Renew Your License at the Sioux Falls Driver Licensing Exam Station

In Sioux Falls, you renew your driver's license at the Driver Licensing Exam Station, located at 3801 South Kiwanis Avenue. This is the only full-service location in Sioux Falls where you can complete a standard renewal. You cannot renew online, by mail, or at a Secretary of State satellite office — you must appear in person.

The station is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary; arriving early in the week or before 10:00 a.m. typically means shorter lines. You do not need an appointment, but you can call ahead at (605) 773-6883 to ask about current wait times.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. South Dakota sends no renewal reminder, so mark your expiration date on a calendar. You can renew up to one year before expiration, but not after.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at the Driver Licensing Exam Station in Sioux Falls; no online, mail, or satellite office renewals are available.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
  • The renewal fee is $24 for a standard eight-year license, or $12 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older; cash, check, and card are accepted.
  • You will take a new photo and pass a vision test, but you do not retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
  • Your new license is issued the same day; you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents You Must Bring

South Dakota requires three categories of documents at renewal: your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Bring originals, not copies. A photocopy of your Social Security card is acceptable, but a photocopy of your birth certificate is not.

Your current driver's license is required even if it is expired. If you have lost it, bring a police report of the loss or a statement signed by you declaring it lost. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew; you must first contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your Social Security card (original or photocopy), U.S. birth certificate (original only), U.S. passport, or military ID. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Sioux Falls address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card) also works. A driver's license or ID card cannot be used as proof of residency.

The Renewal Process at the Station

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called. The clerk will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information, and collect the renewal fee.

You will then move to the photo station, where you sit for a new photograph. You must remove hats, sunglasses, and headwear (except for religious reasons). The photo is taken against a plain background and must show your face clearly.

Next, you proceed to the vision test. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you are given a referral to an eye care provider and cannot complete your renewal that day.

Once you pass the vision test, you return to the clerk, who prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a plastic license. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call (605) 773-6883 to report it.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $24. If you are 65 or older, you pay $12 for a four-year license. These are the only two options; you cannot choose a shorter renewal period if you are under 65.

The station accepts cash, personal check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, write it to "South Dakota Department of Public Safety." There is no additional fee for paying by card, and no discount for paying in cash.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and depends on the endorsements you hold. Ask the clerk for the exact amount when you arrive, or call ahead.

What Happens If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety at (605) 773-6883 or visit their website to determine the reason for the suspension and what steps are required to restore it.

Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulation of serious violations. The process to restore your driving privilege varies by reason and may require payment of fines, completion of a safety course, or a waiting period.

Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license at the Sioux Falls station. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared — usually a letter from the Department of Public Safety or a court document.

Renewing a License with a Different Address

If you have moved within Sioux Falls or to Sioux Falls from another city, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The clerk will update your address in the system during renewal, and your new license will show the current address.

If you have moved out of state and are now living in South Dakota, you must renew your license in person. Bring proof of your new South Dakota address. If you are a South Dakota resident but have a mailing address outside the state (for example, a P.O. box or a relative's address), you can still renew, but your license will show your South Dakota residential address, not the mailing address.

If You Need a Replacement License Before Your Renewal Date

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before expiration, you can obtain a replacement at the Sioux Falls station. The fee for a replacement is $12. You will need your proof of identity and residency, and you will take a new photo. A replacement does not extend your expiration date; your new license will still expire on the original date.

If your license is damaged (water damage, fading, cracked plastic), bring it with you. The clerk will assess whether it qualifies for a free replacement or whether you must pay the $12 fee. A license that is straightforward worn or has minor scratches typically does not may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license at any time. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a citation.

What if I cannot get to the Sioux Falls station during business hours?

The station is only open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no evening or weekend service in Sioux Falls. If you cannot visit during these hours, you may be able to renew at a different location in South Dakota if you travel to another city, but you will still need to appear in person.

Do I have to retake the written test or driving test to renew?

No. A standard renewal requires only a vision test and a new photo. You do not retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked, in which case the Department of Public Safety will notify you of additional requirements.

How long does it take to renew at the station?

The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from the time your number is called, depending on how busy the station is. Wait times to be called can range from a few minutes to an hour or more during peak times. Arriving early in the week or before 10:00 a.m. usually results in shorter waits.

What if my vision test shows I need glasses to drive?

If you fail the vision test without correction, you will be given a referral to an eye care provider. You cannot complete your renewal that day. Once you obtain glasses or contacts and have an eye care provider confirm you meet the vision standard, you can return to the station to finish the renewal process.