Last verified: 23/09/2026
South Dakota at a glance
This guide explains Driver's License requirements in South Dakota, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.
Eligibility & Age Rules
<p>Teen applicants progress through South Dakota’s restricted minor’s permit and full-license stages. The applicant must complete the required supervised driving, testing and age requirements before unrestricted driving privileges are issued.</p>
Costs, timing and validity
A restricted minor's permit can be issued beginning at 14. An instruction permit is available at 14 or older. A full operator license follows the state's graduated licensing requirements and testing.
Driver license: $38. Instruction permit: $38. Restricted minor's permit: $38. Duplicate or replacement license: $20.
Driver license renewal: $38. Online renewal has an additional $2 processing fee or 2.95% card-processing charge, whichever is greater.
A South Dakota driver's license is generally valid for 5 years and expires on the applicant's birthday. The exact expiration date is printed on the credential.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Applicants must provide proof of identity, date of birth, lawful status, Social Security number and South Dakota residential address. REAL ID applicants need the additional documents required by the Department of Public Safety.
How to apply
Apply at a driver exam station, provide the required documents, complete the application, pass the vision and knowledge tests, complete supervised driving when required, pass the road test and pay the $38 fee.
Testing, Training & Restrictions
<p>Applicants complete vision, knowledge and road tests according to the licensing stage. Knowledge and road testing are required for first-time applicants unless a qualifying exception applies.</p>
Renewal and ongoing requirements
<p>Eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a federally compliant license can renew online when they meet the DMV requirements. Applicants age 65 or older renewing online must provide a recent vision statement.</p>
Processing time
The permanent license is produced after the exam-station transaction. Online renewal credentials are mailed after the application is processed; timing varies by transaction.