Obtaining A South Dakota Driver's License

For those wishing to establish residency in South Dakota, one key component is to obtain a South Dakota Driver's License. For the likes of full-time travelers, expats, traveling workers, obtaining a South Dakota driver's license can be easy with the necessary information beforehand.

South Dakota is a popular state for full-time travelers because it has no state income tax and relatively low vehicle registration fees. In this article, we will discuss the steps a full-time traveler can take to obtain a South Dakota driver's license.

Sample South Dakota Driver's License

Step 1: Establish Residency in South Dakota. To obtain a South Dakota driver's license, you must establish residency in the state. This means you must have at least a mailing address in South Dakota. You can use a friend or family member's address, or you can rent a mailbox with a mail forwarding service.

Step 2: Obtain Proof of Residency To prove your residency in South Dakota, you must provide two documents that show your name and South Dakota address. Acceptable documents include a lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, or insurance policy.

Step 3: Obtain Proof of Identity. If you are a new applicant, a non-U.S. citizen, or a transfer from another state, you must provide proof of lawful status in the United States by providing a certified U.S. birth certificate (state certified only -- photocopies and hospital-issued certificates will not be accepted), a valid, non-expired U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, an Employment Authorization Card, or a Foreign Passport with a U.S. Visa/I-94.

Obtain a Social Security Number. If you don't already have a social security number, you will need to obtain one before you can apply for a South Dakota driver's license. (*If you currently possess a "REAL ID" Driver's License, the SSN is not required.)

Step 4: Complete a Driver's License Application Once you have established residency and obtained proof of residency and identity, you can complete a South Dakota driver's license application. You can download the application from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or click the following SD DPS link: https://dps.sd.gov/download_file/view/2006/196

Step 5: Pass a Vision Test. If you are over the age of 65, and before you can be issued a South Dakota driver's license, you must pass a vision test. The test can be done in the DMV office or it can be administered by any licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or physician.

Step 6: Pass a Written Test and Driving Test If you don't already have a valid driver's license from another state or country, you will need to pass a written test and driving test to obtain a South Dakota driver's license. The South Dakota DPS provides a free online driver's manual that you can use to prepare for the written test.

Step 7: Pay the Required Fees To obtain a South Dakota driver's license, you will need to pay the required fees. The fee for a standard driver's license is $28, and the fee for a commercial driver's license is $33.

In conclusion, obtaining a South Dakota driver's license as a full-time traveler requires establishing residency in the state, obtaining proof of residency, obtaining a social security number, completing a driver's license application, passing a vision test, passing a written test and driving test (if necessary), and paying the required fees.

Once you have your South Dakota driver's license, you can legally drive in the state and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. Remember to always drive safely and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.