Where to go for your Sioux Falls driver's license

In Sioux Falls, you get your driver's license at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's Driver Licensing Program office. The main location is at 118 West Capitol Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls. This is the only office in Sioux Falls that issues new licenses, renewals, and replacements — you cannot do this at a police station or courthouse.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. During lunch hours (typically 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and late afternoon, lines are usually shorter. If you want to check current wait times before you go, call 605-773-6883.

Key Takeaways

  • The South Dakota Department of Public Safety office at 118 West Capitol Avenue is where you get your Sioux Falls driver's license — walk-ins are accepted, but you can call ahead to check wait times.
  • You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of your current address to get a new license.
  • A standard driver's license costs $24 and is valid for eight years; a Real ID-compliant license costs $30 and is required for federal buildings and flights after May 2025.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired and you have not had violations, but you must still visit in person for your first renewal after moving to South Dakota.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your current license or ID — the office will not accept expired documents as proof of identity.

What documents you need for a new license

To get a new driver's license in Sioux Falls, bring three things: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency — a passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. A school ID or work badge does not count.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. Proof of address means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Sioux Falls address. A bill dated within the last 60 days works best. If you just moved and do not have a bill yet, a signed lease is acceptable.

If you are renewing your license and it is not expired, you can skip the identity documents — your current license counts as proof. If your license is expired, you will need to bring the identity documents again.

The cost and type of license to choose

South Dakota offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $24 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID license costs $30 and is also valid for eight years, but it meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings, military bases, and boarding domestic flights.

As of May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you plan to fly or visit a federal facility, get the Real ID version now — you cannot upgrade later without paying the full fee again. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner so you can tell it apart from a standard license.

If you are under 18, your license will cost less and expire when you turn 21. If you are 65 or older, your license is free but must be renewed in person every four years instead of eight.

How to renew by mail if you are may be able to access

If your license is not expired and you have had no violations or suspensions, you can renew by mail without visiting the office. You cannot renew by mail if you are renewing for the first time after moving to South Dakota — your first renewal must be in person.

To renew by mail, contact the Driver Licensing Program at 605-773-6883 and ask them to send you a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $24 (standard) or $30 (Real ID), and mail it back with a copy of your current license. Processing takes about two weeks. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If something is missing or expired, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is in order, you will move to the next step.

Next, you will take a vision test and a written test on South Dakota traffic laws. The written test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly. If you fail, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost. After you pass, you will have your photo taken for the license. The photo is taken on a digital camera and printed on your license the same day.

Your new license is printed on the spot and you walk out with it. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if the line is short, or up to two hours during busy times.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your South Dakota license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary — often 30 to 90 days — and are lifted automatically when the time is up. Revocations are permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

To find out the status of your license, call the Driver Licensing Program at 605-773-6883 or visit the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website. If your license is suspended, ask when it will be lifted. If it is revoked, ask what steps you need to take to reinstate it — this usually involves paying a reinstatement fee and sometimes taking a new written test.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the same office at 118 West Capitol Avenue and tell them what happened. Bring your proof of identity and proof of address, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement license costs $24 (standard) or $30 (Real ID) and is printed the same day.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Sioux Falls Police Department as well, though this is not required to get a replacement. The police report does not affect your replacement license, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. South Dakota does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you are not a first-time renewer and have no violations, or you can renew in person at the office. Phone renewal is not available either.

What if I moved to Sioux Falls from another state?

You must get a South Dakota license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of your Social Security number and current Sioux Falls address. The fee is the same as a new license: $24 or $30 depending on whether you want Real ID.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is required. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. If you want to know the current wait time before you go, call 605-773-6883. Some people go early in the morning or mid-week to avoid longer lines.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day at no extra cost. You do not have to come back another day. Most people pass on the second try. If you fail twice, you can try again the next day or later in the week.

Can I get a Real ID license if I do not have a passport or birth certificate?

Yes. A Real ID license requires the same identity documents as a standard license — passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the South Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, though this takes several weeks. In the meantime, you can get a standard license and upgrade to Real ID later.