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 licensee 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.
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).
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- People whose driver’s license or driving privileges are currently under suspension or have been revoked in South Dakota or another state.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 did not renew using the online or mail-in method 5 years ago for your last renewal, you may be eligible to do so this renewal period.
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 permit to a South Dakota driver's license?
Check out our Teen Drivers 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.
Links to the following documents will be moved to your Download folder -- look for them there!
| APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND DOCUMENTS |