Where to Go for Your Rapid City Driver's License
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, operates the Rapid City Driver's License Exam Station at 118 West Boulevard, Rapid City, SD 57701. This is the only location in Rapid City where you can take your written test, vision screening, and road test. You cannot renew or replace a license at this location — those transactions happen online, by mail, or at the Pierre headquarters office.
The Rapid City office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for a written or vision test, but road tests must be scheduled in advance. Call 605-773-6883 to book a road test or ask about current wait times.
If you are renewing an existing license or replacing a lost one, you can complete that transaction online through the South Dakota DMV website, by mail, or in person at any DMV office in the state. The Rapid City location handles new licenses and tests only.
Key Takeaways
- The Rapid City Driver's License Exam Station is located at 118 West Boulevard and handles written tests, vision screenings, and road tests only.
- Road tests must be scheduled by phone at 605-773-6883; written and vision tests do not require an appointment.
- License renewals and replacements are handled online, by mail, or at other DMV offices — not at the Rapid City exam station.
- You must bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of South Dakota residency to take any test.
- The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
Documents You Need for a New License in Rapid City
South Dakota requires three categories of documents before you can test: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or work ID is not sufficient on its own. If you bring a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID that shows your name and photograph.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also works. Do not bring a document with only the last four digits.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works if it is dated within 60 days and shows your current South Dakota address.
Steps to Take Your Written Test in Rapid City
Walk into the Rapid City office during business hours with your three required documents. Tell the staff member you want to take the written test. You will be given a number and asked to wait for your name to be called.
When called, a staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect a fee. The written test fee is $20. You will then sit at a computer terminal and answer 25 multiple-choice questions about South Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass.
If you pass, you will receive a temporary permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle. This permit is valid for 12 months. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no additional cost.
How to Schedule and Pass Your Road Test
You must hold a valid temporary permit for at least one business day before you can take a road test. Call 605-773-6883 to schedule your test. The office staff will ask what time works best for you and confirm your appointment. Road tests are typically scheduled within two to four weeks, depending on demand.
Bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered in South Dakota, have working brakes and lights, and pass a basic safety inspection. The examiner will check the horn, wipers, mirrors, and seat belts before you drive.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive in and around Rapid City on public roads. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: parking, turning, stopping, and lane changes. You must follow all traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you pass, you will receive your license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one business day.
Fees and Payment Methods at the Rapid City Office
The written test costs $20. There is no separate fee for the vision screening — it is included with the written test. The road test costs $10. If you pass both tests, the license itself costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You can choose the term when you pass your road test.
The Rapid City office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the State of South Dakota. There is no fee to retake a failed test.
Total cost for a new license, assuming you pass both tests on the first attempt, is $54 for a four-year license or $78 for an eight-year license.
What to Do If You Fail Your Road Test
If you fail your road test, you will receive a written explanation of what went wrong. Common reasons include failing to signal, speeding, improper lane changes, or not following the examiner's directions. You do not have to wait a set number of days to retake the test — you can schedule another appointment as soon as the next business day.
You do not pay the $10 road test fee again. Your temporary permit remains valid for the full 12 months, so you can take as many road tests as you need within that window. If your temporary permit expires before you pass, you must retake the written test and pay the $20 fee again.
Renewing or Replacing Your License After You Get It
Once you have your South Dakota license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office in the state — you do not have to return to Rapid City. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
By mail, send your current license, a completed Form 2-2 (available on the South Dakota DMV website), and a check or money order to the Pierre headquarters office. Processing takes two to three weeks.
If your license is lost or stolen, you can report it and request a replacement online or in person. A replacement license costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my written test and road test on the same day?
No. You must hold a valid temporary permit for at least one business day before you can take a road test. If you pass your written test on a Monday, the earliest you can take your road test is Tuesday. You can schedule your road test while you are at the office after passing the written test.
What happens if I move out of Rapid City after I get my license?
Your South Dakota license remains valid regardless of where you live. You do not have to update your address or retake any tests. When you renew, you can update your address online or by mail.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a W-2 instead?
You can bring either one. South Dakota accepts a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, 1099, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov. The document must show your full Social Security number, not just the last four digits.
What if I fail my written test three times?
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. You can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or return another day. Your temporary permit is valid for 12 months, so you have a full year to pass.
Can I take my road test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered in South Dakota, has valid insurance, and passes the safety inspection. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving.