How to Renew Your South Dakota Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your South Dakota license through SD DPS. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 5 years

Standard fee $28

Renew early Up to 180 days before expiration

After expiration No grace period; license is expired the day after the date on the card. If expired more than 30 days, an in-person visit and knowledge test are required

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid South Dakota license (or expired less than 30 days) may renew online once every 10 years (every other renewal). The license/ID must be within 180 days of expiration.

Start your online renewal at SD DPS →

Step 2 — Gather your documents

For an in-person renewal, bring:

Your current South Dakota driver license.
Proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate).
Proof of South Dakota residency — utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address (most states require two documents).
Social Security card or W-2.
Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, or card — varies by office).

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

SD DPS charges $28 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 5 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Required at in-person renewal; drivers 65 and older must submit a Vision Statement form (dated within 1 year) when renewing online. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Step 5 — Receive your new license

You'll get a temporary paper license at the DMV that's valid for 30-60 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7-14 business days. If your renewal was online, expect 10-21 days mailing time.

REAL ID upgrade in South Dakota

South Dakota issues REAL ID-compliant licenses identified by a gold star in the upper right corner of the card. REAL ID can be obtained at standard renewal without an additional fee by providing the required identity documents.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Walk-in waits can be 2-4 hours. Book an appointment online at any of South Dakota's DMV offices.

Find your nearest South Dakota office

Use our South Dakota DMV office finder to locate the closest SD DPS location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.

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