Renewing Your South Dakota License Online, by Mail, or In Person
South Dakota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. The fastest option is online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, medical suspension, or conviction since your last renewal. By mail takes two to three weeks. In person is necessary if you need a new photo, have had a suspension, or are renewing after your license has already expired.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. South Dakota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $24.50 if your license is current and you have had no name changes or medical holds since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing Exam Station is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you have had a suspension or conviction.
- You will need proof of South Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) for any renewal method.
- If your license is expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.
Online Renewal Through the South Dakota DMV Website
Go to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing website and select the online renewal option. 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 pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and you have no medical suspensions or disqualifications on your record. If any of these conditions explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.
The fee is $24.50, paid by debit or credit card at the end of the transaction. Your new license will arrive by mail in 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: What You Need and How Long It Takes
To renew by mail, read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from the South Dakota DMV website or request it by phone at 605-773-6883. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. You can continue to drive on your current license during this period. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your process.
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office or if you cannot renew online. However, you cannot use this method if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have had a medical suspension or conviction since your last renewal.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Licensing Exam Station
Visit any Driver Licensing Exam Station in South Dakota with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill showing your name and current address.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, or if you have had a medical suspension or conviction since your last renewal. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit. The fee is $24.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 10 to 15 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive. Exam Stations are located in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the South Dakota DMV website.
What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired
You can still renew an expired license, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before the renewal is complete, you must renew in person at an Exam Station so you can receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Expired licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit an Exam Station with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, South Dakota may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before renewing. Call the DMV at 605-773-6883 to confirm what you need to bring if your license has been expired for an extended period.
Proof of Residency and Other Documents You Will Need
For any renewal method, you need proof that you live in South Dakota. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing online, you do not need to submit proof of residency at that time, but keep it on file in case the DMV requests it later. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring the proof with you or include it with your process.
You will also need your current driver's license for any renewal method. If you have lost your license, you must renew in person at an Exam Station and bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or state ID card instead.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year driver's license is $24.50. This is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by route: online renewal accepts debit or credit card only, while in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
Processing times depend on your method. Online renewal produces a license in 10 to 15 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from receipt. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent license by mail in 10 to 15 business days.
If you need your license faster than the standard timeline, in-person renewal is your only option, since it provides a temporary license you can use right away. There is no expedited mail or online option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension or DUI conviction?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have an active medical suspension or a recent conviction. You must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station. The DMV will review your record and may require additional documentation or testing before issuing a new license.
What if I changed my name since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if you have changed your name. You must renew by mail or in person and bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Include this document with your mail process or bring it to the Exam Station.
Can I renew my license if I do not have proof of residency?
You will need proof of residency to complete your renewal. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a bank statement, insurance bill, or other government mail dated within 60 days. If you cannot obtain any of these, contact the DMV at 605-773-6883 to ask about alternatives.
What is the temporary paper license, and how long is it valid?
The temporary paper license is issued on the spot when you renew in person. It is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives by mail, which typically takes 10 to 15 business days. You should carry both the temporary license and a photo ID when driving.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid renewing close to the expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue, not from your old expiration date.