional costs in mind as you prepare to submit a title transfer request.

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