South Dakota driver license services
South Dakota License Renewals
Commercial Drivers Licenses
Licenses For Permanent South Dakota Residents
Benefits of having a South Dakota driver's license
The biggest benefit of obtaining an SD drivers license is that it is the final step in acquiring your South Dakota residency!
South Dakota driver's license requirements
As explained on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Provide a permanent South Dakota address
- If you’re 65 or older, a vision statement less than one year old is also required. Scores must be recorded on the DPS Vision Statement Form.
- Drivers who wear bioptic lenses aren’t eligible for online renewal.
- You may need to visit a Driver Licensing location if you meet certain criteria as set out on the DPS website here.
South Dakota driver's license requirements for new applicants and transfers from out of state
If you are a new applicant, a non-U.S. citizen, or a transfer from another state, you must provide proof of lawful status in the United States by providing a certified U.S. birth certificate (state certified only -- photocopies and hospital-issued certificates will not be accepted), a valid, non-expired U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, an Employment Authorization Card, or a Foreign Passport with a U.S. Visa/I-94.
If your name is different than what is on your proof of lawful status document, you'll need show the progression of each name change by providing proof of each name change with a certified copy of a marriage certificate (from a government entity -- not from the church), a divorce decree, and/or court order.
We can only accept original certified documents -- no photocopies. If you are a new applicant or a transfer from another state and your current driver license DOES NOT have a gold star in the upper corner, you will also be required to provide, your Social Security Card (showing your full social security number), a W-2 (showing your full social security number), a 1099 (showing your full social security number), or a pay stub (showing your full social security number).
We can only accept original documents.
No photocopies!
If you are a South Dakota resident who travels full time, in addition to the standard documents, you’ll also need to provide:
- A completed Residency Affidavit
- A receipt from a South Dakota hotel/motel, campground or RV park to prove one night of stay within the last year. The receipt must include your name and South Dakota address.
- One document, no more than one year old, proving your personal mailbox (PMB) service address. This document could include a receipt from the PMB business or a piece of mail (cannot be handwritten) with your PMB address on it. Virtual addresses or virtual postal addresses will not be accepted.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact us here.
South Dakota commercial driver's license
Applicants must apply for a CDL at a state driver exam station. Required documents include:
- Completed license application form (in English or in Spanish)
- Other required documents and a completed medical certificate form (if applicable)
- Two documents in your name to prove your residential/physical address (cannot be handwritten documents). Documents must show your name and be less than one year old. This could include a utility bill, paystub, rent receipt, phone bill, bank statement, mortgage document, homeowner’s policy or tax document.
- $33 application fee plus $15 for each endorsement knowledge test
- If you’re 65 or older, a vision statement less than one year old is also required. Scores must be recorded on the DPS Vision Statement Form.
- Drivers who wear bioptic lenses aren’t eligible for online renewal.
- You may need to visit a Driver Licensing location if you meet certain criteria as set out on the DPS website here.
Note that CDL driving tests must be administered at a third party testing site and must be scheduled at least two business days in advance. You must drive on a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days prior to taking a drive test. Third party testers charge $90 plus tax.
South Dakota driver's licenses for full time travelers
If you plan to visit South Dakota you'll likely need to schedule an appointment at Department of Safety at the nearest Driver Exam Station. You can schedule an appointment here, but we highly recommend speaking with us first to make sure you have all of the proper documentation the first time around.
South Dakota driver's license for RVers
If you are a South Dakota resident who travels full time, you can renew your license/ID card or apply for a duplicate license/ID card online or by mail.
In addition to the standard renewal documents, you’ll also need to provide:
- A completed Residency Affidavit
- A receipt from a South Dakota hotel/motel, campground or RV park to prove one night of stay within the last year. The receipt must include your name and South Dakota address.
- One document, no more than one year old, proving your personal mailbox (PMB) service address. This document could include a receipt from the PMB business or a piece of mail (cannot be handwritten) with your PMB address on it. Virtual addresses or virtual postal addresses will not be accepted.
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Vehicles in South Dakota FAQs
No, vehicles must be registered in the same county as your South Dakota address.
No, South Dakota does not require an annual vehicle inspection.
No. In most cases, the dealership does not have to do your registration.
Yes we can and we will! We can assist over the phone and through the mail, just be sure to be enrolled for our mail forwarding service, then contact us and schedule an appointment.
