Updated On July 9, 2021
Not many people drive in South Dakota, as of two years ago that number was a little over 638,000 people. But to be fair, the population that year was only 885,000. The Mt. Rushmore state has over 1.2 million vehicles registered. Motorcycle riding is a big deal in South Dakota. The rolling-hills state is well-known for its Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which lasts for 10 days every August and attracts about 500,000 motorbike enthusiasts yearly.

The most recent motorcycle riding statistics from the Dept. of Transportation for bike ownership in South Dakota reported there are a total of 69,284 motorcycles registered in the state. When per capita ownership rates are considered, South Dakota comes out on top, with there being 12 people for every motorcycle owned. 

To get a motorcycle driver in the state, you have to pass a vision test, a knowledge test with a score of 80% or higher, and a motorcycle driving test. Keep reading for more details on South Dakota driver’s license.

South Dakota Driver’s License Renewal Guide

How to Renew a South Dakota Driver’s License

How do I renew my driver’s license in the state of South Dakota?

If you hold a South Dakota driver’s license, you should renew it before it expires. If you need to renew your driver’s license in South Dakota, then read the information below and follow the relatively straightforward instructions.

When renewing a driver’s license, the South Dakota DMV gives you 180 days to renew before your SD license or state ID expires. If you let your license expire for more than 30 days, you are required to take a written exam before you are able to renew again.

You will also have to appear at the driver exam station. The Driver Licensing website for South Dakota has an eligibility finder to check to see if you are eligible for renewal.

Online Driver’s License Renewal

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety allows you to renew online. Once you renew your driver’s license, you will receive it via USPS mail in approximately two to three weeks.

Once you determine your eligibility to renew online through the website, you will need the following documents to continue the process:

• Proof of citizenship or permanent residency.
• Current, valid South Dakota driver’s license containing a gold star.
• SD driver’s license number and last four digits of your social security number.
• 2 documents that confirm your home address. These documents must be less within a year old.
• Credit/debit card (Visa and Mastercard accepted) to pay required renewal fee.

If you are 65 or older, send a doctor’s approval form (available on the SD driver licensing website). Drivers who wear bioptic may not apply online.

In Person Driver’s License Renewal

You have to appear in person to renew your SD driver’s license under the following conditions:

• It has been ten years since you last appeared.
• You want to have your name changed.
• You want to update your license class or apply for a CDL
• You need to take a driving test.
• You are wearing bioptic lenses.
• You have a citizenship change.

South Dakota provides an online platform to schedule a DMV license renewal appointment. You can also walk into any driver license exam location to renew.

Renewing an Expired Driver’s License

What if your South Dakota driver’s license expires?

If you’ve allowed your license to expire for more than 30 days, you must appear in person to renew it. You may go to any South Dakota driver licensing location or South Dakota Department of Public Safety office nearest to you.

Should you choose to renew in person, you will need to show your expired license and provide two documents that prove your residency.

Proof of residency documents must be less than one year old. You will also need to pass a vision test, a written test, take our picture, and pay a required license renewal fee.

The driver’s license exam required with in person renewal will be facilitated and taken at the in person location you choose to visit. You must get 80% or higher on your grade to pass the test and can prepared with the driver’s license test manual available on the South Dakota driver licensing website.

If you further assistance renewing your license, you can contact the South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).