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COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. If possible, residents should use the DPS' online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow the DPS' most recent updates for the latest information.

Applying for a Teen Driver's License in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires drivers under 18 years old to follow its graduated driver's licensing (GDL) process.

Beginning with an instruction permit, the process takes you through several stages and lifts restrictions as drivers become more experienced.

GDL processes help make you a safer driver and aims to reduce the accident rates in teens.

New to South Dakota?

If you're a new South Dakota resident, you transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 90 days of moving to the state.

If you are a teen driver, contact the DPS at (605) 773-6883 to find out which South Dakota permit or driver's license you are eligible to receive.

Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver's License

Regardless of what you apply for, you must apply in person at a DPS office. You'll need:

Your parent or guardian to give permission, if you're under 18 years old.

Proof of your identity , date of birth , and lawful U.S. status , such as your: Certified U.S. birth certificate. Valid U.S. passport. Citizenship or naturalization documents.

, , and , such as your: Proof of your Social Security number , such as: Your Social Security card. A W-2 form. A 1099 statement.

, such as: 2 documents to prove your SD residency and physical address , such as: 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 parents' documents you must provide a signed and notarized Consent for Use of South Dakota Address.

, such as: Payment for the fee by cash, check, or money order. Contact the South Dakota DPS for exact fees, as they may be adjusted based on your age or licensing stage.

by cash, check, or money order.

You will need to pass a vision screening and may also need to pass a:

Written knowledge test .

. Driving skills test.

The South Dakota DPS makes certain considerations if you've taken Driver's Ed in your previous state, but will only accept courses that meet South Dakota DPS requirements.

SD Graduated Driver's License Program

The graduated driver licensing (GDL) process in South Dakota applies if you're under 18 years old and wish to get your driver's license.

The three stages of the GDL process are:

Instruction permit : Allows supervised driving only.

: Allows supervised driving only. Restricted minor's permit : Allows restricted unsupervised driving.

: Allows restricted unsupervised driving. Operator's driver's license: Allows full driving privileges.

Read below for more information about each stage, including eligibility requirements and restrictions.