Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle on public roadways in South Dakota is required to have a driver’s license. 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. Every licensee must have their South Dakota driver’s license in their possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle.
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- People whose driver’s license or driving privileges are currently under suspension or have been revoked in South Dakota or another state.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.
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