What You Need to Know Before You Start
South Dakota lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. The method you choose depends on how much time you have, whether your license has expired, and what type of license you hold. Most renewals take between 7 and 14 days if you mail your documents, or a few minutes if you do it online.
Your South Dakota license is valid for eight years. The state will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online—you do not have to go in person unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless you need to update your photo or address.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota offers three renewal methods: online (fastest), by mail (7 to 14 days), or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station.
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.
- If you renew by mail, send your completed form, current license, and payment to the address on the renewal notice or the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website.
- In-person renewal at an exam station takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 14 days after the state receives your renewal documents.
Renewing Online: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website is the quickest method if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo or personal information.
To renew online, visit the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing page, create or log into your account, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Once you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 14 days.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have moved, or if you want to change your photo. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail: Step-by-Step
Mail renewal works for most people and takes about 7 to 14 days from the time the state receives your documents. You will need three things: the renewal form (DL 44), your current driver's license, and payment for the renewal fee.
The renewal form comes with the notice the state mails you about 60 days before your license expires. If you did not receive a notice or lost the form, you can read it from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website or pick one up at any Driver Licensing Exam Station. Fill out the form completely, including your current address. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you will need to provide proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Mail your completed form, current license, and a check or money order (made payable to the State of South Dakota) to the address listed on the renewal notice or on the Department of Public Safety website. Do not send cash. The state will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address you listed on the form. Keep an eye on your mailbox; if you do not receive your new license within 14 days, contact the Department of Public Safety to check the status.
Renewing In Person at an Exam Station
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address and did not include proof with a mail renewal. It is also the fastest way to get your new license in hand the same day, though you will need to wait in line.
Find your nearest Driver Licensing Exam Station on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website. Bring your current license, proof of your address if you have moved (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The exam station will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your new license on the spot. The whole visit usually takes about 30 minutes.
If you are renewing in person because your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to pass a vision test or written test depending on your age and the reason for the lapse. Call ahead to your local exam station to ask what to bring.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your South Dakota license has expired, you can still renew by mail or online as long as your license has not been expired for more than five years. The process is the same: fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it in or renew online if you meet the online requirements.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. You may also be asked to pass a vision test or a written test to make sure you are still safe to drive. Bring your expired license, proof of your address, and payment.
While your renewal is being processed, you can still drive legally in South Dakota if you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. Keep a copy of your mailed renewal receipt or your online confirmation email with you.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year South Dakota driver's license is set by the state and does not change based on how you renew. The exact amount varies depending on your age and license type, so check the Department of Public Safety website or your renewal notice for the current fee.
You can pay by cash (in person only), check, money order, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order made payable to the State of South Dakota. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing online or in person, you can use a debit or credit card. Some exam stations may accept other payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my South Dakota license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.
What if I moved and did not update my address?
If you moved since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Include proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) with your mail renewal, or bring it to the exam station. If you renew by mail without proof of address, your renewal will be delayed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I mail it in?
The state usually processes mail renewals within 7 to 14 days of receiving your documents. Your new license will then be mailed to you, which can take another few days depending on your location. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety to check the status of your renewal.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, not unless you want one or your license has been expired for more than five years. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation. Once that is cleared, you can renew through the normal process. Call the department or visit their website to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.