Transfer a car title after a death in South Dakota
Heirs transfer a vehicle title with the Department of Revenue's Succession Affidavit through the county treasurer's office. A vehicle titled with a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary goes to that beneficiary, who applies for a new title with a copy of the death certificate; vehicles with a TOD beneficiary must not have open liens.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Car or vehicle title after a death in South Dakota
Heirs transfer a vehicle title with the Department of Revenue's Succession Affidavit through the county treasurer's office. A vehicle titled with a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary goes to that beneficiary, who applies for a new title with a copy of the death certificate; vehicles with a TOD beneficiary must not have open liens.
Law: S.D. Codified Laws secs. 32-3-80 to 32-3-84 (SL 2025, ch. 116)
Source: Form 1013
- Agency
- South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division (titles through the county treasurer)
- Fee
Title fees apply; ask the county treasurer.
- Transfer-on-death title
An owner can name a transfer on death beneficiary on the title application at the county treasurer's office; all owners must approve in writing, and the vehicle must have no liens. The beneficiary has no rights while the owner is alive. After the death, the beneficiary submits an affidavit verifying the death (the Department of Revenue asks for a copy of the death certificate) and gets a new title.
Source: Official page
Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?
| Kind of property | How it is treated | Details |
|---|---|---|
Cars and other vehicles | Counts | A vehicle counts at its value minus any loan (lien). Law: SDCL 29A-3-1201(a)(1) |
Boats and mobile or manufactured homes | Counts | Boats and other property count, minus liens. Law: SDCL 29A-3-1201(a)(1) |
Related pages
- Small estate affidavit in South Dakota
- Bank accounts after a death in South Dakota
- House without probate in South Dakota
- Small estate checker for South Dakota
- Letter to a bank in South Dakota
- Balance request letter for South Dakota
- What-to-gather checklist for South Dakota
- All about small estates in South Dakota
Free help in South Dakota
A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.