South Dakota · Knowledge testWhat are the South Dakota driver license requirements?
The manual says you may get a driver license if you:
- Are at least 14
- Provide the required documents
- Have a parent or guardian’s consent if you’re under 18, for every application
- Pass the tests you need
- Turn in every driver license or ID card you hold
- Have no suspended, revoked or denied driving privileges in South Dakota or any other state
- Haven’t been found by a court to be mentally incompetent, an alcoholic or a habitual user of illegal drugs
- Have no unpaid fines for moving traffic violations
- Are in the United States legally
The Restricted Minor’s Permit
From 14, once you’ve met the instruction permit rules, you get a Restricted Minor’s Permit by passing the driving test, as long as you’ve had no traffic conviction in the six months before. With it:
- You may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with your parent or guardian’s permission
- From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., a parent or legal guardian sits beside you, unless you’re taking the most direct route to or from school or a school event, church or a church event, work, or farm work, including driving farm machinery that isn’t subject to registration
- For the first 6 months, your only passengers are immediate family or members of your household; after that, you may carry one passenger from outside them
- You don’t use any wireless communication device while you drive
You hold it for at least 6 months, and it turns into an Operator’s License on its own at 18.
Moving up to an Operator’s License
To upgrade, you must:
- Be at least 16
- Have met the instruction permit requirements
- Have driven on a Restricted Minor’s Permit for at least 6 months
- Have had no traffic convictions in the last 6 months
The manual says the upgrade from a Restricted Minor’s Permit may be done online.
South Dakota driver’s license fees
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) fee page lists:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Driver license | $38 |
| Driver license renewal | $38 |
| Instruction permit | $38 |
| Restricted Minor’s Permit | $38 |
| Duplicate or replacement license | $20 |
| Name or address change | $20 |
| Your own driving record | $7 |
The manual, revised in November 2024, prints $28 for a license or permit and $15 for a replacement. Go by the fee page’s amounts.
Renewing your license
A South Dakota license is valid for 5 years and expires on your birthday. If you’re turning 21, it expires 30 days after your birthday instead, and you renew within those 30 days. Otherwise you can renew up to 180 days early, and every renewal includes a vision test.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, the testing page says you book a testing appointment and pass the knowledge test again. The manual gives no 30 days: it says a knowledge test is required if the license you surrender is expired. If yours has lapsed at all, ask about the test when you book. The manual also says eligible drivers may renew online or by mail once in any ten-year period.
Moving to South Dakota
With a valid out-of-state license, you apply for a South Dakota license within 90 days of becoming a resident, and you surrender the old one. No testing is needed for the transfer unless the license has a hazardous materials endorsement. Visitors who are at least 16 can drive on a valid license from their home state. Commercial driver license (CDL) holders have a shorter deadline.
Restriction codes on a license
A license can carry restrictions, shown as letters. The testing page lists:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Automatic transmission |
| B | Corrective lenses |
| C | Specially equipped vehicle |
| F | Left outside rearview mirror |
| G | No night driving |
| I | No driving outside of town |
| R | Restricted permit, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Y | Within 50 miles of your home |
Some codes used other letters before: A was E, B was O, C was Z, I was Q and Y was X. Commercial license holders may have more restrictions.
Sources: South Dakota Department of Public Safety and 3 more. Checked November 2026.
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety: Driver licensing information for teen drivers and parents ↗
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety: South Dakota driver license testing information ↗
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety: Driver license and ID card fees ↗
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety: South Dakota Driver License Manual (revised 11/2024), linked from the teen drivers page ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
Explore