Where to go for your driver's license in Sioux Falls

In Sioux Falls, you get your driver's license at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Program office. The main office is located at 118 West Capitol Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls. This is the only place in Sioux Falls where you can take the written test, the vision test, and the driving test, or renew a license in person.

You cannot get a driver's license at the Secretary of State's office or at any other state building — only at the Driver Licensing Program office. If you need to know their current hours or whether they're accepting walk-ins or by-appointment only, call 605-773-6883 or check the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Driver Licensing Program office at 118 West Capitol Avenue is the only place in Sioux Falls to test and issue driver's licenses.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation showing you don't have one.
  • First-time licenses require a written test, vision test, and driving test; renewals may not require testing depending on your age and license type.
  • Processing times vary, but you should plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours at the office depending on how busy it is.
  • You can renew some licenses by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which saves a trip to Sioux Falls if you live elsewhere in South Dakota.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of South Dakota residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring your passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Sioux Falls address. A credit card bill counts if it shows your address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. The staff at the office can tell you what other documents they will accept — call ahead if you're unsure about what you have.

Getting your first driver's license or learner's permit

If you have never had a South Dakota driver's license, you will take three tests: a written knowledge test about traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test with an examiner. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the South Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Public Safety website.

Before you take the driving test, you must pass the written and vision tests on the same day. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must pass it before scheduling the driving test. The driving test happens in a vehicle — usually your own or a rental — and an examiner sits with you while you drive a set route through Sioux Falls.

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test. You also need a licensed adult in the car with you while you practice. The permit costs less than a full license and lasts one year.

Renewing your license in Sioux Falls or by mail

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may renew it without retesting. Renewals at the office take about 30 minutes if the line is short. You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the same documents as a first-time license, except you don't need to prove your identity again.

If you live in South Dakota but not in Sioux Falls, you can renew by mail instead of driving to the office. Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired or has been expired less than two years. You send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and the fee. The form is on the Department of Public Safety website. Processing takes about two weeks by mail.

You can also renew online if you have a Real ID-compliant license and meet other conditions. The online renewal option is faster than mail and lets you skip the trip entirely. Check the Department of Public Safety website to see if you are may be able to access.

Real ID and what it means for your license

A Real ID is a federal standard for driver's licenses that makes them acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. South Dakota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009. If you got your license after that date, it may already be Real ID-compliant — look for a small star in the upper right corner of your license.

If your license does not have the star and you want to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need to get a Real ID license. You can get one when you renew or by visiting the Driver Licensing Program office and requesting it. Real ID licenses cost the same as regular licenses and require the same documents, but the office will verify your identity more carefully.

If you don't have a Real ID license, you can still drive in South Dakota and use your license for most purposes. You just cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities — you would need a passport or other federal ID instead.

Fees and how long processing takes

A new driver's license costs between $20 and $30 depending on how long you want it to last. A learner's permit costs less. Renewal fees are similar. The exact amount changes by year, so call the office or check the website for the current fee.

If you get your license in person at the office, you walk out with it the same day. If you renew by mail, it takes about two weeks. Online renewal is faster — usually three to five business days.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment depending on how busy the office is. There is usually no extra fee to retake the written or vision test, but call ahead to confirm.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, go to the Driver Licensing Program office and report it. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. You will get a replacement license the same day. There may be a small fee for a replacement.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can also replace it at the office. Bring the damaged license and your documents. A replacement usually costs less than a new license.

If your license was stolen and you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitor your credit report. That is a separate step from replacing your license, but it protects you if someone tries to use your stolen ID to open accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle I don't own?

Yes. You can use a rental car, a friend's car, or a family member's car for the driving test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test starts. Bring proof that you have permission to use the vehicle if it is not registered in your name.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take it as many times as you need. Each attempt may have a small fee — call the office to confirm. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the manual.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on the current policy at the office. Call 605-773-6883 to find out whether they are taking walk-ins or appointments only. During busy times, the office may require appointments to manage the line. Appointments can usually be scheduled online or by phone.

Can I get a license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will still need proof of identity and residency. The office staff can tell you what other documents they will accept in place of a Social Security card.

How long does a South Dakota driver's license last?

Driver's licenses in South Dakota last either four or eight years depending on which you choose when you get or renew your license. The eight-year license costs more but saves you a trip to renew sooner. Your license will show the expiration date on the front.