What you need to get a South Dakota driver's license
South Dakota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and the process depends on whether you are a new driver, moving to South Dakota from another state, or renewing an existing license. You will need to visit a Driver Licensing Exam Station in person — you cannot complete this by mail or online.
The documents you bring must prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. South Dakota accepts a passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have one.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the exam station. You will also need to show proof of completion of a driver education course or a Department-approved online course before you can take the written test.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota requires you to visit a Driver Licensing Exam Station in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
- Drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course and have a parent or guardian present during the licensing process.
- You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test before receiving your license.
- South Dakota charges different fees depending on your age and license type, and licenses are valid for different lengths of time based on your age.
- If you hold a valid license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the written and driving tests.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
Once you have submitted your documents, you will take a written test that covers South Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the South Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free and available online from the Department of Public Safety website.
After passing the written test, you will take a vision screening. The examiner will check your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Next, you will take the driving test with an examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner will watch how you handle the vehicle and whether you follow traffic laws. You must pass this test to receive your license.
Fees and how long your license lasts
South Dakota charges different fees based on your age and the type of license you are getting. A standard driver's license for someone 18 or older costs around $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Fees for drivers under 18 are lower because their licenses expire sooner. Exact fees can change, so check the Department of Public Safety website or call your local exam station before you go.
Licenses for drivers 18 and older are valid for four or eight years, depending on which option you choose when you renew. Licenses for drivers under 18 expire on their 18th birthday or after one year, whichever comes first. After that, they must renew to get a standard adult license.
Transferring a license from another state
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to South Dakota, you can transfer your license without retaking the written and driving tests. You will still need to visit a Driver Licensing Exam Station with your out-of-state license, proof of South Dakota residency, and your Social Security number.
The examiner will take your out-of-state license and issue you a South Dakota license. You will still take the vision test to make sure your eyesight meets South Dakota standards. The fee for a transfer is the same as for a new license.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you may need to retake the written and driving tests. Contact your local exam station to find out what documents you need to bring.
Learner's permits and graduated licensing for young drivers
South Dakota has a graduated driver licensing system for drivers under 18. This means you start with a learner's permit, move to a restricted license, and then get a full license as you gain experience.
To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 14 years old, pass the written test, and have a parent or guardian sign your process. With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 18 or older is in the front seat with you. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a restricted license.
A restricted license allows you to drive alone during the day but not at night. Night driving restrictions usually end when you turn 16 or after you have held the restricted license for a certain amount of time. Once you meet the requirements, you can renew to a full license with no restrictions.
Real ID and what it means for your South Dakota license
Real ID is a federal security standard that makes driver's licenses and ID cards more find. South Dakota began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses in 2017. If you need to use your driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, it must be Real ID-compliant.
When you get a new license or renew your current one, the examiner will ask whether you want a Real ID license. If you say yes, you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency — the same documents you would bring for a standard license. Real ID licenses cost the same as regular licenses and look the same, except for a small star in the top right corner.
If you do not want a Real ID license, you can still get a standard South Dakota driver's license. However, starting in May 2025, you will not be able to use a non-Real ID license to board a domestic flight. You can still use a passport or other federal ID instead.
Renewing your South Dakota driver's license
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. South Dakota allows you to renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information. To renew by mail, you will need to send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee.
If you need to renew in person — for example, if you need a new photo or your address has changed — you can visit any Driver Licensing Exam Station. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will take a new vision test but will not need to retake the written or driving tests unless your license was suspended or revoked.
If your license has expired, you may need to retake the written and driving tests. Contact your local exam station to find out what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. South Dakota requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. You cannot take it online or by mail. You can study using the free South Dakota Driver's Manual before you go.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. Most exam stations let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass the written test first.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?
South Dakota requires a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact your local exam station to find out what documents you can bring instead.
Can I get a Real ID license if I am under 18?
Yes. Drivers under 18 can get a Real ID license if they bring the required documents and ask for it when they explore. The process is the same as for adults, and a parent or guardian must still be present.
What do I do if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended or revoked. Contact the Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may include paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.