South Dakota Horse Bill of Sale
South Dakota requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Fill in the form below and download a free, one-page South Dakota horse bill of sale PDF that includes everything the South Dakota Department of Revenue looks for, matching the fields on Form 1025. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Seller
Buyer
Horse details
Price and terms
How to sell a horse in South Dakota
A horse bill of sale records who sold which horse to whom, with the horse's name, breed, sex, age, markings, registration and any brand or microchip, plus the price and the condition the horse is sold in. Breed registries require it to transfer registration papers, and it is the buyer's proof of ownership if the horse is ever disputed.
Seller steps
- Confirm you hold clear title. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
- Agree on the price and fill in the South Dakota horse bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the serial number.
- Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. South Dakota does not require a notary.
- Hand over any registration papers, manuals, receipts or health records that go with the horse.
- Hand over the horse and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.
Buyer steps
- Check the description against the horse itself before you sign.
- Keep the signed bill of sale with your records; it is your proof of ownership and purchase price.
- Transfer any registration papers and update the microchip or brand records in your name.
Before you sign
- Describe markings precisely; two sorrel geldings look alike on paper.
- Attach a copy of the registration papers and the Coggins.
- State whether the horse is sold as-is or with any soundness guarantee, and for what use.
- Note any known vices or health conditions in the terms field.
Why a bill of sale matters for a horse
- Breed registries (AQHA, APHA, Jockey Club and others) need it to transfer papers.
- Proves ownership in a dispute, which happens with horses more than people expect.
- Documents the health records and Coggins test that came with the horse.
- An as-is clause covers soundness and temperament; without it the buyer may claim a warranty.
Want both parties to walk away with a signed copy and a notary page ready? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds them.
South Dakota at a glance
- Bill of sale
- Required in common cases
- Notary
- Notarization optional
- Official state form
- Form 1025
- Where the buyer registers
- South Dakota Department of Revenue (dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle)
- License plates
- Stay with seller
South Dakota county treasurers use a bill of sale to set excise tax when the title does not show the purchase price. Plates stay with the seller.
Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.
Other South Dakota forms
- South Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Motorcycle Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Boat Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Trailer Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Firearm Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Mobile Home Bill of Sale
- South Dakota RV Bill of Sale
- South Dakota ATV / UTV Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Dirt Bike Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Golf Cart Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Jet Ski Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Snowmobile Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Scooter / Moped Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Equipment Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Tractor Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Dog Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Livestock Bill of Sale
- South Dakota General Bill of Sale
- South Dakota Business Bill of Sale
Horse Bill of Sale in other states
South Dakota horse bill of sale questions
Is a bill of sale required to sell a horse in South Dakota?+
South Dakota requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. South Dakota county treasurers use a bill of sale to set excise tax when the title does not show the purchase price. Plates stay with the seller. South Dakota publishes Form 1025 for this; the PDF from this page carries the same information and is accepted alongside it.
Does a South Dakota horse bill of sale need to be notarized?+
South Dakota does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. If you want extra certainty, the ready-to-sign pack includes a notary acknowledgment page you can use anyway.
Does the buyer need to file a horse bill of sale in South Dakota?+
No. Horses are not titled or registered with the state, so there is nothing to file. The signed bill of sale is the ownership record; each party keeps a copy.
Does a horse bill of sale need to be notarized?+
Not by law, but some registries ask for a notarized transfer. Check the registry rules; the ready-to-sign pack includes a notary page.
Can I sell a horse without registration papers?+
Yes, as a grade horse. The bill of sale is then the only ownership document, so be thorough with the description.