Get a REAL ID in South Dakota

Get a South Dakota federally compliant (gold star) license or ID card: a first card or a transfer from another state needs a visit to a driver exam station with your documents; a South Dakota gold star card can often be renewed online.

Online?No, first card in personFirst-time applicants and new residents apply in person at a driver exam station.
Office visitYes, one visit to an exam stationWalk-ins are welcome; DPS encourages an appointment to cut your wait, and some stations are booked weeks ahead. The Sioux Falls Express Station is by appointment only and does not offer testing. Any knowledge or drive test needs an appointment. Madison, Milbank and Webster exam stations are temporarily closed.
Cost$38Driver license or non-driver ID card, new or renewal: $38. Duplicate or replacement card: $20. Name or address change: $20. Paying by card at an exam station or online adds an administrative fee of $2.00 or 2.95%, whichever is greater.

Your situation

Which license or ID card do you have now?
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Is your legal name different from the name on your birth certificate, passport or immigration document, or, if you're renewing, from the name on your current card?

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Accepted documents (bring 1)
      • U.S. certified birth certificate (issued by a state or county)
      • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
      • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (from the U.S. Department of State)
      • Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
    • Accepted documents (bring 1)
      • Social Security card
      • W-2
      • Form 1099
      • Pay stub
    • Accepted documents (bring 2)
      • Utility bill
      • Bank statement
      • Mortgage or lease agreement
      • Phone bill
      • Vehicle registration
      • Proof of vehicle insurance
      • Income tax form from employer
      • Medical bill
      • Credit card statement or bill

  2. Check the document list

    DPS lists the documents by situation: first-time applicants and new residents, transfers with a REAL ID card from another state, and South Dakota gold star cardholders.

    Required documents (printable) ↗

  3. Fill out the application form

    Print and complete the driver license and ID card application before you go. It needs an original signature and date; electronic, digital or stamped signatures are not accepted. New applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian present to sign; for renewals a parent or guardian must sign.

    Applications and forms ↗

  4. Book an appointment (optional)

    Walk-ins are welcome at driver exam stations, but DPS encourages an appointment to cut your wait; some stations are booked several weeks ahead. The Sioux Falls Express Station is by appointment only, and any knowledge or drive test needs an appointment. The Express Station does not offer testing: tests are at the main Sioux Falls exam station, 1501 South Highline Avenue.

    Appointment information ↗

  5. Visit a driver exam station

    Bring your documents and application, pay the fee, have your vision tested and your photo taken. Exam stations accept cash, check, money order and credit or debit cards.

    Driver exam station locations ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Photocopies: DPS accepts only original or certified documents, and hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted.
  • A name change without each certified document from birth to today, or a marriage certificate from a church instead of a government office.
  • Going to a county driver license office for a first card: they are not state exam stations and can't serve non-citizens. First-time applicants and new residents must go to an exam station.
  • Two address documents that both show a PO box: one must show your physical address.
  • A driver license expired more than 30 days: you must pass a knowledge test at an exam station, and testing needs an appointment.
  • Using a virtual address as a full-time traveler: DPS needs a real personal mailbox (PMB) address, an SD overnight-stay receipt and a Residency Affidavit.

Offices that issue REAL ID

South Dakota DPS issues driver licenses and ID cards at its driver exam stations, where first-time applicants and people transferring from another state must apply. Agency source.

30 offices in South Dakota
25 other offices that handle licenses

Neither the office's service list nor the agency says these offices issue REAL ID. Call the office before you go.

Results show offices that issue REAL ID or may, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

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Sources · checked October 30, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMVorganization.org is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.