Renewing Your South Dakota Driver's License

You can renew your South Dakota driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew by mail or online and receive their new license within two to three weeks.

South Dakota licenses expire on your birthday, four years after you received them. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to choose the easiest route for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • South Dakota offers three renewal methods: mail, online through the state's website, or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • Mail and online renewals cost less than in-person renewals and do not require a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than four years.
  • If you renew by mail, send your completed form and payment to the address on the renewal notice, and expect your new license in two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an exam station takes about 30 minutes and requires a new photo, but you leave with a temporary permit valid until your card arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is the slowest method but requires the least effort. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, payment instructions, and a prepaid envelope.

Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything with your payment to the address printed on the notice. The fee for a four-year renewal by mail is $24. Do not include a new photo — the state will use your existing one. Mail processing takes two to three weeks, so send your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date if you need your license by a specific date.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Program at 605-773-6883 or visiting their website.

Renewing Online

Online renewal is the fastest method if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You can renew on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website at dps.sd.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay by credit or debit card.

To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The fee is $24 for a four-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within two to three weeks.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than four years, if you need to change your address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing in Person at an Exam Station

In-person renewal is the best choice if you need a new photo, want to change your address, or need your license quickly. South Dakota has Driver Licensing Exam Stations in most towns. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Public Safety website.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The fee for an in-person renewal is $28. A staff member will take a new photo, process your process, and give you a temporary permit valid until your permanent card arrives by mail, usually within two to three weeks.

In-person visits typically take 30 minutes, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than visiting on a Friday afternoon.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than four years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Licensing Exam Station in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the exam station. The staff will administer this test for free as part of your renewal. If you do not pass the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring documentation of your vision before you can receive your new license.

Changing Your Address During Renewal

If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. When you renew by mail, write your new address on the renewal form. When you renew online, you can update your address before you pay. When you renew in person, tell the staff member your new address, and they will print it on your new license.

You do not need to change your address separately — it happens automatically as part of the renewal process. Make sure the address you provide is your current residence, not a mailing address, unless they are the same.

Getting a REAL ID-Compliant License During Renewal

South Dakota's standard driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, which means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and one additional document proving your identity and date of birth, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The fee for a REAL ID-compliant license is $32 for four years. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary permit while your card is mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also take a vision test as part of the process.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You must go to a Driver Licensing Exam Station in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The staff will issue you a replacement license with a new number. The fee is $28, and you will receive a temporary permit while your permanent card is mailed.

How long does it take to receive my license by mail after I renew?

Most renewals arrive within two to three weeks of being processed. Mail and online renewals take about one week to process, then two weeks to arrive by mail. In-person renewals are processed when ready, and your temporary permit is valid until your card arrives.

Can I renew my license online if I want to change my photo?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. The staff will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process.

What payment methods does South Dakota accept for license renewal?

For mail renewal, you can pay by check or money order. For online renewal, you can pay by credit or debit card. For in-person renewal, most exam stations accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call ahead to confirm what your local station accepts.