How to renew your South Dakota driver's license
You can renew your South Dakota driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Licensing exam station. Mail and online renewals take about two weeks; in-person renewal is when ready. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the state requires you to do so based on your age or medical history.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you have not received one, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement. Check your expiration date on the front of your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past four years.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the address on the notice; processing takes about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Licensing exam station takes 30 minutes to an hour and you receive your new license the same day.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
- South Dakota driver's licenses are valid for eight years; the renewal fee is $24 for a standard license.
Renewing online through the South Dakota Driver Licensing system
Online renewal is available through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and process your renewal in real time.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not currently expired, you have not changed your address in the past four years, and you do not need to update any personal information. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a temporary license number by email. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. You can drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, sign the back of your renewal notice and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order. The renewal fee is $24.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the Driver Licensing office receives your materials. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for three to four weeks total. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state.
Use mail renewal only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or personal information. If your license has expired or you need to update your information, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver Licensing exam station
You can renew in person at any Driver Licensing exam station in South Dakota. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring payment of $24 by cash, check, or debit card.
Exam stations are located in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Watertown. Hours vary by location; check the Department of Public Safety website for the station nearest you. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photograph. You will receive your new license the same day.
What to do if your license has expired for more than one year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go in person to a Driver Licensing exam station. You will need to retake the written test and the vision test, and you will need to provide proof of your Social Security number and current address.
Bring your expired license if you still have it, though it is not required. The exam station will schedule you for the written and vision tests on the same day you arrive. Plan for one to two hours total. The renewal fee remains $24.
Changing your address or personal information during renewal
If you have moved or changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days) and proof of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You cannot update your address by mail or online renewal. If you attempt to renew by mail or online without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address on file. Contact the Driver Licensing office before you renew if you need to change your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Your South Dakota driver's license must be renewed in South Dakota, and you must provide proof of a South Dakota address. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact the Driver Licensing office if you are temporarily out of state and need to renew.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using only your current driver's license and payment. If you choose to renew by mail without the notice, mail your license and $24 to the Driver Licensing office in Pierre.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your materials. Add time for mail delivery on both ends. Plan for three to four weeks total from the date you mail your renewal. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year or the state requires retesting based on your age or medical history. Standard renewals do not require you to retake any tests. The Driver Licensing office will notify you if retesting is required.
Can I renew my license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal extends your license expiration date by eight years from the date of renewal, not from your current expiration date. This is useful if you want to renew before traveling or before your renewal notice arrives.