If you have a restricted minor’s permit, you can upgrade to an operator’s license online or by mail if you meet the following criteria:

• Have a federally compliant driver’s license
• You’re at least 16 years of age
• You have no traffic convictions in the preceding 6 months prior to applying for upgrade.

 

Apply Online for a Restricted Minor’s Permit or Upgrade to an Operator’s License

Here’s what you need to apply online:

• Copy of a federally compliant driver’s license or ID card. If your license or ID card is lost, you must provide copies of two proof of identity documents (one with a date of birth) such as a U.S. certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport/passport card, Permanent Resident card or Social Security card.
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, you must apply in person.
• Two documents to prove your residential/physical address (cannot be handwritten documents).  Documents must show your name and be less than one year old. Active military personnel and their dependents may use two documents proving their out-of-state residential address or APO/FPO address (if stationed overseas).
• If the applicant is under age 18, a parent or guardian may provide address documents and must complete the parental consent form.  Parent or guardian mail is acceptable for use by minor under the age of 18
• We accept Visa or MasterCard for payment.

If you’re ready to begin, click the link below to start the online process.  The link will take you to an SD.Gov knowledge article.  In the upper right corner of the knowledge article, you'll see the "Submit Application" button.  When you click on that, you will be asked to create a login and password for the SD.Gov site.  Once you create your SD.Gov login, you will use it to conduct all of your online business with other state agencies (for example, getting a fishing or hunting license, making camping reservations, etc.). You cannot complete the online driver license renewal process without creating a login identity on the SD.Gov site.

 

 

Once finished with your online application, your license/permit will be mailed to you in 3-4 weeks.  If you are mailing in your required documents (instead of uploading them electronically), it may take longer for your license/permit to arrive. 

All information from your online transaction will be secure.  A payment processing fee of $2.00 will be charged in addition to the renewal fee. 

 

Apply by Mail for a Restricted Minor’s Permit Upgrade to an Operator’s License

Here’s what you’ll need to apply by mail:

• A completed license application form. Applications will not be accepted without a signature and date included on the bottom of the form. Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application.
  • Applicants under 18 must have a notarized signature from a parent or guardian. 
• You'll need to provide your driver's license/ID card number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident you must apply in person.
• You'll need to upload or mail two documents to prove your residential/physical (cannot be handwritten documents). Documents must show your name and must be less than one year old. Active military personnel and their dependents may use two documents proving their out-of-state residential address or APO/FPO address (if stationed overseas).
• If the applicant is under age 18, a parent or guardian may provide address documents and must complete the parental consent form.
• Include a fee of $28. Make checks payable to “Department of Public Safety.” If the applicant is 17 years old or older, the fee is prorated.
• Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for license return.

 

Send these completed documents to:

Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

 

Visit a Driver Exam Station to Upgrade a Restricted Minor's Permit

Here's what you'll need if you visit an exam station:

• A completed license application form. Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application.
• You'll need to provide your driver's license/ID card, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number
• You'll need to provide two documents to prove your residential/physical address (cannot be handwritten documents). Documents must show your name and must be less than one year old. Active military personnel and their dependents may use two documents proving their out-of-state residential address or APO/FPO address (if stationed overseas).
• If the applicant is under age 18, a parent or guardian must accompany them and can provide the two address documents.  If the parent/guardian is unable to accompany a minor, they must complete the parental consent form (signature on the form must be notarized).
• The cost is $28.  Make checks payable to “Department of Public Safety.”  If the applicant is 17 years old or older, the fee is prorated.
• Finally, why sit in the waiting room? Click here to schedule an appointment!

 

TEEN PERMIT DOCUMENTS

Document Requirements	Parental Consent Form
Driver License and ID Card Application - English	Teen Driver Pamphlet
Driver License and ID Card Application - Spanish