USA South Dakota Driver License

South Dakota Driver License: 2025 Complete Guide

Looking to apply for, renew, or transfer a South Dakota driver license? Whether you’re a first-time driver, a new resident, or need a REAL ID upgrade, this guide covers everything you need to know, based on current South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) procedures.

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Types of South Dakota Driver Licenses

• Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit) – For new drivers age 14+
• Restricted Minor’s Permit – For drivers aged 14½ to 18
• Operator’s License (Class 1) – Standard license for personal vehicles
• Motorcycle License (Class 2)
• Commercial Driver License (CDL) – For commercial vehicles
• Identification Card (non-driving)

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How to Get a Driver License in South Dakota

Step 1: Determine License Eligibility

Minimum age for a full unrestricted license is 16, but South Dakota uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for drivers under 18.

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Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a standard or REAL ID-compliant license, bring:

• Proof of identity and lawful status (U.S. birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., SSN card or W-2)
• Two documents showing South Dakota residency
• Proof of name change (if applicable)

REAL ID licenses are marked with a gold star and will be required for air travel starting May 7, 2025.

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Step 3: Take Required Tests

For new applicants:

• Vision screening
• Written knowledge test
• Driving skills test (required unless you’ve completed an approved driving course or are transferring a valid out-of-state license)

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South Dakota Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System

For drivers under 18, South Dakota’s GDL process includes:

1. Instruction Permit (age 14+)
   • Pass written and vision tests
   • Must hold for 180 days (90 days if driver’s ed completed)
   • Supervised driving only
2. Restricted Minor’s Permit (age 14½ – 18)
   • Pass driving test
   • No driving between 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
   • No passengers outside of immediate family for the first 6 months
3. Full Operator’s License (age 16+)

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Transferring an Out-of-State License to South Dakota

New residents must transfer their license within 90 days.

Requirements:

• Visit a South Dakota DPS driver exam station
• Submit required ID and residency documents
• Pass a vision test
• Written and road tests may be waived with a valid out-of-state license

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Renewing a South Dakota Driver License

You can renew your license:

• Online (every other renewal, if eligible)
• By mail (for eligible applicants)
• In person at a DPS exam station

Licenses are valid for 5 years and can be renewed 180 days before expiration.

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South Dakota REAL ID Requirements

From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required to:

• Board domestic flights
• Enter federal buildings and military bases

To get one, apply in person with:

• Proof of identity and lawful presence
• Proof of SSN
• Two residency documents

REAL ID cards are marked with a gold star.

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Driver License Fees in South Dakota (2025)

License Type	Fee
Operator’s License (5 years)	$28
Instruction Permit	$28
Restricted Minor’s Permit	$28
Duplicate/Replacement License	$15
Motorcycle License	$28
CDL	Varies by class and endorsements

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South Dakota DMV Services Include

• New and renewal licenses
• Instruction permits and minor permits
• REAL ID upgrades
• Out-of-state license transfers
• CDL and motorcycle endorsements
• Online and mail-in renewals

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Checklist for First-Time Applicants

• Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of South Dakota residency
• Driver’s education certificate (if under 18)
• Valid out-of-state license (if transferring)

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For appointments, locations, or additional info, visit the South Dakota DPS official site.