Where to renew and what you'll need

In South Dakota, you renew your driver's license at your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver licensing office. There are offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the South Dakota DPS website. You do not have to renew at the office where you originally got your license.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing that change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pass an eye test at the office.

If you are renewing in person, the fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Payment is cash, check, or card. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office's process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew at any South Dakota DPS driver licensing office, not just the one that issued your original license.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and be ready for an eye test.
  • A four-year license costs $24; an eight-year license costs $48.
  • Your renewed license is issued when ready or mailed within a few business days.
  • If you renew online, you must still visit an office in person every other renewal cycle to update your photo.

Renewing online or by mail

South Dakota allows online renewal for some drivers, but with an important limit: you can renew online only once. After that, you must renew in person at a DPS office so the state can take a new photo and verify your identity face-to-face.

To renew online, go to the South Dakota DPS website and use their online renewal system. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail-in renewal is not a standard option in South Dakota. If you cannot visit an office and have already used your one online renewal, contact your local DPS office to ask about exceptions or to schedule an appointment.

When your license expires and renewal windows

Your South Dakota driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires without penalty. If you renew after your birthday, your license will have been expired, and you should not drive until the renewed license arrives.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and the driving test again. Check your license to see when it expires so you can plan ahead.

Renewing a license that has been suspended or revoked

If your South Dakota license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving under the influence convictions.

Contact the South Dakota DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license normally. The DPS website has a tool to check your driving record and see if any holds are on your license.

What to do if you've moved out of state

If you now live outside South Dakota but still hold a South Dakota license, you should get a license from your new state instead. Most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. Driving on an out-of-state license after you have established residency in a new state can result in a ticket.

To get a license in your new state, contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will typically need to surrender your South Dakota license. If you plan to keep a South Dakota address (for example, if you own property there), you may be able to renew by mail or online, but you should contact the South Dakota DPS to confirm your situation first.

Renewing if your name or address has changed

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name on your renewed license at no extra cost.

If only your address has changed, you do not need to bring anything extra. Tell the DPS staff your new address when you renew, and it will be printed on your new license. If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the online system before you submit your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my South Dakota license if I live out of state?

You can renew online once, but after that you must renew in person at a South Dakota DPS office. If you live far away, you may need to plan a trip back to South Dakota or contact the DPS to ask about other options. Most states require you to get a local license if you have moved there permanently.

What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for the renewal to arrive?

If you renewed before your birthday, your old license is still valid until it expires, even if the new one has not arrived yet. Once your birthday passes, do not drive until the new license arrives. If the new license is delayed more than two weeks after your renewal date, contact the DPS office where you renewed.

Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license?

No. Renewal is for drivers who already have a valid license. You only take the written and driving tests when you first get a license or when you explore for a new one after your license has expired for more than one year.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

It depends on the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine or a failure-to-appear warrant, your license may be suspended, and you cannot renew until that is resolved. Check your driving record on the South Dakota DPS website or call your local DPS office to learn about any holds are on your license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

If you renew in person, you may get your license when ready or it may be mailed within a few business days. If you renew online, expect 7 to 10 business days by mail. Contact the office where you renewed if your license does not arrive within that timeframe.