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South Dakota Driver’s License Renewal (A Complete 2024 Guide)

South Dakota Driver’s License Renewal

Need to renew your SD driver’s license soon?

If you’ve been procrastinating, this is your sign to finally do it. 

The good news is that the process is now SUPER easy. 

But hold up…

How do you renew your driver’s license in South Dakota?

We’re here to walk you through the full South Dakota driver’s license renewal process. 

We’ll talk about the 3 methods, how to go about each one, and answer some frequently asked questions.

So let’s jump right to it!

How to Renew A Driver’s License in South Dakota

As we’ve mentioned, there are 3 methods to renew your driver’s license in South Dakota. These are:

  • Online
  • By Mail
  • In Person

Of course, the easiest way to renew is by doing it online. However, not everyone’s eligible. 

So to help you, we’ll walk you through all the requirements and steps for each method. 

How to Renew Your SD Driver’s License Online

Who doesn’t want to renew online, right?

I mean, you don’t even have to leave the house — much less go inside a licensing office. 

But again, not everyone is eligible for this. 

So hold your breath as we go through the eligibility requirements for online renewal.

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Your driver’s license/valid ID should be unexpired, federally compliant, and has a gold star in the upper right corner.
  • You haven’t renewed your driver’s license online or by mail in your last renewal period. 
  • You are not going to change your name or driver’s license class.
  • You are not required to take a knowledge test in order to renew.
  • You don’t wear bioptic lenses.
  • You have a credit or debit card.
  • For 65 and older, you can provide a vision statement form.

Say, you’re eligible to renew online. 

Hurray!

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Visit the SD online renewal portal.
  1. Read the instructions and click “Submit Application”.
  1. Create a mySD account (if you don’t already have one). You are required to have an account to renew online. 
  1. Choose license renewal.
  1. Provide your driver’s license or ID card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. 
  1. Upload two (2) documents showing proof of residence in South Dakota. 
NOTE: Your name should be found in these documents. The documents should also be at most 1 year old. 
  1. If you are 65 and above, submit a filled-up vision statement form. 
  1. If necessary, you may have to upload other documents, such as a Parental Consent Form (if under 18), a Residency Affidavit (for those living in an RV), a Consent for Use of Address Form (if you live in an address that is not under your name). 
  1. Pay the $28 renewal fee using Visa or MasterCard. This may charge an additional $2 processing fee. 
  1. Submit your application.
  1. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive within 3-4 weeks by mail. 

Now that was easy, wasn’t it?

How to Renew Your SD Driver’s License by Mail

The eligibility requirements for mail renewal are the same as the online method — so check the above for that. 

We know that not everyone is comfortable doing online transactions. 

If this is you, then renewing by mail might be your best bet. 

Here are the steps: 

  1. Print and fill up the license application form (click here for the Spanish version). Make sure to sign and place the date at the bottom of the form.
  1. Attach two (2) documents showing proof of residence in South Dakota. These documents shouldn’t be more than 1 year old. 
NOTE: If your name is not in the documents, you have to submit a Consent for Use of Address form.

If you live in a full-time RV, you need to submit a Residency Affidavit. 

If you’re part of the military, attach proof of out-of-state address and military status. 
  1. If you are 65 and above, submit a vision statement form. 
  1. If you are under 18 years old, submit a Parental Consent form. 
  1. Attach a $28 check for the renewal fee. It should be made payable to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. 
  1. Use a self-addressed, stamped envelope as a reference for mailing your new license. 
  1. Send the sealed envelope with all the documents to the address below: 

DRIVER LICENSING PROGRAM

118 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE

PIERRE, SD 57501

  1. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail. 
NOTE: Mail-in license renewals will arrive later than online renewals. So make sure you renew earlier (at least a month) before your license expires. 

Great!

Your obligation is done. 

How to Renew Your SD Driver’s License In-Person 

You can’t skip in-person renewals. 

So don’t get your hopes up. 

But don’t fret — renewing in person is actually very simple. 

Here are the steps: 

  1. Visit a Driver License Exam station. You can choose to walk in or schedule an appointment. 
NOTE: If you are required to take a knowledge test, you must schedule an appointment before visiting the exam center. 
  1. Bring the following documents on your visit:
    1. Valid driver’s license or ID
    2. A completed license application form in English or Spanish.  
    3. Proof of Social Security Number
    4. Two proofs of residence in South Dakota (with your name on it, issued within the last year)
    5. A filled-out Consent for Use of Address form (if the address is not under your name).
    6. Completed Residency Affidavit (if you live full-time in an RV).
    7. Completed Parental Consent form (if under 18 years old).
    8. Proof of name change (if applicable).
    9. Any document needed to change license class, endorsement, etc.
  1. Submit your documents to the office. 
  1. Take a vision exam.
  1. Pass the knowledge test (if applicable). 
  1. Pay the $28 renewal fee with cash, check, or credit/debit card. 
  1. Wait for your license to be issued. 

And you’re done!

That wasn’t so bad.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Driver’s License Renewal

Got some questions about the driver’s license renewal process in South Dakota? 

We answer the most frequently asked ones below!

Do I Need to Take a Knowledge Test to Renew My License in South Dakota?

It depends. If your driver’s license has expired for more than 30 days, then you will be required to take the knowledge test. What’s more, you will have to renew your license in person and schedule for the test. 

For those with a motorcycle endorsement, you will need to also take the motorcycle knowledge test to renew it. 

When Can I Renew My South Dakota Driver’s License?

You’re allowed to renew your license 180 days before your license expires. 

If you’re below 21 years old, your driver’s license will expire 30 days AFTER you turn 21. 

If you are above 21 years old, your driver’s license will expire ON your birthday every 5 years. 

Unfortunately, there’s no renewal notice sent by the SD DMV, so you should always be aware of your expiration date. 

What Do You Need to Renew Your South Dakota Driver’s License?

To renew your driver’s license in SD, you need to have these prepared:

Is There a Grace Period for Expired Driver’s Licenses in South Dakota?

Yes, you can still renew your license after 30 days from expiry without any penalties. This includes being able to renew it online (if you fulfill other eligibility requirements).

But if it’s expired for more than 30 days, you need to renew in person and pass a knowledge exam. 

To take a knowledge exam, schedule an appointment here. 

How Much Does it Cost to Renew Your Driver’s License in South Dakota?

For a standard driver’s license, the renewal will cost $28. As for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), it will cost you $33 to renew it. 

Conclusion

And that was the South Dakota driver’s license renewal process.

The whole thing can take a few minutes to complete, especially if you do it online. 

So there’s no reason to delay.

You don’t want to be late as you’ll then have to renew in person and take a knowledge test, too. 

And nobody wants that. 

So go ahead and renew today!

   

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