What You Need to Renew in South Dakota
South Dakota lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Your current South Dakota driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — mail and online renewal are not available once your license lapses.
The renewal fee is $24 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee regardless of which method you choose. If you renew online or by mail and later need to visit an exam station for any reason, you will not pay the fee twice.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can start renewing up to one year before expiration.
- Online renewal through the state portal is the fastest option if your address has not changed and your current license is valid.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the state.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing Exam Station is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want a REAL ID-compliant license.
- The renewal fee is $24 for all methods, and you will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Online Renewal Through the South Dakota Portal
Online renewal is the quickest option and requires no mailing or office visit. You access the renewal through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN to log in.
Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid (not expired), your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photograph. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $24 fee by debit or credit card, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days after the state processes your request. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Timeline
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photograph or address. You will need to complete Form DL-44, which you can read from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website or request by phone at 605-773-6883.
Send the completed form along with your current driver's license and the $24 fee to the address provided on the form. You can pay by check or money order made out to the State of South Dakota. Do not send cash. Include a copy of a document showing your current address if it differs from what is on your license — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your form. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive. Keep track of when you mailed the form; if you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Department of Public Safety to confirm receipt.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Licensing Exam Station
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to update your photograph, or if you want to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license. South Dakota has exam stations in most counties; you can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Public Safety website.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring the address proof even if you are not planning to update it — the exam station will verify your residency.
You will take a new photograph at the exam station. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the station is. You pay the $24 fee at the counter, and your new license is printed on the spot. You can drive home with it when ready.
REAL ID Compliance and When You Need It
A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal standards for identification and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. South Dakota began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2017, but not all licenses are compliant. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant.
You do not have to get a REAL ID license when you renew — South Dakota still issues standard licenses. However, if you plan to fly domestically or need to enter a federal facility, you should request the REAL ID version. To obtain one, you must renew in person at an exam station and bring additional proof of identity and residency. The fee remains $24; there is no extra charge for REAL ID compliance.
If you already have a REAL ID license and are renewing it, you can renew online or by mail without losing the REAL ID designation, as long as your address has not changed and you do not need a new photograph.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
Once your license expires, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Licensing Exam Station in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
You will take a new photograph and pass a vision screening. The exam station will not require you to retake the written or driving test unless there is a specific reason — for example, if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you have medical restrictions that need to be reassessed. Ask the exam station staff when you arrive whether any testing is required in your situation.
The $24 renewal fee applies even though your license has expired. Your new license is issued on the spot and valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license expired.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN | 5–7 business days |
| Completed Form DL-44, current license, $24 check or money order, proof of address if changed | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address | 15–30 minutes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it lapses, you lose the option to renew by mail or online and must make a trip to an exam station. Starting the process up to one year before expiration gives you time to choose the method that works best for you.
If you are renewing by mail, do not send cash. Use a check or money order, and keep a record of when you mailed the envelope. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, the state may not have received your payment or form.
When renewing in person, bring proof of your address even if you think it has not changed. The exam station staff will ask for it, and having it ready speeds up the process. A utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is the easiest option.
If you are explore for a REAL ID license, confirm with the exam station ahead of time what additional documents you need to bring. Requirements can vary slightly by location, and calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my South Dakota license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a South Dakota resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and your address has not changed. If you need to update your address or your license has expired, you will need to visit an exam station in South Dakota or contact the Department of Public Safety about options for your situation.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. You must visit a Driver Licensing Exam Station in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The exam station will issue a replacement license and handle the renewal at the same time. The fee is still $24.
How do I know if my license is about to expire?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can also contact the Department of Public Safety at 605-773-6883 to confirm. Starting the renewal process 60 to 90 days before expiration gives you time to complete it before your license lapses.
Can I renew online if I changed my name?
No. Name changes require in-person renewal at an exam station. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document showing your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The $24 fee applies.
What if the exam station is closed when I need to renew?
Check the Department of Public Safety website for exam station hours and locations. Most stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have limited hours. If the nearest station is far away, you can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and your address has not changed.