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new south dakota drivers license - SD

South Dakota Drivers License Information

To get your drivers license in South Dakota, you need to apply for an Operator's Class C drivers license. You must have a South Dakota license within ninety (90) days of establishing residency. You must give up any other Drivers License that you have previously held from any other State.  Please have your South Dakota license with you at all times, its the law.

South Dakota Drivers License Requirements

18 years and under (Graduated Licensing System)

  • Instruction Permit

    • A few of the requirements:
      • You must be between 14 years and 18 years old.
      • Parent or Legal Guardian written approval.
      • Must have an adult with you at all times.
      • For complete details and to get your South Dakota Instruction Permit, please SIGN IN HERE
  • Restricted Minor Permit

    • A few of the requirements:
      • You must be between 14 years and 16 years old.
      • Parent or Legal Guardian written approval.
      • You must have had an Instruction Permit (see above) for at least one hundred and eighty (180) days or for ninety (90) days if have had south dakota drivers ed.
      • You may drive by yourself at certain times.
      • For complete details and to get your South Dakota Restricted Minor's Permit, please SIGN IN HERE
  • Operator's License Class C

    • You must be between 16 years and 18 years old.
    • You must have had an Instruction Permit (see above).
    • Parent or Legal Guardian written approval.
    • For complete details and to get your South Dakota Operator's License, please SIGN IN HERE

 

18 years and over

  • Instruction Permit

    • A few of the requirements:
      • Take and pass the Vision and Knowledge Tests. 
      • For complete details and to get your South Dakota Instruction  Permit, please SIGN IN HERE
  • Operator's License Class C

    • Take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests. 

 

For complete details and to GET your South Dakota license, please SIGN IN HERE

South Dakota Drivers Ed

Visit our south dakota drivers ed page for more information on South Dakota driver education.

Tests Required

  • Vision Test

  • Knowledge Test

  • Driving / Road Test

Test requirements vary by age and depending on whether you've previously held a license in another state. 

For complete details and to GET your South Dakota license, please SIGN IN HERE

Fee

New Driver's License Class C

  • $20.00

Instruction Permit

  • $20.00 

 

For complete Fees SIGN IN HERE 

Documents needed to get your South Dakota Drivers License

  • Proof of Identity and Date of Birth and Lawful Status

    • A few examples:
      • U.S. Birth Certificate (must be certified)
      • U.S. Passport (must be active)
      • Naturalization Certificate
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE
  • Social Security Number

    • A few examples:
      • Social Security Card 
      • 1099 Form
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE
  • Proof of South Dakota Residential Address

    • A few examples:
      • Report Card or Transcript from school (school must be accredited)
      • Bank or Mortgage papers
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE
  • For Minors (Under 18)

    • Parent or Legal Guardian approval.

  • Non U.S. Citizens

    • Some examples:

      • Proof of Legal Presence by showing a document from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE

 

South Dakota Driver Exam Station

Go to your South Dakota Driver Exam Station in order to take your required tests. You can use our locator to find the office that is closest to you.

Take the South Dakota Drivers License Test

At this point you need to make sure that you have prepared and studied all of the material for the written test. You can find the South Dakota Driver Test handbook here

Buy a Car and Get Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is required by law in most states. Click HERE to get started and we'll help you find the lowest rates in your state.

Take the Driving Test

Your last step is to show up to your local South Dakota Driver Exam Station and take the driving test.

 

Other Driver License Topics in the State of South Dakota

  • New Driver's License
  • Renew Driver's License
  • Learner's Permit