How to Sell an ATV 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 |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | MV-016 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in South Dakota — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the frame VIN — on ATVs the 17-character frame VIN is stamped on the frame near the engine, on the steering head, or on a stamped plate on the left side of the frame rail. South Dakota requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement and class — ATV engines are sized in cc (cubic centimeters); youth ATVs under 90cc fall under separate South Dakota youth-rider rules and may have different registration paths than adult ATVs 250cc+.
- 3Clear any liens — if the ATV was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. South Dakota uses MV-016 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean South Dakota title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, manufacturer's owner's manual, and any OHV/trail permit stickers on the ATV.
- 5Price the ATV — check Kelley Blue Book Powersports, NADA Guides (ATVs), and recent South Dakota ATV Trader / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace comps. Hours, condition, aftermarket parts (winch, plow, tires), and youth/adult class all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, hours (if tracked), sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the South Dakota ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. South Dakota requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify South Dakota DMV — buyer must title and register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with South Dakota DMV to remove future liability.
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 ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in South Dakota?▾
Yes. South Dakota requires a written bill of sale for private ATV transfers to document the frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the ATV with South Dakota DMV.
Does South Dakota title ATVs?▾
Yes — South Dakota titles ATVs through South Dakota DMV. The seller endorses the title to the buyer, and the buyer presents the endorsed title plus the signed bill of sale to title and register the ATV in their name.
What is the South Dakota ATV title transfer deadline?▾
South Dakota requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title 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 ATV sale in South Dakota?▾
South Dakota charges 4% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Motor vehicle excise tax applies to all sales The buyer typically pays the tax at South Dakota DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in South Dakota?▾
South Dakota does not run a separate OHV permit program. The buyer's title/registration plus the bill of sale is sufficient to operate the ATV on public OHV trails. Private-property use does not require additional permits.
Do I need a notary for a South Dakota ATV bill of sale?▾
South Dakota does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for South Dakota DMV.
Source: South Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07