How to renew your South Dakota driver's license
You can renew your South Dakota driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Licensing exam station. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Mail and online renewals are faster and cheaper than in-person visits, but they have restrictions—you cannot use them if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record.
South Dakota sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a renewal code you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive one, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website is the fastest option and costs $24.50 for a four-year license if you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your process and costs the same as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing exam station is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have medical restrictions.
- You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal even if your renewal is in progress.
- South Dakota driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the Department of Public Safety website
Online renewal is the fastest and least expensive option if your license is current or expired less than one year ago. Go to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing website, select "Renew Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You will need to pay $24.50 by credit or debit card. The system will confirm your renewal when ready, and you can print a temporary license to carry while you wait for your new card.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal does not include a new photo—your current photo will be used on the renewed license. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online process, and the new address will print on your card.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo for any reason, or if you have medical restrictions or endorsements that require a vision test or medical examination.
Mail renewal with the Department of Public Safety
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal but takes longer because the Department must receive and process your process by hand. Complete the renewal form (available on the Department of Public Safety website or included in your renewal notice), include your payment of $24.50 by check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Do not send cash.
The Department typically processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days of receiving them, but mail delivery itself can add several days on each end. Your new license will arrive by mail. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo and is not available if your license expired more than one year ago.
Keep a copy of your mailed process or take a photo of it before you send it. If your renewal gets lost in the mail, you will have proof of when you sent it.
In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing exam station
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have medical restrictions on your license. In-person renewal also allows you to change your name, update your address, or add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement) at the same time.
Find your nearest Driver Licensing exam station on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of South Dakota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $24.50 for a four-year license. Some stations require an appointment; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot.
At the station, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about medical conditions or medications that might affect your ability to drive safely. The exam station will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in South Dakota, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new card. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary license (if you received one online or in person) as proof that renewal is in progress, but a permanent expired license alone is not valid.
If your renewal is delayed or lost in the mail, go to a Driver Licensing exam station and request a replacement. Bring your temporary license or proof of your renewal process (such as a confirmation email or mailed receipt). The station can issue you another temporary license while the replacement card is printed.
Renewing a license that expired more than one year ago
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Licensing exam station in person. Bring your expired license, proof of South Dakota residency, and $24.50. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. If your license has been expired for several years, the exam station may require additional documentation, such as proof of your Social Security number or a birth certificate, depending on when your license was originally issued.
The longer your license has been expired, the more thorough the renewal process becomes. If it has been expired for more than five years, contact the Department of Public Safety before you go to the exam station to find out what documents to bring.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you are renewing online or by mail and only need to update your address, you can do that as part of the renewal process without visiting an exam station. Enter your new address when you complete the online form or write it clearly on the mail renewal form. Your new license will show your updated address.
If you need to change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing exam station. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency. The exam station will take a new photo and issue your license with your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. South Dakota allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Online and mail renewal work the same way whether your license is current or approaching expiration.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew online or by mail. You can renew using your driver's license number and date of birth instead of the renewal code. If you cannot remember your license number, go to a Driver Licensing exam station and bring your expired license or another form of ID.
How long is a renewed license valid?
A renewed South Dakota driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new card. You can renew again up to one year before that date expires.
What if my temporary license does not arrive after online renewal?
The temporary license prints when ready after you complete online renewal. If you did not receive a printable confirmation, your renewal may not have gone through. Log back into the Department of Public Safety website and check your renewal status using your license number. If the renewal shows as complete but you cannot find your temporary license, contact the Department by phone or visit an exam station with proof of your renewal.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing exam station, even if your license is still valid and not yet expired.