Does South Dakota allow a transfer-on-death designation on a vehicle title?

Yes. South Dakota allows a transfer on death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title under SDCL 32-3-80 to 32-3-84. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in South Dakota?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

State where the vehicle is titled

Find out if a vehicle TOD fits your situation

Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. South Dakota allows a transfer on death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

South Dakota allows a transfer on death beneficiary designation on motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, snowmobile, and boat. The property may not be subject to any lien or other encumbrance; the department may not issue a TOD title for encumbered property (SDCL 32-3-83).

Add the designation through the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (applications filed at the county treasurer's office) using Motor Vehicle and Boat Title Application (Form Form 1001). Notarization is not required.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In South Dakota: Apply for a subsequent certificate of title changing or removing the beneficiary designation (SDCL 32-3-82)..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (applications filed at the county treasurer's office) by submitting: Affidavit verifying the death of the owner (or of the last survivor of a joint tenancy with right of survivorship) submitted to the Department of Revenue (SDCL 32-3-81), Copy of the owner's death certificate, Application for a new certificate of title (Form 1001). A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Vehicle TOD in South Dakota

South Dakota allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title: Yes. It names someone to receive the vehicle directly at your death, without probate. You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime — you can sell the vehicle, or change or cancel the designation, at any time.

In South Dakota, the designation is made through the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (applications filed at the county treasurer's office) using Motor Vehicle and Boat Title Application (Form Form 1001). Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

South Dakota extends the designation beyond cars: it covers motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, snowmobile, and boat. The property may not be subject to any lien or other encumbrance; the department may not issue a TOD title for encumbered property (SDCL 32-3-83).

A vehicle TOD designation covers only the vehicle on the title — not your home, accounts, or other property. A revocable living trust covers all of your assets in a single document and avoids probate for everything it holds. Compare the approaches with the trust vs. will tool.

SimplyTrust Editorial

Legal Sources

SDCL 32-3-80 to 32-3-84

Data sourced from South Dakota statutes and official state code. How we research.

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