How to get a driver's license in South Dakota

How it works

• Who does what

  In South Dakota, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver Licensing, issues driver licenses, permits and ID cards. You may visit one of its exam stations to get or renew a license or ID card, or to replace a lost or stolen one. You can apply for a license at any South Dakota Driver Licensing location. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must apply at a state Driver Licensing location.

  Source: [1] [2] [6]

• Who needs a license

  Anyone who drives a motor vehicle or a motor-driven cycle on public roads in South Dakota needs a driver license. Non-residents who are at least 16 years old can drive on a valid operator license from their home state.

  Source: [1]

• Under 18 and 18 or older

  If you are under 18, you start with an Instruction Permit (the minimum age is 14), then move to a Restricted Minor’s Permit and then to an Operator’s License. A Restricted Minor’s Permit holder must drive on it for at least 6 months. If you are 18 or older, you pass a vision test, a knowledge test and a driving test. The manual also describes an Instruction Permit for drivers 18 or older: you pass the vision and knowledge tests for it, and you must pass a drive test before you upgrade it to an Operator License. The Under 18 and Age 18 and older sections explain the steps.

  Source: [1] [2] [9] [17]

• Before you apply

  A parent or guardian must give consent if you are under 18; this is required for every application you complete. You must not currently have suspended, revoked or denied driving privileges in South Dakota or any other state. You must turn in all your existing driver licenses and ID cards.

  Source: [1]

• Fees

  A fee applies. The amounts can change, so the DPS Fees page in the links below lists them. At an exam station you can pay with cash, check, money order, or a credit or debit card.

  Source: [5]

Under 18: the steps to a license

1. Step 1: get an Instruction Permit

   You must be at least 14 years old. A parent or guardian must give consent. You visit a Driver Licensing location in person with the required documents and take a vision test. The DPS Teen Drivers page (see the links) explains the other tests for this step. The documents include:

   • a certified copy of your birth certificate;
   • your original Social Security card; and
   • two pieces of mail proving your physical address. The mail can be in your name or in your parent’s name.

   Source: [1] [9] [17]

2. Step 2: practice with a supervising adult

   With an Instruction Permit you may not drive without a licensed adult seated beside you. The adult must be a parent or guardian, or another adult with a valid driver license and at least one year of driving experience. You need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night and 10 hours in inclement weather. The DPS Teen Drivers page provides a student driving log to record the hours. You may not use any type of wireless communication device while you drive.

   Source: [1] [9] [17]

3. Step 3: hold the permit

   You must hold your Instruction Permit for 275 days. If you have successfully completed an approved driver education course, you must hold it for 180 days. The manual says "successful completion" means a score of 80% or better on both the written and the driving portions of driver education.

   Source: [1] [9]

4. Step 4: upgrade to a Restricted Minor’s Permit

   When you have held your Instruction Permit long enough, you can upgrade it. You must have completed the requirements of the Instruction Permit and must not have been convicted of a traffic violation in the six months before you apply. Your parent signs a Supervised Driving Affidavit that says you completed the required supervised driving. Bring your Instruction Permit, your driver education certificate (if you have one) and two pieces of mail proving your residential address. The DPS Teen Drivers page lists the tests for this step.

   Source: [1] [9] [17]

5. Step 5: drive on the Restricted Minor’s Permit

   Drive on the Restricted Minor’s Permit for at least 6 months. The Rules for young drivers section lists the hours and the passenger rule. When you turn 18, the permit automatically converts to an Operator’s License.

   Source: [1] [17]

6. Step 6: upgrade to an Operator’s License

   To upgrade to an Operator’s License, you must be at least 16 years old and have no traffic convictions in the last 6 months. If you hold a Restricted Minor’s Permit, you must have driven on it for at least 6 months. At an exam station, bring your Restricted Minor’s Permit and two pieces of mail proving your residential address. If your permit is federally compliant, you may be able to upgrade online or by mail; the DPS Permit Upgrades page has the details. A parent or guardian must give consent.

   Source: [1] [9] [10] [17]

Rules for young drivers

• Instruction Permit

  You may not drive without a licensed adult seated beside you. Instruction Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving.

  Source: [1] [9] [17]

• Restricted Minor’s Permit: when you may drive

  With your parent or guardian’s permission, you may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. a parent or legal guardian must sit next to you. You may drive alone after 10 p.m. if you take the most direct route and travel to or from one of these:

  • school or a school event;
  • church or a church event;
  • work; or
  • driving agricultural machinery (not subject to registration) or doing farm-related work.

  Source: [1] [9] [17]

• Passengers

  For the first 6 months on the Restricted Permit, no passengers are allowed except immediate family members or members of your household.

  Source: [1] [9] [17]

• Phones and seat belts

  A Restricted Minor’s Permit holder may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving. Seat belts are required in South Dakota for anyone under 18 in the front and back seats.

  Source: [1] [17]

• Suspension and cancellation

  If you are under 16 and are convicted of a first traffic violation, or of violating the restrictions of your permit, your driving privileges are suspended for 30 days, or as otherwise required by law. A second violation brings a suspension of 180 days or until your 16th birthday, whichever is longer. A parent or guardian who signed for you to get a permit or license may request to have it cancelled while you are under 18.

  Source: [1] [9] [17]

Age 18 and older

• Instruction Permit

  If you are 18 or older, you pass the vision and knowledge tests to get an Instruction Permit. The permit is valid for five years or until the documents authorizing your presence in the U.S. expire, whichever comes first. Before you upgrade to an Operator License, you must complete a drive test.

  Source: [1]

• The steps for a license

  The DPS Testing Information page lists what you must do to earn your driver license:

  • complete the application form;
  • pay the application fee (see the Fees page);
  • bring the required documents (see the Documents to bring section);
  • have a photo taken at a Driver Licensing location;
  • pass a vision test;
  • pass a knowledge test; and
  • pass a driving test.

  Source: [2]

• Selective Service

  Any male applicant aged 18 to 25 must state on his application that he has registered with the Selective Service, or that he authorizes the Department of Public Safety to send the Selective Service the information needed to register.

  Source: [1]

• Motorcycle

  To learn to operate a motorcycle, you may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit by passing the vision test and the knowledge test. The permit is valid for one year and allows you to ride between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The manual says you must be accompanied by a driver with a valid motorcycle license who is at least 18, has at least one year of driving experience and rides another motorcycle with you. If you are under 18, you must be at least 14 years old. A Motorcycle Instruction Permit holder may not carry another person on the motorcycle. For the motorcycle driving test, you bring your own motorcycle. The South Dakota Safety Council offers classes from April through October and gives the license test as the final step of the course.

  Source: [1] [2]

Moving to South Dakota

New Resident Guide →

• The 90-day deadline

  If you have a valid out-of-state non-commercial license, you are required to apply for a South Dakota driver license within 90 days of establishing residency in South Dakota. You must surrender all your South Dakota or out-of-state driver licenses and IDs when you apply. Your previous state is notified and your credential from that state becomes invalid.

  Source: [1]

• Where to apply and the tests

  If you are transferring to South Dakota from another state, you visit a South Dakota Driver Exam Station in person. If you hold a valid out-of-state driver license, no testing is required for the transfer of that license, unless you have a hazardous materials endorsement.

  Source: [1] [6]

• If your out-of-state license has a gold star (REAL ID)

  Out-of-state transfers with a REAL ID compliant license provide one identity document and two proofs of South Dakota address. For the identity document, you provide your REAL ID compliant driver license or ID card (valid or expired) and one of the other documents listed on the DPS Document Requirements page.

  Source: [8]

• If your out-of-state license has no gold star

  New residents who do not have a REAL ID compliant card from another state provide one identity document, one Social Security document and two proofs of South Dakota address. If you are a transfer from another state and do not have a gold star in the upper corner of your current driver license, you also provide your Social Security card, or a W-2, Form 1099 or pay stub that shows your complete Social Security number.

  Source: [7] [8]

• If you are not a U.S. citizen

  You must apply at a state Driver Licensing location. An unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551) is one of the identity documents non-citizens can bring. The DPS Document Requirements page lists the others.

  Source: [2] [8]

Documents to bring

• For a first license, permit or ID

  First-time applicants for a license, permit or non-driver ID card must apply in person at a South Dakota Driver Licensing location. New drivers and new residents provide one identity document, one Social Security document and two proofs of South Dakota address. The application needs an original signature and date; electronic, digital and stamped signatures are not allowed. The application is available in English and in Spanish. The Applications & Forms page has it.

  Source: [4] [7] [8]

• Originals only

  The DPS only accepts original documents; photocopies are not accepted.

  Source: [7]

• Proof of identity

  U.S. citizens can use a certified U.S. birth certificate. A hospital-issued certificate is not acceptable, and photocopies are not accepted. An unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551) is one of the options for non-citizens.

  Source: [1] [7] [8]

• If your name has changed

  DPS must be able to follow the name progression from your birth certificate to the name you will use on your license or ID card. For a name change, bring a certified copy of a marriage certificate (from a government entity, not from a church), a divorce decree or a court order. Only original certified documents are accepted.

  Source: [1] [7] [8]

• Proof of your Social Security number

  If you need to prove your Social Security number (new drivers, and new residents without a REAL ID compliant card), bring your Social Security card, or a W-2, Form 1099 or paycheck stub that shows your name and your full Social Security number. Only original documents are accepted. The manual says DPS may not accept any other document to prove your Social Security number.

  Source: [1] [7] [8]

• Proof of your South Dakota address

  You provide two documents that show your name and your South Dakota physical address, such as a utility bill, a bank statement or a phone bill. A parent’s proof of address is acceptable for a minor child. Handwritten mail is not accepted.

  Source: [1] [7] [8] [18]

• Military personnel stationed overseas

  Military personnel and their dependents stationed overseas may use two address documents that prove their APO/FPO address.

  Source: [7]

• If you travel full time

  If you maintain a residence in another state, you do not qualify as a full-time traveler. Virtual addresses and virtual postal addresses are not accepted. If you use a friend’s or family member’s address, you complete the Consent for Use of Address form. Permanent travelers with no permanent physical address bring a receipt of proof of stay in South Dakota from within the past year. A full-time traveler who uses a South Dakota mail forwarding address completes a Residency Affidavit. A South Dakota resident who travels full time can renew a license or apply for a duplicate online or by mail if eligible; the Renew or Replace Online and Renew by Mail pages list the requirements.

  Source: [1] [6] [7] [8]

REAL ID

• The gold star

  A South Dakota federally compliant (REAL ID) card has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you have one, you may renew up to 180 days before your expiration date.

  Source: [7]

• If you already have a REAL ID compliant card

  South Dakota REAL ID compliant license and ID card holders provide one identity document and two proofs of South Dakota address. If you lose your REAL ID compliant card, you provide proof of identity as the DPS Document Requirements page (Section 2) describes.

  Source: [8]

At the exam station

• Walk in or schedule a visit

  You may walk in to an exam station during normal hours, or you can schedule a visit. Scheduling a visit avoids waiting in line. Appointments at some exam stations may be booked several weeks ahead. You’ll need to schedule an appointment for any visit requiring a knowledge or drive test.

  Source: [1] [4] [6] [9]

• The online queue

  The Wait Well online queue holds your place in line. You can reserve your place through a link at home or by scanning a QR code at the exam station. You can also schedule an appointment weeks in advance. You can change or cancel an appointment online with your appointment confirmation number.

  Source: [6] [15]

• Sioux Falls

  The Sioux Falls Express Station does not offer testing. For any service that needs testing, you use the main Sioux Falls Driver Exam Station.

  Source: [6]

• Your photo

  Your photograph is taken every time you come in.

  Source: [1]

The tests

• Which tests you take

  If you are 18 or older and apply for your first driver license, you take a vision test, a knowledge test and a driving test. If you hold a valid out-of-state license, see the Moving to South Dakota section. If you are under 18, the DPS Teen Drivers page explains the tests for each step.

  Source: [1] [2]

• The knowledge test

  To pass the knowledge test, you need a score of 80% or higher. It covers the rules of the road and safe-driving practices. Children and pets are not allowed in the testing area. If someone is caught cheating, that person must wait a minimum of two weeks before testing again.

  Source: [1] [2]

• Practice for the knowledge test

  The DPS does not provide pre-tests or sample tests. The driving manuals hold the rules of the road for the knowledge and road tests. The South Dakota Driver License Manual says you cannot pass the knowledge test unless you know the information in it. The DPS Driving Manuals page lists the English manual and a Spanish edition. Motorcycle and commercial licenses use separate manuals.

  Source: [1] [3]

• The vision test

  If you wear glasses or contact lenses while taking the vision test, you are required to wear them whenever you drive. If you do not pass the test, you must present a statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist that certifies you have the visual ability to drive safely before you continue. The manual says that to qualify without restrictions you must score 20/40 or better with both eyes and no worse than 20/50 in either eye. A license may be issued with certain restrictions.

  Source: [1] [2]

• The driving test

  To pass the driving test, you need a score of 80% or higher. You must show that you can safely operate a vehicle and perform normal driving tasks. You furnish your own safe vehicle. Pets and passengers are not allowed in the vehicle during road tests. You will not be asked to do anything against the law. The examiner may cancel a road test if the weather or road conditions are unsafe. The motorcycle driving test needs dry pavement.

  Source: [1] [2] [6]

• If you fail a test

  You may not re-test before the next working day. You are allowed three opportunities to test for each fee paid within a six-month period. After 3 failures in a 6-month period, the fee must be paid again. After certain infractions on the driving test, such as running a stop light or stop sign or failing to yield to a car or pedestrian, you must wait 30 days before another driving test.

  Source: [1] [2]

• If your license has expired

  If your driver license has been expired for more than 30 days, you must pass a knowledge test at a driver exam station. If you have a motorcycle endorsement (Class 2 license), you take both the operator’s knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test.

  Source: [2]

After you pass

• How long your license lasts

  Your driver license is valid for 5 years, or until the documents authorizing your presence in the United States expire, whichever occurs first. It expires on your birthday, or 30 days after your birthday if you are turning 21. A license issued to a person under 21 with five years or less until the 21st birthday expires 30 days after the 21st birthday.

  Source: [1]

• What to carry

  You must carry written evidence of your financial responsibility in the vehicle and show it to any law enforcement officer who asks.

  Source: [1]

• Young drivers

  If you are under 18, the Under 18 and Rules for young drivers sections explain each stage: the Instruction Permit, the Restricted Minor’s Permit and the Operator’s License.

  Source: [1] [9]

Keeping your license

• Renewing

  You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, unless you will be turning 21. You can renew online, by mail or in person. Online and mail renewal are open if you are eligible; the DPS pages for each method list the requirements. When you renew in person, the examiner tests your vision; online and mail renewals need a vision statement if you are 65 or older.

  Source: [1] [11] [12] [13]

• Renewing online

  You can renew online if you are eligible. The DPS Renew or Replace Online page lists the requirements, which include these:

  • you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
  • you have an unexpired, federally compliant card with a gold star in the upper right corner;
  • you have your license or ID card number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number;
  • if you are 65 or older, you have a vision statement that is less than one year old;
  • you do not wear bioptic lenses; and
  • you have never been issued a license or ID card in another state (if you have, your South Dakota card is inactive and not eligible for online renewal).

  Source: [11]

• Renewing by mail

  You can renew by mail if you are eligible. You complete a license application form; applications are not accepted without a signature and date at the bottom. If you are 65 or older, you also include a vision statement less than one year old. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the license return.

  Source: [1] [12]

• Renewing in person

  You need to visit a Driver Licensing location in person in some cases, for example if you are being licensed in South Dakota for the first time or if you wish to change your name; the DPS Renew In-Person page lists every case. At the visit, you bring two documents showing your name and physical address, pay the required fee, have your vision tested by the examiner and have your photo taken. The Fees page lists the fee.

  Source: [13]

• Replacing a lost license or changing your address

  Any exam station accepts requests for a duplicate license or an address change, and walk-in customers are always welcome. You can also request them online or by mail if you are eligible. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application. A duplicate license keeps the original expiration date. A name change must be done in person at a Driver Licensing location, with a certified legal document that proves the name change.

  Source: [1] [14]

• Replacing a minor’s permit

  To replace a minor’s restricted permit, you provide the permit holder’s driver license or ID card number, date of birth and the last four digits of the Social Security number, and two documents that show the permit holder’s name and physical address.

  Source: [14]

• Points and suspension

  Any operator who accumulates 15 points in any 12 consecutive months, or 22 points in any 24 consecutive months, is subject to a driver license suspension.

  Source: [1]

• Your driving record

  You cannot view your driving record online. The DPS Driving Records page explains how to get one.

  Source: [16]

ID card

• South Dakota ID card

  There is no age requirement for an ID card. If you are getting an ID card for the first time, you apply in person. You must provide the required documents (see the Documents to bring section).

  Source: [1] [4]

• Veteran designation

  Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military can add the word "Veteran" to the front of their South Dakota driver license or ID card.

  Source: [7]

Official links

• Driver License Testing Information (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Teen Drivers: instruction permit, restricted permit, operator’s license (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Driving Manuals (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Applications & Forms (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Fees (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Appointment Information (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Required documents for a license or ID card (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Document Requirements, Sections 1-3 incl. REAL ID (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Permit upgrades: restricted minor’s permit to operator’s license (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Renew or replace online (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Renew by mail (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Renew in person (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Replace a lost license or change your address (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Wait Well online queue (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Driving records (DPS) (sd.gov)
• Teen driver graduated licensing pamphlet (PDF) (sd.gov)
• South Dakota Driver License Manual, English (PDF) (sd.gov)
• DPS Driver Licensing home page (sd.gov)

Sources

1. South Dakota Driver License Manual (revised 11/2024) (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
2. Driver License Testing Information (with FAQ answers) (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
3. Driving Manuals (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
4. Applications & Forms (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
5. Fees (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
6. Appointment Information (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
7. Obtain a South Dakota Driver License or ID Card (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
8. Document Requirements (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
9. Teen Drivers (instruction permit, restricted permit, operator’s license) (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
10. Permit Upgrades (restricted minor’s permit to operator’s license) (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
11. Renew or Replace Online (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
12. Renew by Mail (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
13. Renew In-Person (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
14. Duplicate / Replacement and Address Change (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
15. Wait Well online queue / appointments (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
16. Driving Records (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
17. South Dakota Teen Driver Graduated Licensing pamphlet (effective 7/1/2025) (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing
18. Required Documents brochure (revised 06/2023) (sd.gov) — South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing