What the Sturgis office needs before they take your photo
The Sturgis Driver License Office, located in Meade County, South Dakota, takes photos for driver licenses, identification cards, and permit renewals. Before you sit for the photo, you need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency — the office will not photograph you without both. The photo itself is taken on-site and included in your license or ID at no extra charge.
Your photo must meet South Dakota's standards: you cannot wear sunglasses, a hat, or head covering (except for religious reasons, which require advance notice), and your face must be clearly visible and centered. The background is always plain and controlled by the office. If you wear glasses, the office prefers you remove them to avoid glare, but you can keep them on if you need them to see.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a current government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license) plus one document showing your current South Dakota address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The Sturgis office takes the photo on-site at no additional cost; you do not need to bring a photo from elsewhere.
- Remove sunglasses and hats before the photo unless you have a religious reason to wear head covering, which you must tell staff in advance.
- The photo is taken when ready during your visit, and the image appears on your license or ID when it arrives by mail.
Documents to bring for photo identification
South Dakota requires one current government-issued photo ID as your primary proof of identity. This can be a valid passport, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a driver license from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a bank statement.
You also need one document showing your current South Dakota address. This is your proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a recent piece of mail from a government agency addressed to you at your Sturgis-area address. The document must show your full name and current street address. A PO box does not count as residency proof.
Bring the original documents, not copies. The office staff will examine them but will not keep them — you take them home after your visit.
Photo rules and appearance standards
Your photo must show your face straight-on and centered in the frame. You cannot wear dark sunglasses, tinted glasses, or any eyewear that obscures your eyes. Regular prescription glasses are permitted if you wear them daily, but the office will ask you to remove them if there is glare on the lenses.
Hats, baseball caps, and head coverings are not allowed in the photo unless you wear them for religious reasons. If you need a head covering for religious purposes, notify the Sturgis office staff when you arrive, and they will photograph you with it on. The covering must not shade your face or hide your facial features.
Wear clothing that contrasts with the plain background — very light colors may blend in. Avoid busy patterns or logos that distract from your face. The office controls the lighting and background, so you do not need to worry about those elements.
When your photo appears on your license or ID
The photo is taken during your visit to the Sturgis office, but it does not appear on your license or ID when ready. After your appointment, South Dakota's Driver Licensing program processes your process and prints your license or ID at a central facility. Your new document is mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are renewing an existing license or ID, your old document remains valid until the new one arrives. If you are obtaining your first license or ID, you may receive a temporary paper permit to drive while you wait for the physical card.
Sturgis office location and hours
The Sturgis Driver License Office is located at 2010 Junction Avenue, Sturgis, South Dakota 57785. Hours and appointment availability change seasonally and may vary due to staffing. Before you visit, check the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website or call the office directly to confirm current hours and whether you need an appointment.
Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but during peak times — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays — you may wait longer or be turned away if the office reaches capacity. Scheduling an appointment in advance reduces wait time and ensures a staff member is available to help you.
What happens if your photo does not meet standards
If your photo does not meet South Dakota's standards — for example, if your eyes are closed, your face is not centered, or glare obscures your features — the office will ask you to retake it when ready. There is no charge for retakes. You do not leave and come back; the new photo is taken during the same visit.
Once your license or ID is printed and mailed to you, the photo cannot be changed without renewing your entire license or ID. If you are unhappy with how the photo looks after it arrives, you can renew early, but you will pay the full renewal fee and wait for a new card to be printed and mailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup or have my hair styled a certain way for the photo?
Yes. Makeup and hairstyles are your choice. The only restrictions are that your face must be fully visible, your eyes must be open and clear, and you cannot wear anything that covers or shades your face — such as a hat, sunglasses, or heavy bangs that hide your eyes.
What if I wear glasses every day — do I have to remove them for the photo?
You can keep them on if you wear them daily for vision correction. However, the office will ask you to remove them if there is glare on the lenses that obscures your eyes in the photo. If you wear them, make sure the frames do not cover your eyebrows or the upper part of your eyes.
Do I need an appointment at the Sturgis office, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but appointment availability varies by season and staffing. Call ahead or check the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website to see current hours and whether the office is taking walk-ins that day. Scheduling an appointment is the fastest way to may support you are seen without a long wait.
How long does the photo appointment take?
The photo itself takes only a few minutes. Your total visit time depends on how busy the office is and whether you are also renewing or obtaining a license or ID. If you have all required documents ready, plan for 15 to 30 minutes total.
Can someone else pick up my license or ID after it is mailed, or does it have to go to me?
Your license or ID is mailed to the address you provide during your visit. It is not held at the office for pickup. Make sure the address you give is one where you can receive mail, because the card is sent by standard mail and is not tracked or signed for.