How to Sell a Boat Privately in South Dakota (2026)
| Titling agency | South Dakota DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (Motor vehicle excise tax applies to all sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV-016 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in South Dakota — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. South Dakota requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with South Dakota DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. South Dakota uses MV-016 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current South Dakota registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent South Dakota dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the South Dakota registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify South Dakota DMV — buyer must register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with South Dakota DMV to remove liability for future fines.
South Dakota lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form MV-016 or the lien release section on the existing South Dakota title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean South Dakota title.
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Start My South Dakota Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in South Dakota?▾
Yes. South Dakota requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with South Dakota DMV.
What is the South Dakota boat title transfer deadline?▾
South Dakota requires the buyer to transfer registration within 45 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in South Dakota?▾
South Dakota charges 4% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Motor vehicle excise tax applies to all sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with South Dakota DMV.
Do I need a notary for a South Dakota boat bill of sale?▾
South Dakota does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in South Dakota?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to South Dakota DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 45 days of the sale date.
Source: South Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07