Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?
The state of South Dakota does not require you to take a motorcycle training course in order to obtain a motorcycle license. Completing a drivers ed course will reduce the time needed for retaining a learner s permit from 180 to 90 days, and it allows you to avoid the drivers license tests. The South Dakota Department of Education, as part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, offers a drivers ed course which gives you the opportunity to improve yourself as a cautious and responsible operator of any motor vehicle. To go into further details about the course and what are the advantages of taking it, you should read the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?
South Dakota has a state law which requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 years of age to wear protective headgear while riding a motorcycle. Riders above 18 years old are not required by law to wear protective headgear, but it is recommended in case of an accident.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?
South Dakota residents do not have the option of renewing their CDL license online, and must visit a local South Dakota DMV office. The renewal process must be completed 180 days before the expiration date by providing the following:

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Can I take the DMV written test online?
South Dakota does not offer the written drivers test online. You must to your local South Dakota DMV office and submit a signed application from a parent or legal guardian, along with the needed documentation and a payment for the learners permit fee. Once you are there, you will have to pass two examinations:
  • Vision screening
  • Written drivers test.

You can prepare yourself by taking online practice driving tests and reading the South Dakota Driver License Manual prior to your visit to the South Dakota DMV.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?
If you want to operate a commercial motor vehicle anywhere in the United States, you must be at least 21 years old. South Dakota residents who possess a CDL license are required to submit a Medical Self-Certification Statement to the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program classifying their commercial transportation as one of the following:
  • Non-excepted Interstate
  • Excepted Interstate
  • Excepted Intrastate
  • Non-excepted Intrastate

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?
Residents of South Dakota who own and want to legally operate scooters or mopeds on the road must get a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers licenses The state of South Dakota has certain regulations which require the drivers to pass a written drivers test and a driving test. For additional details about these exams and the motorcycle endorsement, read the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?
Drivers in South Dakota are not required to take a drivers ed course to obtain a drivers license. Enrolling in a drivers ed course will reduce the time period for holding a learners permit before being eligible to apply for a drivers license from 180 days to 90 days. It will also allow a driver to bypass the vision and written exams.

Once you successfully finish a drivers ed course, a copy of the certificate will be sent to the South Dakota DMV. If you are under 18, your certificate must be signed by a parent or a legal guardian.

For more information: Driver’s Education in South Dakota

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?
Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military have the option of adding a veteran designation to the front of their South Dakota driver’s license or ID card. A South Dakota resident who wishes to add the veterans designation to their driver’s license or non-driver ID card may visit a local South Dakota DMV office. They must present their DD-214 document showing their honorable discharge status from active duty, or present a certificate signed by a veterans service officer proving their veteran status.

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?
South Dakota residents applying for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) must visit a local South Dakota DMV office. The State requires a CDL applicant to be of at least 16 years of age and hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 South Dakota drivers license. CDL applicants will need to complete the following:
  • Bring the required documents:

â—¦ A certificate of the agreement with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

â—¦ proof of identity

â—¦ proof of South Dakota residency

â—¦ proof of authorized presence

â—¦ proof of Social Security number

â—¦ Medical Examiner’s Certificate

  • Pass the required exams:

â—¦ written drivers test

â—¦ vision screening test

â—¦ skills test

  • A $25 fee for your commercial drivers license, along with a $15 fee for each license endorsement.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?
If you are a South Dakota resident under 18 years of age, you need to go through the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) process in order to obtain a learners permit. This process consists of three steps:
  • Instruction permit
  • Restricted minor’s permit
  • Operator s driver’s license

You must be at least 14 years old and you have to be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian when signing the application for instruction permit at a local South Dakota DMV office. Documentation proving your identity, Social security number and South Dakota residency will be required and you must pass two examinations:

  • Vision screening
  • Written knowledge test.

The instruction permit is valid for one-year and carries a $28 administrative fee .

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?
South Dakota drivers can apply for a motorcycle endorsement on their existing drivers license. You can submit an application for any of these motorcycle licenses at a local South Dakota DMV office:
  • Motorcycle Instruction Permit
  • Motorcycle Restricted Minor’s Permit
  • Motorcycle Operator’s License

In order to obtain any of these motorcycle licenses, you must:

  • Be 14 years old (or 16 years old for the motorcycle operator’s license)
  • Have a valid South Dakota drivers license
  • Successfully complete the motorcycle knowledge, vision and skills tests
  • Pay the required motorcycle endorsement fee

To study for the knowledge and skills tests, refer to the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

How do I get a duplicate ID card?
Residents of South Dakota with a lost, damaged or stolen ID card, must contact the nearest South Dakota DMV office for information on obtaining an identification card replacement. If you apply in person, you should submit the same documentation at the DMV as when you were submitting your original ID card application. If you are outside the state of South Dakota or a military member, you are required to apply for a duplicate ID card by mail by sending in:
  • A federally compliant ID card
  • A completed South Dakota Driver License/I.D. Card Application
  • Two proofs of your South Dakota residential address
  • Two proofs of your identity
  • A self-addressed and stamped envelope
  • A check or money order for the replacement fee

To the following address:

Driver Licensing Program

118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre SD 57501

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?
In South Dakota your instruction permit is valid for one year. If you do not pass the written drivers test three times or do not complete the drivers ed course, you will have to reapply for an instruction permit. You must hold your instruction permit for 180 days unless you complete a drivers ed course which will reduce that time period to 90 days. Then you may obtain a restricted minor’s permit that has a validity of five years. Once those five years pass or you turn 16 years of age, you can apply for a full and unrestricted operator’s driver’s license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

How do I renew my ID card?
South Dakota residents that need an ID card renewal, will be required to provide a federally compliant ID card with a golden star on it in order to apply by mail or online. The only exception to this law is for active military members. The following ways are available to South Dakota residents for renewing ID cards:
  • When applying online at the Driver Licensing – Online Renewal, you must have a federally compliant ID card. You need to provide two proofs of your current address and pay the $28 required renewal fee.
  • When applying by mail, you must have a federally compliant ID card and you need to submit the documents:

â—¦ Completed South Dakota Driver License/I.D. Card Application

â—¦ Two proofs of your South Dakota residential address

â—¦ Proof of legal status in U.S., if you are a non-U.S. citizen

â—¦ Payment for the $28 renewal fee

Send all these documents to the following address:

Driver Licensing Program

118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre SD 57501

â—¦ A completed South Dakota Driver License/I.D. Card Application

â—¦ Your ID card

â—¦ Proof of legal status in U.S., if you are a non-U.S. citizen

â—¦ Payment for the $28 renewal fee

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?
Residents of South Dakota should not wait for a CDL renewal to renew their medical report, since the Medical Examiner’s Certificate expires every two years. Drivers will be notified by mail 60 days before the expiration date of their medical certificate. They will have to make an appointment with a Medical Examiner to have an examination. CDL holders must send a new Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Medical Self-Certification Statement to the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program prior to the expiration date. The following are acceptable ways of sending the needed certifications:
  • By mail to the address:

Driver Licensing Program

118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre SD 57501

  • By fax: 605-773-3018
  • By email: DPSCDLMedCert@state.sd.us

If South Dakota drivers do not send a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Medical Self-Certification Statement to the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program before the expiration date, their CDL license will be downgraded.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?
Residents in South Dakota who have a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license must renew the motorcycle endorsement at the same time of their drivers license renewal. You have the option to renew your motorcycle license either online at the Department of Public Safety website or in person at any local South Dakota DMV office by providing:
  • Driver’s license number
  • Date of birth
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Two documents as proof of your residential address

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?
Military members in South Dakota undergo the same process for getting a motorcycle license as for getting a regular drivers license, since they re only adding a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license. Members of the Armed Forces on active duty can obtain a valid license from their home state, following the same process as for obtaining a regular drivers license:
  • Present:

â—¦ Proof of your identity, date of birth and lawful status

â—¦ Proof of Social Security number

â—¦ Two documents as a proof of your South Dakota residential address

â—¦ Proof of your name change (if relevant)

  • Have your photo taken
  • Pass the following tests:

â—¦ Vision test

â—¦ Written knowledge test

â—¦ Driving skills test

  • Pay the required motorcycle license fee

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?
The length of time required to hold a learner s permit before applying for a drivers license in South Dakota is 180 days. Completing a driver s ed program will reduce that waiting period from 180 days to 90 days. Depending on when you complete each of the three steps that minors in South Dakota are required to go through will determine when you get drivers license:
  • Instruction permit
  • Restricted minor’s permit
  • Operator s driver’s license

In South Dakota, you must be at least 16 years old in order to be eligible for a full, unrestricted operator’s drivers license. You need to complete all the requirements for an instruction permit and not commit any traffic violation in the six months prior to the application date. If you fail to apply for an operator’s drivers license by 16 years of age, your restricted minor’s permit will turn into an operator’s drivers license once you turn 18 years old.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

How long will it take to get my new ID card?
South Dakota residents may obtain an ID card at a local South Dakota DMV office and will receive the ID card the same day or within the few days following. This depends on whether they have time to wait at a DMV office or must return on a more convenient day to receive their new ID card.

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?
South Dakota residents need a CDL license renewal before the expiration date printed on their license. CDL licenses are valid for five years and usually expire on the holder s birthday. The renewal process must be completed at a local South Dakota DMV office 180 days prior to the expiration date.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?
If you are an out-of-state South Dakota resident or a military member on active duty, you will have to apply for a duplicate ID card by mail, by providing:
  • A federally compliant ID card
  • A South Dakota Driver License/I.D. Card Application
  • Two proofs of your South Dakota residential address
  • Two proofs of your identity
  • A self-addressed and stamped envelope
  • A check or money order for the replacement fee

To the following address:

Driver Licensing Program

118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre SD 57501

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?
South Dakota residents must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Class 1 or Class 2 drivers license to apply for a CDL license. To obtain a CDL license with a hazardous materials endorsement, an applicant must be 21 years old and hold a South Dakota drivers license.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?
South Dakota has age restrictions on motorcycle endorsements based on type:
  • Motorcycle Instruction Permit: 14 years old
  • Motorcycle Restricted Minor’s Permit: 14 years old
  • Motorcycle Operator’s License: 16 years old

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

What are the available commercial license endorsements?
Commercial drivers in South Dakota are required to add CDL endorsements to their licenses before transporting passengers or cargo in a commercial motor vehicle. South Dakota has six endorsements:
  • Double/Triple Trailers (Class T)
  • Tank Vehicles (Class N)
  • Passengers (Class P)
  • School Buses (Class S)
  • Hazardous Materials (Class H)
  • Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle (Class X)

To apply for a CDL license or CDL endorsements, contact your local South Dakota DMV office.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?
In South Dakota, ID card fees vary depending on whether or not the resident is getting a new ID card, a replacement or a renewal but are typically $28.

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?
South Dakota residents face the following learners permit restrictions, according to the type of learners permit they possess:
  • Instruction permit

â—¦ Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. you can drive under the supervision of a driver who has one-year driving experience, at least 18 years of age and who is sitting next to you

â—¦ Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. you can drive only under the supervision of your parent or legal guardian

  • Restricted minor’s permit

â—¦ Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. you are allowed to drive unsupervised only if you have your parent or legal guardian’s permission

â—¦ Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. you can drive only under the supervision of your parent or legal guardian

  • Operator s driver’s license

â—¦ This license is a regular drivers license with full privileges and no restrictions

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?
South Dakota drivers need to obtain certain medical certifications to apply for a CDL license. Applicants must self-certify or be medically certified by an approved medical examiner that they are fit to operate a motor vehicle safely. Commercial drivers are required to bring a copy of their self-certification or Medical Examiner’s Certificate to a local South Dakota DMV office, or mail it to the following address:

Driver Licensing Program

118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre SD 57501

A copy of the self-certification or the Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required to be in your motor vehicle during operation. Drivers in South Dakota must certify on their driver license application which of the following types of commerce they will operate in:

  • Interstate non-excepted
  • Interstate excepted
  • Intrastate non-excepted
  • Intrastate excepted

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
In South Dakota, a motorcycle endorsement is required in order to operate a three-wheel motorcycles. The requirements to operate it would be the same as for a motorcycle:
  • Pass a written drivers test
  • Pass a driving test

For additional details about the exams, read through the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual. This supplement contains specific information about the safe operation of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?
When you file an application for a learners permit at a local South Dakota DMV office, you will be required to submit the following documents:
  • Application form
  • Signed parental consent
  • Proof of identity:

â—¦ Original U.S. birth certificate

â—¦ Valid U.S. passport

â—¦ Documents for citizenship

  • Social Security Card as a proof of your Social Security number (SSN)
  • Two proofs of South Dakota residency:

â—¦ School report card

â—¦ Pay stub

â—¦ Residency documents from your parent or legal guardian

  • Payment for the $28 learners permit fee

The South Dakota DMV also requires you to pass two examinations:

  • Vision screening
  • Written knowledge test

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?
Residents of South Dakota who would like to apply for a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement, must provide the same required documentation as for a regular drivers license to their local South Dakota DMV office:
  • Proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status
  • Proof of your Social Security number
  • Two proofs of your residential address in South Dakota
  • Proof of your registration at the Selective Service
  • Payment of the required fee

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?
The South Dakota residents are required to pass certain examination in order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license. The process consists of three exams:
  • Vision test
  • Knowledge test
  • Motorcycle skills Driving test

Before taking any test, schedule an appointment at a local South Dakota DMV office. For additional details about the exams, read the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual. Practice exams are also available to help familiarize an individual with the South Dakota knowledge tests.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?
Residents of South Dakota convicted of a DUI while operating any motor vehicle will have their CDL license disqualified. Also CDL s can suspended or revoked for the following:
  • If you have an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more
  • If you refuse to take a BAC test
  • If you are criminally convicted for DUI

CDL drivers in South Dakota face the following penalties for DUI related convictions:

  • First offense: CDL license disqualified for one year (three years if transporting hazardous materials).
  • Second offense: Lifetime disqualification on your CDL license, which can be reinstated after 10 years, if the state decides to award you a reinstatement.
  • Major violation: permanent and irreversible disqualification of your CDL license at the courts discretion.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?
Residents of South Dakota can apply for ID cards at a local South Dakota DMV office which provide proof of:
  • Identity
  • Age
  • South Dakota residence

ID cards do not allow for the legal operation of a motor vehicle.

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?
In South Dakota, a written drivers test contains 25 questions on topics related to safe driving, rules of the road and traffic laws. If you want to obtain a South Dakota learners permit, you need to pass this written drivers test with a score of 80 percent or higher. You may take the written drivers test once a day and if you fail, you are allowed to take the test again the following business day. Once an applicant fails the written drivers test three times they will not be allowed to take the exam again until they reapply for a learners permit. Prepare yourself by taking online practice driving tests and reading the South Dakota Driver License Manual.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?
Any South Dakota resident who wants to obtain a learners permit, needs to pass two examinations at the time of application:
  • vision screening
  • written knowledge test

Completion of a drivers ed course excludes you from these exam requirements. Presenting a signed drivers ed certificate with a score of 80 percent, will be enough to get your restricted minor’s permit without taking the road skills test.

You can always prepare for the tests by reading the South Dakota Driver License Manual, taking a learners permit practice test online, or buying a South Dakota Practice Test from the DMV website.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?
South Dakota residents must pass number of tests in order to receive their CDL license. These tests include:
  • Knowledge tests:

â—¦ One or more knowledge tests are required, depending on the commercial license class and on the types of endorsements you need.

  • Skills tests:

â—¦ Pre-trip inspection

â—¦ Basic vehicle control

â—¦ On-road driving

The skills test for a CDL license are not conducted in a local South Dakota DMV office, but at a Third Party Tester location.

For more information: South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?
In South Dakota, an ID card is valid for five years before you will have to renew ID card. A South Dakota ID card issued before a drivers 21st birthday expires 30 days after their 21st birthday. If your ID card is expired for more than one year, you will not be allowed to renew ID card, and will have to apply for a new one.

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?
Residents of South Dakota may obtain ID cards by visiting a local South Dakota DMV office. Initial ID cards cannot be obtained online or by mail. To apply for ID cards, residents must bring documents proving their identity, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful U.S. presence and South Dakota residential address. A $28 fee for a new ID card is also required.

For more information: How to Apply for a South Dakota Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?
Residents of South Dakota under 18 years of age need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when signing the application for a learners permit at a local South Dakota DMV office. Parents or legal guardians need to sign your drivers ed certificate as well. One of the parents or legal guardians must also supervise or give their permission so that you may drive with an instruction permit or restricted minor’s permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in South Dakota