How to Request a Bonded Title for My Vehicle in South Dakota?

A South Dakota bonded title is an alternative to the regular vehicle certificate of title that you would otherwise receive when transferring ownership of your car. It can be used when the original title is missing, has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. The process is very similar to that of a normal title transfer. You will need to provide proof of ownership, complete a search of the records at your local DMV office, and purchase a bond from a reputable surety company.

The cost of the bond will vary depending on the value of your vehicle. Once you have purchased the bond, you will need to submit it to your local DMV along with all the other required documentation for a new title. The DMV will then issue a new title with the “bonded” brand. The bonded title will remain on your car for 3 – 5 years.

Before purchasing a bonded title, conducting a vehicle history report through one of the NMVTIS-approved providers is a good idea. This will give you a clear understanding of the vehicle’s history. If the vehicle has ever been branded salvage, junk, parts-only, or nonrepairable, it will not be eligible for a bonded title. If you have any questions, contact the DMV and speak with a representative. They will guide you through the process.

South Dakota Bonded Title Eligibility

In South Dakota, you can obtain a bonded title for your vehicle if it meets specific criteria:

• Your vehicle must be at least 30 years old.
• There should be no record of ownership on file with the Department of Revenue (DOR).
• You don’t have a bill of sale.

South Dakota Bonded Title Application Process

1. Request Form: Obtain a “Bonded Title Request Form” from the South Dakota Department of Revenue website.
2. Submission and Search: Submit the completed form with a $2 fee for a record search. The Motor Vehicle Division will assess your request and determine the vehicle’s value.
3. Valuation and Bond: They will send you a “Vehicle Valuation for Surety Bond” form along with any additional paperwork required. Based on the valuation, you’ll need to purchase a surety bond from a South Dakota surety bond company.
4. Local County Treasurer: Visit your local county treasurer’s office with the following documents:
   • Completed Bonded Title Request Form
   • Vehicle Valuation for Surety Bond form (from DOR)
   • Completed Application for Motor Vehicle and Boat Title & Registration
   • Purchased surety bond
   • Any applicable fees

A bonded title is an alternative way of proving ownership of a vehicle when the regular title is lost. The process varies from state to state, but most require a surety bond to get a bonded title. This surety bond, also known as a Certificate of Title Surety Bond, is an insurance policy that guarantees your ownership of the vehicle. It also protects other parties who may claim that you are not the vehicle’s legal owner.