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1. What documents do I need for Motor Vehicle and Boat Applications?

To speed up the titling process please be sure to include the following documents for your Motor Vehicle and Boat applications:

A Motor Vehicle and Boat titling application must be filled out and SIGNED on the second page of the application.

Indicate the way the names are to be joined (either "and" or "or") on the title application and the title or MSO or Title Reassignment Form (if applicable).  
If you pick “and” all owners must sign every document.

If you are mailing in your information, please include the following information via note or letter: 

• Do you have plates to transfer or do you  need new plates? 
• Do you have a lienholder? Please include contact information. 
• Include your daytime phone number so we can reach you at with any additional questions we may have.
• Boats and trailers are titled, taxed and licensed separately.

*Fees are calculated at the time your paperwork is received. The amount on line 13 of your title application does not include registration.

Additional Motor Vehicle Forms can be found at the Department Of Revenue website.

2. What information do I need if I purchased a vehicle?

• A valid South Dakota Driver’s license/ID.
  If you are an out of state resident you will need a valid driver's license/ID and Social Security Card or W2.
• The title of your new car. 
• Purchase agreement, bill of sale
• Weight slip (trailers, campers, motorhomes)- if out state title
  • Dry, empty, unladen, weight ticket,
  • Nothing with a G in front of the lbs

Payments we accept:

• Check
  • Must have a current Pre-printed SD address under YOUR name
  • Checks with an old or incorrect mailing address under your name will not be accepted.
• Money order
• Cashier’s check
• Cash
• Credit
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Debit    

SERVICE FEE OF 2.4% OF TRANSACTION TOTAL

3. What if my vehicle title that I want to transfer is held by a lender?

Please contact the office prior to coming as we will need the following information before your transaction can be completed:

• Lien holder’s name and fax number
• Bill of sale and vehicle information
• If you are moving in to the state, you will need to contact your lender.
• If you are buying a vehicle from a private party, they will need to provide you with the title.
• You will need the title to complete the registration of the vehicle. 

We will contact your lienholder for the information by fax and call you when we have the information.

4. What do I need to do to sell/buy a car to/from a private party?

SELLER:

You will need to complete the forms available for download at South Dakota Department of Revenue website and provide them to the buyer.

• Seller's Permit
• Bill of Sale
• Odometer disclosure
• Title - You must fill out and sign the Bill of sale area on back of title (sale date and amount paid)

BUYER:

Will need to provide the following documents:

• Title
• Title application
• Bill of Sale
• Odometer Disclosure

 

5. Can I get a refund on my tags if I move out of state?

State law does not provide for refunds when an individual moves out of state unless the validation stickers have not been used or placed on the vehicle and are returned within thirty days from the effective date of the license/tab.

6. Can I get a refund on my renewal fees if I sell my car?

The state law does not provide for a refund when a vehicle is sold, but you may carry that over to a new car licensed in your name. 

7. How is the annual renewal fee computed?

The Lincoln County Treasurer’s Office computes the price of your tag based on the model year and the weight of your vehicle. If a non-commercial motor vehicle is an automobile, pickup or van with a manufacturer's shipping weight, including manufacturer's accessories, of 10,000 pounds or less, the license fees for the vehicle shall be based on the regular noncommercial license fee schedule. However, if the noncommercial motor vehicle is a pickup that weighs more than 6,000 pounds, the owner has the option of paying the license fees under the noncommercial license fee schedule or the noncommercial declared gross weight fee schedule.

You can obtain further information at SD Cars

8. When are renewal notices sent out?

Annual renewal notices for commercial and non-commercial vehicles are mailed three months prior to the month they are due.

9. What forms of payment do you take?

Money order
Cashier's Check
Cash
Check
ACH - E-Check - on line property taxes  $1.50 per Total Payment
Credit Card - Discover, Visa, Mastercard, American Express
                      Service Fee of 2.4% of total

Convenience fees will show as a separate charge on your statement

10. How can I find a Kiosk to renew my tags?

You can visit any kiosk in South Dakota. Locate a kiosk on the SDCars Website

11. Can I renew my tags on line?

You can renew your tags on the SDCars Website.

12. What tax relief programs are available to me?

Please visit the State of South Dakota website to review all available tax relief programs.