Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle on public roadways in South Dakota is required to have a driver’s license. Every driver must have their South Dakota driver’s license in their possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle.
- If you’re at least 14 years old and have the required documents, you can apply at any driver licensing location.
- Applicants under 18 years of age must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
If you live in South Dakota for more than 90 days, you are required to have a driver’s license. If you are a commercial driver’s license holder, you must apply for a South Dakota license within 30 days.
Learn about the documents required, how to apply, how much to pay, and where to go to obtain or renew your South Dakota Driver License. Click here to learn about requesting a duplicate/replacement license or changing the address on your South Dakota driver license or ID card.
Looking for a Driver Exam Station location? Use our interactive map to find a location near you.
Need to study a driver license manual ahead of your visit? Click here to visit a page where you can find the manual in English or Spanish.
Ready to apply? Print and complete your application form (English or Spanish) and bring it with you to the exam station. Why wait in line? Schedule an appointment to visit in-person visit or take a drive test (all drive tests require an appointment).
Ready to renew your driver license? Learn more about your renewal options: In-Person Online By Mail
Looking for more info? Click on the arrow next to the following questions to learn more!
Who can get a South Dakota driver's license?
- To be eligible for a South Dakota driver license, you must have a physical residential address located in South Dakota, live full time in an RV/camper, or travel full time for work (for example, traveling nurse or truck driver).
- If you use a mail forwarding service, you will be required to complete a residency affidavit, including a perjury statement indicating the answers you provided on the form are true and correct.
Who cannot get a South Dakota driver's license?
- People under 14 years of age.
- People whose driver’s license or driving privileges are currently under suspension or have been revoked in South Dakota or another state.
- People who have accumulated child support arrearages of $1,000 or more. These people will be issued a one time six-month temporary license.
- People who are in the U.S. illegally.
- People who own, live in, or maintain a full-time residence in another state.
Already have a South Dakota driver's license?
- You can renew your license 180 days (6 months) before the expiration date - unless you are under 21 years old, then you can renew on or after your birthday but before it expires.
- You can renew in-person at any driver licensing location across the state.
- Why wait in line?!! Click here to schedule your appointment to reduce your wait time.
- You can complete your application before arriving at the exam station.
- If your license has not expired and you renewed in-person 5 years ago, you may be eligible to renew online or by mail this renewal period.
Learn more about your renewal options: In-Person Online By Mail
Has your driver's license expired?
- Drivers with a license expired more than 30 days are required to visit an exam station in-person and pass the knowledge test.
- Those with a motorcycle endoresement (Class 2 license) expired more than 30 days MUST take the operator's knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test.
- If you need to take a knowledge test, please click here to schedule an appointment to visit a South Dakota Driver Exam Station.
Do you have a South Dakota commercial driver's license?
Visit our CDL page for specific information about renewing, replacing, or upgrading your Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Need to upgrade your restricted permit to a South Dakota driver's license?
Check out our Teen Drivers page and Upgrade Restricted Minor's Permit page for more information.
Are you a full-time traveler who uses a mail forwarding service?
Visit our Full-Time Traveler webpage to learn more about obtaining, renewing, or replacing a South Dakota driver license or ID card.
Need to request a replacement license or change the address on your current South Dakota Driver License?
Click here for information about requesting a replacement/duplicate driver license or ID card. The same page w
ill explain what is needed to change the address on your South Dakota driver license/ID card.
**The following documents will be moved to your Download folder when you click on them -- please look for them there!
| ** APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND DOCUMENTS ** |