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Are you ready to learn how to get your driver’s license in South Dakota? You’ve come to the right place. This article tells you everything you know about driver’s licenses in SD and how to obtain them. Let’s get started!

Types of South Dakota Driver’s Licenses

In South Dakota, you can apply for different driver’s licenses depending on the type of vehicle want to drive. South Dakota currently has the following driver’s licenses:

  • Full unrestricted driver’s license
  • Restricted Learner’s Permit (for teenage drivers)
  • Motorcycle license
  • Commercial driver’s license

South Dakota Driver’s License Requirements

Before you rush to your local South Dakota Department of Public Safety (SD DPS), you need to know whether you are required to apply for a new SD driver’s license.

You must apply for a South Dakota driver’s license if the following applies to you:

  • You are a current resident of South Dakota who has never been licensed
  • You are a new resident of South Dakota and want to apply for a South Dakota driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
  • You plan to operate any non-commercial Class A or Class B vehicles
  • You have a legal presence. In the state of South Dakota and the United States (you do not have to have a South Dakota driver’s license if you have a diplomatic driver’s license that was issued by the U.S. Department of State.)

You are NOT required to obtain a South Dakota driver’s license if any of the following applies to you:

  • You are at least 18 years old, and visiting South Dakota with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • You are an active military member or dependent who is stationed in South Dakota (as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in South Dakota)
  • You operate farm vehicles off public highways
  • You ONLY operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing public roads)

Applying for Your South Dakota Driver’s License

To apply for an SD driver’s license, you need to visit your local SD DPS branch in person with the following:

  • Proof of your:
    • Identity
    • Date of birth
    • Lawful status (such as a certified birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or valid passport)
  • Proof of your social security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub)
  • 2 documents that prove your SD residential address (such as a utility bill, pay stub, or bank statement)
  • Proof of your legal name change (if applicable)
  • Payment for the $28 fee

Be advised that you must have your photo taken and pass the following exams:

  • Vision test
  • Written knowledge test
  • Driving skills test

You can review the South Dakota Driver’s License Manual here before you take your tests. You have 3 attempts to take and pass the written and driving tests within 6 months.

Acceptable Identification Documents in South Dakota

In South Dakota, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for an SD driver’s license. You can use the following documents as proof of identity:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Armed forces ID cards
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the SD DPS branch.)

You can use the following documents as proof of your full legal name:

  • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
  • Name change documents that contain your legal name before and after
  • Marriage certificate
  • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order

The following documents can be used to establish your residency in South Dakota:

  • Resident utility bills (can include cell phone bills)
  • Insurance documents
  • South Dakota vehicle or vessel title or registration
  • A record of a financial institution (bank statement)

Legal guardians, parents, and children can use a birth certificate. A spouse or domestic partner can use a marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate to prove their relationship to the individual to whom the acceptable residency documentation was addressed.

Obtaining A South Dakota Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

Getting a driver’s license can be exciting and scary! Here’s what you need to know to obtain a South Dakota driver’s license under the age of 18.

Applying for a Teenage Driver’s License in South Dakota

The SD DPS requires drivers who are under the age of 18 to follow the SD graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) process. You will start with an instruction permit. The SD GDL process will take you through different stages and lift driving restrictions as you become a more experienced driver. This program is designed to help you become a safer driver and reduce the accident rate among teenage drivers.

Teenage Drivers Who Are New to South Dakota

As a new SD resident, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 60 days of moving to the state. You can contact the SD DPS at (605) 773-6883 to find out which SD permit or driver’s license you are eligible to receive.

Transferring Your Out-of-State Driver’s License

Regardless of the permit or license you apply for; you must apply in person at an SD DPS branch. You will need the following to apply for an SD permit or license:

  • Your parent or guardian to give permission (if you are under 18 years old
  • Proof of your identity, date of birth, and lawful US status, which can include the following:
    • Certified US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Citizenship or naturalization documents
  • Proof of your Social Security number, which can include the following:
    • Your Social Security card
    • A W-2 form
    • A 1099 statement
  • 2 documents to prove your SD residency and physical address, which can include the following:
    • A school report card or transcript
    • A pay-stub
    • Your parent or guardian’s residency forms if you DO NOT have your own. If you use your parent’s documents, you must provide a signed and notarized Consent for Use of South Dakota Address (click here to download the form)
  • Payment for the fee by check, cash, or money order (you can contact the SD DPS for exact fees, as they may be adjusted based on your age or licensing stage.)

You will also be required to pass a vision screening and may also need to pass a written knowledge and driving skills test. The SD DPS makes certain considerations if you’ve taken Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) in your previous state but will ONLY accept courses that meet South Dakota DPS requirements.

South Dakota Graduated Driver’s License Program

The graduated driver’s license (GDL) process in SD applies if you are under 18 years of age and want to get your SD driver’s license.

The three stages of the GDL process include the following:

  • Instruction permit – allows supervised driving ONLY
  • Restricted minor’s permit – allows restricted unsupervised driving
  • Operator’s driver’s license – allows full driving privileges

South Dakota Age Requirements

You must meet the minimum age requirements for the following GDL stage:

  • Instruction permit – 14 years old
  • Restricted minor’s permit – Eligible after obtaining your instruction permit for 275 days (reduced to 180 days if you pass an approved Driver’s Ed course)
  • Operator’s driver’s license – 16 years old

South Dakota Instruction Permit

An SD learner’s permit, or instruction permit is required for all new drivers who are under the age of 18. The learner’s and instruction permit gives you information and time to learn the skills you need to be a responsible driver.

To receive an instruction permit, you need to be at least 14 years old. You must visit an SD DPS branch with the following:

  • Your parent or guardian (they must give their permission)
  • Proof of your identity (including your date of birth and lawful US status, which can include your:
    • Certified US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Citizenship or naturalization documents
  • Proof of your Social Security number, such as your:
    • Social Security card
    • W-2
    • 1099 statement to prove your social security number
  • 2 documents that prove your SD residency and physical address, which can include your:
    • School report card or transcript
    • Pay stub
    • A parent or legal guardian’s residency forms (if you don’t have your own). If you use your parent’s documents, you must also provide a signed and notarized Consent of Use of South Dakota Address (click here to download the form)
  • Payment for the $28 fee (check, cash, or money order is accepted)

To receive an SD instruction permit, you are required to pass a vision screening and written knowledge test. Your permit will be valid for 1 year. If you let your permit expire and you’re under 18 years of age, when you reapply, you must start the instruction period over.

South Dakota Instruction Permit Driving Restrictions

Between 6 AM and 10 PM, you are restricted to ONLY operating a motor vehicle with a supervising driver who:

  • Is at least 18 years old
  • Has at least 1 year of driving experience
  • Is sitting next to you while you are driving

You are ONLY allowed to drive if you are supervised by your parent or legal guardian between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Driver’s Education in South Dakota

The best way for you to learn driving skills is while you have your SD instruction permit and complete a Driver’s Ed course. If you complete and pass Driver’s Ed, you will have the following advantages:

  • Reduce the amount of time you are required to attain your SD instruction permit from 275 days to 180 days
  • Bypass the SD DPS driving test (you must score at least 80% on the test in an approved Driver’s Ed class. However, Driver’s Ed is NOT required.

South Dakota Restricted Minor’s Permit

The SD restricted minor’s permit is the intermediate stage between the instruction permit and full driving privileges. To advance to your SD restricted minor’s permit, you must have/done the following:

  • Attained your SD instruction permit for at least 275 days (180 days if you passed an approved Driver’s Ed class.) Your instruction permit can NOT be expired.
  • No traffic violation convictions within the previous 6 months
  • Have a minimum of 50 hours of parent or guardian supervised driving which must include a minimum of the following:
    • 10 hours of night driving
    • 10 hours of inclement weather driving
    • A signed and completed Supervised Driving Log (click here to download the log) that shows the 50 hours of your supervised practice driving

Applying for a South Dakota Restricted Minor’s Permit

You are required to apply in person at an SD DPS branch. You will need the following:

  • Your parent or guardian to give permission
  • Proof of your identity (including your date of birth and lawful US status), such as the following:
    • A Certified US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Citizenship or naturalization documents
  • Proof of your Social Security number, such as your:
    • Social Security card
    • W-2
    • 1099 statement
  • 2 documents that prove your SD residency and physical address, such as your:
    • School report card or transcript
    • Pay stub
    • Parent or legal guardian’s residency forms (if you do not have your own). If you use your parent’s documents you must provide a signed and notarized Consent for Use of South Dakota Address (click here to download the form.

There is no charge to advance from the instruction permit to the restricted minor’s permit. To receive your restricted minor’s permit, you must pass a road skills test or present a signed Driver’s Ed completion certificate that shows you scored at least 80% in an approved Driver’s Ed course. Your Colorado restricted minor’s permit will be valid for 5 years.

Colorado Minor’s Permit Driving Restrictions

With a restricted minor’s permit, you can drive:

  • Unsupervised from 6 AM to 10 PM (with your parent or legal guardian’s permission)
  • Supervised by a parent or guardian between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM
  • You can NOT have ANY passengers outside of your immediate family or household for the first 6 months after issuance
  • You may ONLY have one passenger outside your immediate family or household after the initial 6 months after issuance.

South Dakota Operator’s License

The SD operator’s license is a standard driver’s license with full privileges. You can apply for your SD operator’s license when you turn 16 years old and have attained a restricted minor’s permit for at least 6 months. If you do not apply for an operator’s license, your restricted minor’s permit will become an operator’s license when you turn 18 years of age.

Applying for Your Operator’s License

You can apply for your operator’s license by mail or in person.

Applying by Mail

To apply for your SD operator’s driver’s license by mail, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have had NO traffic convictions
  • Attained a restricted minor’s permit for at least 6 months

You will also need the following:

  • A completed South Dakota Driver’s License/ID Card Application (click here to download the application) – If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian is required to sign the form and their signature must be notarized.
  • A copy of your current minor’s permit
  • 2 documents that prove your South Dakota residency (these documents can be copies of utility bills, a lease, or other acceptable documents). If you use your parent’s documents, you need to provide a signed and notarized Consent for Use of South Dakota Address (click here to download the form).
  • A money order or check for the $28 fee (this fee is adjusted if you are under 21 years of age. You can call the SD DPS office at (605) 773-6883 for the exact fees that apply to you.)

Send your application and required documentation to the following address:

Driver Licensing
118 West Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

When you receive your new SD driver’s license, mail your permit to the SD DPS in the envelope provided.

Applying in Person

You can also apply for your SD operator’s license in person at an SD DPS branch. To upgrade your minor’s restricted permit to an SD operator’s license, you must bring the following to an SD DPS branch:

  • Your parent or guardian (to give permission)
  • Your minor’s restricted permit
  • 2 documents that prove your SD residency that shows your physical address (your parent can provide these documents)
  • Payment for the $28 fee (check, cash, and money orders are accepted). If you are under 21 years of age, your fee will be adjusted.

To upgrade your SD instruction permit to an operator’s driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years old. You will need to bring the following to an SD DPS branch:

  • Your parent or guardian (to give permission)
  • Proof of your identity (documents must include your date of birth and lawful US status), which can include the following:
    • Certified US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Citizenship or naturalization documents
  • Your Social Security card ( you can also bring your W-2 or a 1099 statement)
  • 2 documents that prove your SD residency and physical address, which can include your:
    • School report card or transcript
    • A pay stub
    • Your parent or legal guardian’s residency forms. If you use your parent’s documents, you must provide a signed and notarized Consent for Use of South Dakota Address (click here to download the form)
  • Payment for the $28 fee (can be paid by money order, check, or cash). The fee may be different depending on your age. You can call the SD DPS office by calling (605) 773-6883 for the exact fees you are required to pay.

You will also need to pass the road skills test or present a valid and signed Driver’s Ed completion certificate that shows you scored at least 80% in an approved course.

The South Dakota Written Exam and Road Test

When you’re applying for your SD driver’s license or permit, you may be required to pass the South Dakota written exam and road test.

The South Dakota Written Exam

The South Dakota written exam has a total of 25 questions. You must answer a minimum of 20 questions to pass the written exam with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply to take this exam is 14.

The South Dakota Road Test

When you’re trying to obtain an SD driver’s license, you must also pass the SD road test. During this test, you will be required to perform standard driving maneuvers, such as:

  • Parking
  • Turning
  • Reversing
  • Adhering to South Dakota traffic laws and road signs
  • Starting and stopping the car

The SD road test consists of more than the above-listed driving maneuvers, so make sure you study to ensure you pass your road exam on the first try.

Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in South Dakota

The non-commercial driver’s licenses in South Dakota are known as special licenses. These licenses cover vehicles that are not covered under standard SD or commercial driver’s licenses. The SD DPS also offers endorsements for certain types of vehicles and driving professions.

The application process for a new SD license class or endorsement is similar to obtaining a standard SD driver’s license. You must do the following to receive a special SD license:

  • Provide proof of your identity
  • Complete an application
  • Pay the licensing or endorsement fee
  • Pass the SD written test
  • Pass a driving test in the type of vehicle you want to drive

Shuttle Drivers in South Dakota

If you plan on becoming a shuttle driver, you are NOT required to obtain a CDL or a school bus endorsement if you operate a shuttle van or bus designed for fewer than 16 passengers.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs in South Dakota

Each municipality mandates its taxi driver’s license requirements. South Dakota does NOT issue a chauffeur’s license. You can check with the city you’re working in for possible special requirements.

To become a taxi driver or chauffeur in South Dakota, you may need to do the following:

  • Become medically certified
  • Pass a training/advanced driver’s education course
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Maintain a clean driving record
  • Pay a taxi licensing/permit fee

You can contact your city/county clerk or the SD DPS for more information.

South Dakota Sport Vehicles

In most scenarios, sport and off-road vehicles do not require you to attain a special license or endorsement. However, some sport or off-road vehicles may have a minimum operating age or a safety course requirement.

Snowmobiles

South Dakota does not require you to be a certain age to operate a snowmobile. However, if you are younger than 14 years of age, you can’t cross a public road unless you are supervised by someone who is at least 18 years of age.

Be advised that certain vehicles may require you to attain a motorcycle license or endorsement.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you have changed your name, you will be required to provide accurate name change documents if you’re applying for a new SD driver’s license or identification (ID) card. If you are applying for a REAL ID, you may be required to provide a marriage license to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name you provided on your identification document is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name. Documents that can establish your true full name can include the following:

  • A marriage certificate
  • A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
  • Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of South Dakota?

The South Dakota DPS complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This act provides first-time South Dakota driver’s license applicants with REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses. SD REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements that are required for certain tasks, such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights.

Without a REAL ID, you must bring your passport or birth certificate for the above-mentioned activities after October 1, 2021. New applicants will automatically receive an SD REAL ID.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in South Dakota?

Obtaining a South Dakota REAL ID is optional. If you have valid TSA-approved documents, you can use them to pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installation at any time.

If you will not be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are NOT required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to perform any of the following actions:

  • Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (such as a post office)
  • Drive
  • Vote
  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a South Dakota REAL ID Card?

You must take different steps to apply for an SD REAL ID card. Although REAL ID-compliant credentials are NOT required, they are good to have in many situations.

To successfully apply for a South Dakota REAL ID card, you need to take the following steps:

  • Provide proof of identity (certified birth certificate or passport)
  • Provide 2 South Dakota proof of residency documents
  • Present proof of your Social Security number

South Dakota REAL ID Fees

There are different fees you must pay in South Dakota. The following fees are what you can expect to pay to obtain different IDs in South Dakota:

  • Driver’s license or non-driver ID: $28
  • Commercial driver’s license (CDL) renewal: $33
    • $48 with HAZMAT renewal
  • Credit card fee: $2 or 2.95% of the total fee (whichever is greater)

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in South Dakota

Has driving a big rig been on your to-do list? Driving a big rig is an awesome way to earn a living and see the county from coast to coast. To do so, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

To get your CDL in South Dakota, you must go through the licensing process that is run by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) as well as follow the national regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Important Federal Training Requirements Update

Per the new federal entry-level driver training requirements that are effective as of February 7, 2022, the South Dakota MVD mandates new CDL applicants complete an entry-level driver training course through an authorized provider.

You must complete this training before applying for your first commercial driver’s license, upgrading your existing CDL class, or applying for a HAZMAT, school bus, or passenger endorsement.

Who Can Get a South Dakota CDL?

To be eligible for an SA CDL, you need to do the following:

  • Be an SD resident (if you are transferring an out-of-state CDL, you are required to do so within 30 days of establishing residency in South Dakota.)
  • Have a valid, non-commercial license
  • Be at least:
    • 18 years old to drive within South Dakota ONLY (known as intrastate driving)
    • 21 years old to drive anywhere in the country (known as interstate driving)
  • Gather paperwork to prove your identity, including:
    • Date of birth and lawful presence in the United States (1 document is required)
    • Social Security number (1 document is required)
    • Proof of South Dakota residential address (2 documents dated within 1 year are required)

You can view the South Dakota DPS’s guide to identity documents in the SD CDL Manual for more information on which documents are acceptable and the number of documents you need to bring. Be advised that ALL documents must be originals. The SD DPS will NOT accept photocopies.

South Dakota Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you can receive your CDL, you must get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Obtaining your CLP can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to enroll in a CDL education course to ensure you are as successful as possible. However, this step is NOT required by the FMCSA or the SD Motor Vehicle Division.

When you’re ready, you can schedule an appointment with your local SD DPS branch and do/have the following:

  • Have the proper identification documents
  • Bring the correct medical paperwork
  • Complete an SD Driver’s License/ID Card Application (Form REV 2019) – Click here to download the form.
  • Pass the vision screening
  • Pay the appropriate fee(s):
    • $33 CDL fee
    • $15 per endorsement added

At this time, you will also have to complete the written exams for the classification of CDL you want, as well as any endorsements you hope to add to your license. Once you complete the above steps, you’ll have your CLP. Congratulations!

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, and you will be able to renew it once, for an additional 180 days within 1 year of acquisition.

South Dakota CLP Restrictions

Although obtaining your CLP is your first step, you are required to follow different rules. Per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, commercial learner’s permit holders can ONLY drive:

  • On public roads
  • While accompanied by a full CDL holder who is licensed to drive the same class of vehicle

You will also be required to practice with your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take your skills test to earn your full CDL. If you’re not ready at this time, it’s okay! Your CLP is valid for 180 days, and you can renew it once within 1 year of receiving it, making it valid for an additional 180 days.

South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License

You’re almost done! You still need to pass the skills test. Make sure at least 14 days have passed since you received your CLP otherwise, you will be disqualified to take the test. In South Dakota, all skills tests are conducted by third-party testers. You must schedule an appointment at least 2 days in advance with one of the companies to take the test.

Make sure you do the following:

  • Ask the tester if they provide a vehicle for testing (if not, you must arrange to bring the same class of vehicle you hope to operate after licensing.)

Bring the following with you to your exam:

  • Your SD CLP
  • Your medical information
  • The appropriate fee (fees vary by testing agency but may NOT cost more than $90 plus tax, per SD law)

The exam itself consists of different parts, including the following:

  • Pre-trip inspection
  • Basic vehicle control
  • On-road test

Once you pass each section of the test, you will officially be issued your South Dakota CDL. Hooray!

South Dakota CDL Fees

The SD DPS currently charges the following for CDLs and related services:

  • Endorsements: $15 each
  • Commercial driver’s license: $33
  • Skills exam: varies by the testing facility; no more than $90 plus tax

Be advised that South Dakota skills exams are performed by third-party testers ONLY, and the rates may vary.

South Dakota CDL Medical Requirements

To obtain a CDL in South Dakota, you must first be deemed physically fit for the job. The SD DPS requires ALL CDL applicants to obtain the proper paperwork BEFORE applying for a CLP.

To be deemed medically certified in South Dakota, you need to complete the following:

The Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be completed by an FMCSA-approved physician. For more information regarding the medical process or how to self-certify, you can view the South Dakota DPS’s CDL medical information page here.

South Dakota Military CDL Testing Waivers

The FMCSA and SD DPS have developed a program to help veterans and currently enlisted service members easily obtain a CDL by waiving the skills test requirement.

To qualify, you need to:

  • Be currently enlisted or within 1 year of having left the service
  • Be a South Dakota resident
  • Have a valid South Dakota driver’s license
  • Have driven a military commercial vehicle for at least 2 years immediately before applying for a South Dakota CDL, or 4 years if you are/were in the Reserves or National Guard (part-time) – The vehicle must be/have been the same class as that which you are applying to operate with your CDL.

If you are eligible, you must provide the SD DPS with the following:

  • A completed Application for Military Skills Test Waiver (Form CDL-SK TST WVR)
  • Your current phone number
  • The last 2 years of your W-2 forms that prove your military service (National Guard or Reserve members are required to provide the last 4 years.)
  • Your military service record that proves your active duty or honorable discharge
  • Either of the following:
    • Your current military CDL

OR

  • A military CDL expired within 1 year of applying for the waiver

Send the above documentation to the following address:

Driver Licensing
118 W. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

The SD DPS will contact you with the next steps after receiving your application.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements in South Dakota

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you’re operating with the SD DPS by certifying one of the following driving categories:

  • Non-excepted interstate
  • Excepted interstate
  • Non-excepted intrastate
  • Excepted intrastate

Applying for a South Dakota Motorcycle License

Cruising down the open road on your motorcycle is a sense of peace that a lot of people crave. If you’re one of these people, you’ll need to make sure you have a motorcycle license.

New Residents of South Dakota

Welcome to the Mount Rushmore state! As a new resident of South Dakota, if you would like to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle credentials, you must visit your local SD DPS driver’s licensing office and do the following:

  • Surrender your out-of-state license
  • Present proof of your:
    • Identity
    • Date of birth
    • Lawful presence in the US
    • Social Security number (SSN)
    • SD residency
  • Pass the vision screening
  • Pass the required testing if your out-of-state credentials are expired
  • Pay the $28 SD licensing fee

The SD DPS will issue your South Dakota motorcycle license, which is valid for 5 years or until the documents proving your legal US presence expire (whichever occurs first.

Types of South Dakota Motorcycle Credentials

Depending on your age, the type of South Dakota motorcycle credentials you’re required to apply for may differ. The different types of credentials and their respective requirements are as follows:

  • SD Motorcycle Instruction Permit – allows you to practice riding a motorcycle within specific restrictions and under the supervision of a licensed adult.
  • SD Motorcycle Restricted Minor’s Permit – allows you to practice riding within specific restrictions with your parent or legal guardian’s permission.
  • SD Motorcycle Operator’s License – allows you to ride a motorcycle in South Dakota WITHOUT restrictions.

How to Get a South Dakota Motorcycle License

To be eligible to apply for a South Dakota motorcycle license, you must first meet the following minimum age requirements for each type of motorcycle credential:

  • Motorcycle Instruction Permit: 14 years old
  • Motorcycle Restricted Minor’s Permit: 14 years old
  • Motorcycle Operator’s License: 16 years old (any applicant under 18 years of age MUST first obtain one of the above permits before applying for a full license.

To be eligible for a full South Dakota motorcycle license, you need to pass the SD DPS’s written and on-road motorcycle exams or complete a motorcycle education course approved by the SD DPS. You will also be required to pass the vision screening and pay the required licensing fees.

South Dakota Motorcycle Permits

If you’re under the age of 18, the first step you need to take to get your SD motorcycle license is to earn a motorcycle instruction permit or a motorcycle-restricted minor’s permit. Visit your local SD DPS driver’s licensing office with your parent or legal guardian and do the following:

  • Take the vision test
  • Standard driver’s license (if you don’t already have a permit or license)
  • Motorcycle license
  • Pass the SD DPS’s on-road motorcycle skills exam if you’re applying for a motorcycle-restricted minor’s permit. If you’re applying for a motorcycle instruction permit, you don’t have to worry about taking the motorcycle road exam. This step will be required later in the licensing process.
  • Present proof of the following:
    • Identity
    • Lawful presence in the US
    • Date of birth
    • Social Security Number
    • South Dakota residency
  • Pay the applicable SD motorcycle permit fees

Once you complete the above-listed steps, the SD DPS will issue your motorcycle permit. Congratulations!

South Dakota Permit Requirements and Restrictions

Requirements and restrictions for your SD motorcycle permit differ based on the type of permit you’ve received. Regardless of your specific permit type, once you are 16 years old you can return to any SD DPS driver’s licensing office and upgrade your permit for an official SD motorcycle license free of charge.

South Dakota Motorcycle Instruction Permits

If you receive an SD motorcycle instruction permit, it will be valid for 1 year, and before applying for a standard SD motorcycle operator’s license, you must attain your permit for a minimum of:

  • 180 days if you choose not to enroll in any Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) courses
  • 90 days if you complete a Driver’s Ed course that is approved by the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE)
  • 30 days if you complete a DOE-approved Driver’s Ed course AND a motorcycle safety education course that is approved by the SD DPS.

You are also required to adhere to the following rules and regulations:

  • You are prohibited from transporting passengers
  • You must be accompanied by someone on another motorcycle who is at least 18 years of age, holds a valid motorcycle license, and has at least 1 year of driving experience
  • You may only ride between the hours of 6 AM and 8 PM

South Dakota Restricted Minor’s Permits

If you obtained an SD motorcycle restricted minor’s permit, it will be valid for 1 year. You can have this permit until you turn 18. At this time, you can upgrade your permit to a standard SD motorcycle operator’s license.

With a South Dakota motorcycle-restricted minor’s permit, you may ride a motorcycle as long as you have your parent or legal guardian’s permission, and you can ONLY ride your motorcycle between the hours of 6 AM and 8 PM.

Obtaining Your South Dakota Motorcycle License

Before you can apply for your SD motorcycle license, you need to have passed an on-cycle road skills test or completed a motorcycle safety education course within the previous year. You can contact the SD DPS at (605) 773-6883 for information regarding driver testing times and locations.

When you’re ready, visit your local SD DPS driver’s licensing office and do the following:

  • Submit proof of your:
    • Social Security number
    • Date of birth
    • Lawful presence in the US
    • Identity
    • SD residency
  • Pass the vision screening
  • Submit your motorcycle permit (if applicable)
  • Present proof of passing the written and road tests for your motorcycle license and a certificate of completion from a motorcycle safety course
  • Pay the $28 motorcycle licensing fee (if applicable)

After completing the above-listed steps, the SD DPS will issue your SD motorcycle operator’s license. Congratulations! This license will expire 5 years from issuance or when the document proving your legal presence expires (whichever occurs first).

South Dakota Motorcycle Education

As a new motorcycle rider, it’s a good idea to enroll in an SD motorcycle education course. Enrolling in this course can speed up the motorcycle license application process by shortening the amount of time you’re required to attain a motorcycle instruction permit, and by waiving the DPS’s written and road motorcycle exams. However, the waiver is at your jurisdiction’s discretion. You can check with your local DPS driver’s licensing office for specific options.

Completing a Basic Rider Course will teach you the following invaluable skills:

  • Finding the safest route for riding
  • Sharing the road with other drivers
  • Dealing with emergencies
  • Familiarizing yourself with the best safety practices

For more information on motorcycle education in South Dakota, you can view the SD Safety Council’s motorcycle safety programs. When you’re ready to enroll in a safety program, you can use the South Dakota online registration tool provided by the SDSC found here.

South Dakota Motorcycle License Fees

The fees that are associated with obtaining your SD motorcycle license are as follows:

  • Motorcycle license: $28
  • Motorcycle instruction permit:
    • If you already have a standard driver’s license: $15
    • If you DO NOT have a driver’s license: $28
  • Conversion of a permit to a license: free

For more information regarding motorcycle licensing fees in South Dakota, you can contact your local SD DPS driver’s licensing office.

South Dakota DPS Locations

South Dakota is different from a lot of other states. There is one main DPS location and a few driver’s license exam stations. We listed the main DPS branch and a couple of the driver’s license branches to help you get started.

South Dakota Department of Public Safety
118 W Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3178
Call for business hours

South Dakota Driver’s License Exam Station – Aberdeen Branch
2729 US Highway 12 W.
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 773-6883
Monday – Friday (7 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

South Dakota Driver’s License Exam Station – Chamberlain Branch
300 South Courtland Street
Chamberlain, SD 57325
(605) 773-6883
Tuesday (8:30 AM – 4:15 PM)

Applications are accepted until 3:15 PM

You did it! Now you know how to get different types of driver’s licenses in South Dakota.

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