Renewing Your South Dakota Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your South Dakota driver's license through three routes: online at dps.sd.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. Online renewal is fastest and available if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. By mail takes about two weeks. In person is required if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have medical or legal holds on your record.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for it to renew, but it contains your license number and renewal fee amount, which makes the process faster. If you cannot find your notice, you can still renew — you will just need to look up your information or bring your current license to an exam station.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical or legal restrictions.
  • By-mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but requires you to mail in your current license and a completed form.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing Exam Station is required if your license expired more than a year ago or if you have changed your name, address, or medical status.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and includes your renewal fee, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process.
  • South Dakota driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online Renewal Through the South Dakota DPS Website

Go to dps.sd.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the state database and show you the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license.

After you pay by credit or debit card, the system generates a receipt. You do not receive a new physical license when ready — instead, you will get a temporary digital license on your phone through the MiDrive app, which you can use right away for most purposes. Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This route works only if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical suspensions, legal holds, or changes to your address or name.

By-Mail Renewal for Current License Holders

If your license is still valid and you have not moved or changed your name, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety by calling 605-773-6883, or read the form from dps.sd.gov. Complete the form, include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the department receives your envelope. You will not have a valid license during this time unless you also obtain a temporary permit, so plan ahead if you need to drive. The new license arrives by mail once processing is complete. This method works only if your license has not expired more than one year and your address and name remain the same.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Licensing Exam Station

Visit any Driver Licensing Exam Station in South Dakota with your current license or ID, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The exam station staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new physical license is printed and mailed to you. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions or suspensions, or if your address or name has changed.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired More Than One Year

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 the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

The station will process your renewal the same way as a current license holder, and you will receive a temporary paper license and a new physical license by mail. There is no additional penalty or fee for the expired status itself, but you should not drive with an expired license — doing so can result in a traffic citation.

Updating Your Address, Name, or Medical Information During Renewal

If you have moved, changed your name, or your medical status has changed (such as a new vision correction or a medical condition affecting your ability to drive), you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to make these changes.

Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if applicable), a certified copy of the document showing your name change (if applicable), and any medical documentation your doctor has provided if your medical status has changed. The exam station will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information. If you have a medical restriction or suspension on your record, the station staff will explain what it means and what you can do about it.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Period

South Dakota driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. The renewal fee depends on the type of license you hold. A standard driver's license costs one amount, while a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) costs more. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you can start the process as soon as you receive your renewal notice.

Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at an exam station accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Ask about the exact fee amount when you begin your renewal, as it may change year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety before you can renew. Call 605-773-6883 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the issue is cleared, you can renew in person at an exam station.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You can renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station without your current license. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of your current address instead. The station will issue a new license with the current expiration date, so you will not lose time on your renewal cycle.

Do I need a REAL ID license to renew my current license?

No. If your current license is a standard license, you can renew it as a standard license. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license during renewal, you can do so in person or online, but it costs more. REAL ID is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025, but you can still renew a standard license if you prefer.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: about two weeks from the date received. In-person renewal: you get a temporary paper license when ready, and your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license is not expired more than one year. If you are out of state and your license has expired more than a year, you will need to renew in person at a South Dakota exam station when you return, or contact the department about other options.