Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your South Dakota driver's license in person at any of the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver licensing offices, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles more situations, but the mail option works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are renewing before it expires.

For either method, bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring proof of residency for a standard renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and handles renewals regardless of medical restrictions or license status.
  • Mail renewal costs less and takes no time at the office, but only works if your license is not suspended and has no medical restrictions.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • South Dakota charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $49 for an eight-year renewal, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS driver licensing office during business hours with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website.

Bring cash, a check, a debit card, or a credit card — all are accepted. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. You will sit for a new photo and answer a few questions about your vision and medical history. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need to drive out of state before it arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license — they issue these on the spot at no extra cost.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions listed on it, and it has not expired. read the renewal form from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website, or call 605-773-6883 to request one by mail.

Fill out the form, include your current license and payment, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. You can continue driving on your current license during this time.

If your license has expired, you cannot use the mail option. If your license was suspended for any reason, you must renew in person. If you have medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — you also must renew in person so the office can verify those restrictions still explore.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to pass a vision test or a written exam on traffic laws. The DPS office will tell you which one applies when you arrive.

Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them for the vision test. The office will let you know before you leave whether you have passed and whether your new license will be mailed or issued on the spot.

Renewing before your license expires versus after

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change the expiration date of your new license — it will still expire four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose. There is no penalty for renewing early, and some people do it to avoid a rush if they know they will be busy closer to the expiration date.

If you let your license expire, you can still renew it, but the process becomes more complicated. Licenses expired for less than one year can usually be renewed by mail or in person with no additional steps. Licenses expired for one to five years require an in-person renewal and may require a vision test. Licenses expired for more than five years require an in-person renewal, a vision test, and a written exam on traffic laws — essentially the same as explore for a new license.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving, you can update your address during renewal. In person, just tell the office your new address and they will print it on your new license. By mail, write your new address on the renewal form. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address you provide.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The office will update your name on your new license. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of the name-change document with your renewal form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. South Dakota does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is the fastest option and handles more situations.

What if I lost my current license?

If you lost your license, you cannot use the mail renewal option. Go to a DPS office in person with your proof of Social Security number and payment. The office will issue a replacement license on the spot, and you can choose to renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of your in-person renewal. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you need a license before then, ask the office for a temporary paper license at no extra cost.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. Every renewal requires a new photo, whether you renew in person or by mail. If you renew in person, you sit for the photo at the office. If you renew by mail, the DPS uses the photo from your current license.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

Tell the DPS office during renewal. If you now need glasses or contacts and did not before, they will add that restriction to your new license. If you previously needed them and no longer do, bring documentation from an eye doctor showing the change, and the office can remove the restriction.