So you need to get hold of your South Dakota driving record but are not sure how.
We have the answer for you.
We’re going to list down all the methods, steps, and requirements on how to get a South Dakota driving record.
Not just that, we’ll also talk a bit about the types of driving records available, how to improve a less-than-ideal record, and how to make out the South Dakota point system.
This is your complete guide to all things South Dakota’s driving record.
So let’s jump right in!
Types of Driving Records in South Dakota
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to first know what types of driving records you can request.
In South Dakota, you can request three types:
- A 3-Year Driving Record
- A Full Driving Record
- A 3-Year CDL Record
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (SD DPS) only releases certified copies. Although you can view a non-certified version of your driving record online, you have to go through a third-party platform.
So, what do these three types show?
Let’s take a closer look.
3-Year Driving Record
Its name tells you how far back the information your driving record will show. But what information will you see?
Your 3-year driving record will show the following:
- Any traffic accidents where you were involved
- Violations you committed or convictions
- Suspensions, revocations, and cancellations of your driver’s license
- The number of points you have on your driver’s license
- If your driver’s license has any restrictions (for example, you must wear your glasses if you drive)
Full Driving Record
Technically, you’ll see the same information in this driving record as what you’d find in a 3-year one. However, as you might have guessed, it provides all the details since you got your driver’s license instead of limiting it to the last three years.
If you’ve had a lot of violations under your belt, it’ll be a long history.
3-Year CDL Record
Yes, this one also only goes back three years. However, it focuses on items connected to your commercial driver’s license, if you have one.
If we’re talking about accidents, violations, and convictions — it’ll only show those that happened while you were operating a commercial vehicle.
How to Get My Driving Record in South Dakota
A driving record is an important document.
And requesting a copy is something we encourage.
Now that begs this question — how do you get a driving record in South Dakota?
The good news? We have the answer.
The better news? You have 2 options (mail-in and in-person)
The best news? None of them are complicated.
Don’t believe us? Here are the ways you can request a driving record in South Dakota.
How to Get A South Dakota Driving Record By Mail
We get it.
You don’t want to wait in line at a DMV office.
This is why the mail-in request is your best bet.
Although it won’t give you your driving record immediately, you can avoid going to a DMV office.
Here are the steps:
- Download a copy of the Personal Driver License Record Request form.
- On the form, select the driving record you are requesting and provide the necessary information.
- Have the document notarized.
- Write a check amounting to $5.
- Put everything in an envelope and send it to the address below:
Driver Licensing
118 W Capitol Ave
Pierre SD 57501-2036
| NOTE: Alternatively, you can fax the form to (605) 773 3018 or email it to dpsmvrs@state.sd.us. You must call (605) 773 6883 to pay over the phone. Remember, using a credit card requires an additional $2 (processing fee). |
- Wait for your driving record to arrive through the mail.
| NOTE: You can also choose to receive it through fax or email. The form provides a space for you to put your details. |
And that’s it!
How to Get A South Dakota Driving Record In Person
What if you need your South Dakota driving record immediately?
You can’t wait for it to be mailed, faxed, or emailed to you.
Well, your only other option is to request it in person – at a DMV office.
But don’t fret – the steps are very easy, too.
- Download and complete the Personal Driver License Record Request form.
- Visit any of these Driver Exam Stations:
- Aberdeen: 2729 West Highway 12
- Brookings: 910 4th Street
- Mitchell: 1315 North Main Street
- Rapid City: 1301 East Catron Boulevard
- Sioux Falls: 2501 West Russell Street
- Watertown: 2001 9th Avenue SW, Suite 100
- Yankton: 3113 Spruce Street, Suite 109
- Bring the following when you go:
- $5 for the payment (this can be cash or a personal check)
- The completed request form
- One proof of identity
- Have the form notarized.
- Pay the driving record fee.
- Receive your driving record.
As you can see, it’s a lot quicker to have your driving record in your hand if you request it at a DMV office.
How to Improve Your South Dakota Driving Record
Let’s say you get your driving record and see that it isn’t ideal.
You’ve had a couple of violations resulting in some license points.
Well, we’ve got some bad news (but we have good news, too!).
Okay, so the bad news first.
South Dakota doesn’t have a point reduction system. That means whatever points you have on your license will stay there until they expire.
Since you can’t take points off, the next best thing is to avoid adding more — and that’s where the good news comes in.
Here are some recommendations to avoid getting more points:
- Brush up on your knowledge of South Dakota road signs. Running a red light or failing to yield the right of way doesn’t only result in fines but also leads to violations (which lead to points).
- Review the dos and don’ts when sharing the road with other vehicles. There are appropriate responses when encountering a school bus or an emergency vehicle. Knowing what to do can help you avoid citations.
- Prepare to drive in different road conditions. The weather won’t always be clear, and the road won’t always be flat. Navigating various road conditions can help you avoid accidents while driving.
- Request for a driving record regularly. Having a good grasp of your history’s content helps you spot errors faster (if there are any). Then you can take steps to ensure its accuracy.
- Learn more about South Dakota’s point system. Violations earn you different points. Knowing where these come from makes you hyper-aware and more likely to avoid committing them.
Understanding the South Dakota Point System
2 to 10 points can be added to your record per violation.
You might consider 2 points small, but those add up fast if you’re not careful.
Remember, the DMV will suspend your license if:
- You get 15 points within 12 straight months, OR
- You get 22 points within 24 consecutive months
So which violations contribute more points?
Here’s a table spelling it out for you:
| Violation | Points |
| Driving Under the Influence | 10 points(results in a revocation, not suspension) |
| Reckless Driving | 8 |
| Eluding/Attempting to EludeDrag Racing | 6 |
| Failure to Yield Right of WayImproper PassingDriving Wrong Side of the Roadway | 4 |
| Stop Sign/Light Violation | 3 |
| Other Moving Violations | 2 |
The Wrap Up
And there you have it!
That’s everything you need to know on how to get a South Dakota driving record.
We’ve covered everything from what record types are available, how to get them, and what can lead to improvements.
Now, you also understand South Dakota’s point system better, and it can help you manage your points.