Applications/Forms
Applications cannot be submitted on-line.
Due to federal and state regulations, as of December 31, 2009, with the exception of active duty military members and their dependents, we will not be able to issue renewals/duplicates by mail unless the applicant has been issued a federally compliant driver license or ID card. If you are out-of-state and need a temporary permit to extend your driver license, please either email us or call 1-800-952-3696 or 605-773-6883.
- This form is for use by applicants qualified for renewal or duplicate by mail only. Duplicates by mail are only available if you are still a resident and are temporarily out-of-state. In-state applicants must apply at a South Dakota driver exam station.
- Please do not use this form to register to vote for a renewal or duplicate by mail if it is nearing a registration deadline (which is 15 days prior to an election). If you need further information about voter registration, please visit the Secretary of State's web site.
Driving Record or Motor Vehicle Report
Upgrading from Restricted Permit to Operators License by mail
Medical Self-Certification Form
Medical Examination Form for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination - DOT Physical Form
Renewal by mail is allowed by law only for the following people: Military active duty members and their dependents who are temporarily out of state, and individuals who are active duty with the Peace Corps or a missionary (serving overseas). However, due to federal and state regulations, as of December 31, 2009, South Dakota is unable to issue a federally compliant driver license or ID card by mail unless the applicant has already been issued a federally compliant driver license or ID card. If you are out-of-state and need a temporary permit to extend your driver license, please either email us (all emails must contain your first and last name) or call toll-free 1-800-952-3696 (US only) or directly 605-773-6883.
Active duty military members and their dependents are able to renew their non-federally compliant driver license or ID card by mail. The license or ID card they will be issued will not be a federally compliant card.
South Dakota has a law extending the term of license by Members of Armed Forces. Please click here to read the full law.
Please note: If you have been issued a driver license or ID card in another state, your South Dakota license or ID card is inactive and you are not eligible for renewal by mail.
Applications that include a name change must be filed in person at any South Dakota driver exam station. Proof of name change is required.
Renewals by mail, please include the following items:
- Completed license application. Military personnel and their dependents may use their "stateside" residential address. All others must provide a valid SD residential address.
- A South Dakota Dept. of Public Safety Vision Statement must be completed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. The vision statement cannot be more than 6-months old. If you are stationed overseas, please have the vision statement completed in English. (ONLY South Dakota Department of Public Safety Vision Statements will be accepted.)
- Legible photocopies of these documents. If military or military dependent, one form must be a military ID card.
- If Peace Corp. or missionary, proof of such must be included with application.
- Application fee:
$20 fee for Class 1, 2 or 3
$25 fee for Commercial (Haz-mat endorsement CANNOT be renewed by mail).
If writing a check, please make it payable to "Department of Public Safety" - Active Duty Military members, please see SDCL 32-12-45
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Send to:
Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
INCOMPLETE OR ILLEGIBLE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED
Due to federal and state regulations, as of December 31, 2009, with the exception of active duty military members and their dependents, we will not be able to issue renewals/duplicates by mail unless the applicant has already been issued a federally compliant driver license or ID card. If you are out-of-state and need a temporary permit to extend your driver license, please either email us or call 1-800-952-3696 or 605-773-6883.
Please note: If you have been issued a driver license or ID card in another state, your South Dakota license or ID card is inactive and you are not eligible for a duplicate by mail.
Duplicates by mail are only available if you are still a resident and are temporarily out-of-state. In-state applicants must apply at a South Dakota driver exam station.
Applications that include a name change must be filed in person at any South Dakota driver exam station. Proof of name change is required.
Duplicates by mail, please include the following items:
-
Completed License Application
Signature requirements:- All applicants must sign the first page.
- Applicant signature is required on second page if you are or wish to become an organ donor.
- Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the second page for parental consent.
- $10 fee. If sending a check, please make it payable to "Department of Public Safety."
- Legible photocopies of two proofs of identity (or a photocopy of a federally compliant driver license or ID card). For a complete list of the acceptable documents please click on the following link: documents.
- Legible photocopies of two proofs of South Dakota residential address. Please note: If you are using a South Dakota mail forwarding address, you will need to complete a new Residency Affidavit and provide one document proving your temporary South Dakota address (a campground or RV park receipt from your most recent stay in South Dakota).
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Send all of above to:
Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
INCOMPLETE OR ILLEGIBLE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED
Upgrading Restricted Permit to Operators License by mail
Restricted Minor's Permits may be upgraded by mail if you meet the following criteria: have a federally compliant drivers license, license was issued after December 30, 2009, are at least 16 years of age, and have no traffic convictions.
To upgrade a Restricted Minor's Permit, mail the following to: Drivers Licensing Program, 118 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre SD 57501:
- Completed driver license application form (your parent's signature must be notarized).
- Copy of federally compliant driver license or ID (issued after December 30, 2009). If your driver license or ID has been lost, you must provide copies of two documents (one with your date of birth), such as a certified birth certificate and social security card.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, a copy of your Permanent Resident Card or foreign passport with U.S. Visa and valid I-94 are required.
- Copies of two documents proving address. The proof of address may be provided by the parent signing consent to have the permit upgraded.
- $20 fee (check or money order). If the applicant is 17 years old, the fee is prorated. Call 1-800-952-3696 or 605-773-6883 to have the prorated fee calculated for you.
- The upgraded license will be mailed from the Pierre central office, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope requesting the return of your old driver license.
If you are concerned about a person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and would like to have that person's driving skills re-evaluated by a driver examiner, please complete this form.
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has launched the GrandDriver program to urge the public, particularly drivers age 65 and older and their adult children, to learn more about the effects of aging on one's ability to drive. Visit the Grand Driver web site to learn more.
Restricted licenses for work purposes are available under certain circumstances for some suspensions and revocations. To determine if you are eligible, please call us at 1-800-952-3696 or 605-773-6883.
Restricted Work Permit Application
Complete the following form to allow the release of information on your drivers license.
Requesting a Clearance Application
To change the mailing address on your South Dakota driving record, email us.
Please include the following information:
Your South Dakota driver license number
Your date of birth, and
Your name, as it appears on your driver license
Please note: This process does not change the address on your driver license; it only changes the mailing address on your driving record. If you would like to change the address on your driver license, you must appear at a South Dakota driver exam station and pay the $10 data change fee.
Mailing Address • 118 West Capitol Avenue • Pierre, SD 57501