Driver Licensing

New - Drive Test Scheduler

At this time, the online Drive Test Scheduler is available for Aberdeen, Brookings, Elk Point, Huron, Madison, Mitchell, North Sioux City, Parker, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton.  All other exam stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to schedule a drive test appointment online for Aberdeen, Brookings, Elk Point, Huron, Madison, Mitchell, North Sioux City, Parker, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Yankton online, please click on the link above.  To schedule an appointment by phone, call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-952-3696. 

Armed Forces Members

South Dakota has a license law extending the term of the license by members of Armed Forces. Please click here to read the full law.

Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

Effective July 1, 2012, veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military have the option of adding the word "Veteran" to the front of their South Dakota driver license or identification card.  Veterans who wish to add the designation to their driver license or non-driver ID card may visit any South Dakota driver license office.  They will need to present their DD-214, which shows their honorable discharge status from active duty, or present a certificate signed by a county or tribal veterans service officer verifying their status.  They will also need to provide the other documents required of any applicant and pay the appropriate duplicate or renewal fee. 

Documents Needed to Obtain or Renew Your Driver License or ID Card

Federal requirements have changed the documents required to obtain or renew your South Dakota driver license or identification card. We want to make the process as quick and easy as possible for you.

We understand the changes in requirements can be confusing at first glance. For a list of documents you will need to bring to the exam station to apply or renew a South Dakota driver license or identification card, please click here.

Look over the material on the list, and if you have any questions at all, anything you don't understand or any documents you aren't sure you can find, please contact the Driver Licensing Program. You may click here to email us (please include your first and last name) or call toll-free 1.800.952.3696 or directly at 605.773.6883.

If you think you will have difficulty obtaining any of the documents before your license expires, please contact us. We can arrange for an extension or a temporary permit while you gather the documents needed to obtain your federally compliant South Dakota drivers license or identification card. If you find that you simply can't produce one of the required documents, hardship exceptions may be available. We can work with you in those situations. Again, please use the contact information for the Driver Licensing Program if you have any questions or concerns.

The need to show the additional documents is a one-time requirement. That means once you have your federally compliant driver license or identification card in hand, you will only need that card and two documents to show your current address the next time you renew your driver license or identification card.

Our staff is committed to providing the best service possible, so don't hesitate to contact us by telephone or email. We will help you in any way we can.

Fees

Driver License Fees:

Driver License:  $20

License Renewals:  $20
Duplicates:  $10
Reinstatement Fees:  $50 to $200
Motor Vehicle Reports (driving record):  $5

ID Cards

Non-Driver Identification Card:  $20

Commercial Licenses
Renewals:  $25
Endorsements:  $10  

Cash or check or money order only, no credit or debits cards will be accepted.

Tribal Identification Cards

HB 1242, passed during the 2011 legislative session, authorizes the use of tribal identification cards for certain identification purposes in South Dakota.  Starting July 1, 2011, a tribal identification card will be considered a valid form of identification for the following purposes:

• All purposes relating to banks or financial institutions for which a South Dakota nondriver identification card or a South Dakota driver license may be used;

• Cashing checks wherever checks may be cashed; and

• Proof of age for purchases of tobacco products.

Additionally, HB 1242 adds “tribal identification card information” to the types of identifying information that is subject to identity theft and related state criminal laws.

Although the authorized uses of tribal identification cards have been expanded though the passage of HB 1242, it is important to note that tribal identification cards cannot be used for purposes of acquiring a new or renewal South Dakota nondriver identification card or South Dakota driver license, as Federal law does not consider a tribal identification card as an acceptable document to establish identity for purposes of the Real ID Act of 2005.

Teen Drivers
When are WE going to get my DRIVER LICENSE?
For Teens and Parents:  How and when to get a first driver license.

Aging Drivers
Common effects of aging, such as loss of vision or flexibility, can hinder one's ability to drive. Aging drivers must learn about these effects and take unique precautions when choosing to drive.

For Physicians

Organ Donation
80,000 people are waiting...every 13 minutes a new name is added...each day 16 die waiting.
Organ donation saves lives.
Give the Gift of Life.
Share your wishes with your family and doctor.