Every application needs the application form plus proof of your South Dakota address, and photocopies are never accepted. What else you bring depends on whether you're renewing, replacing a card, or applying for the first time.
Know the rule
Photocopies are not acceptable. Every license or ID application requires an application and resident address documents.
Handbook p. 5 ↗Which documents for which visit
| Visit | Bring |
|---|---|
| Renewal (card has a star) | Current card, 2 address proofs, name-change proof if needed |
| Transfer of a star card from another state | Same documents as a renewal |
| Replacement (card had a star) | Identity/lawful-status document, 2nd ID, 2 address proofs |
| New license or ID | Identity document, SSN proof, 2 address proofs |
New license or ID card, step by step:
- 1. One document proving date of birth, identity and lawful status (e.g., U.S. passport)
- 2. Proof of name change, if your legal name differs from that document
- 3. One document showing your current name and full Social Security number
- 4. Two documents proving your SD physical address, each less than one year old
Know the rule
A birth certificate must be a certified copy with the stamp or raised seal of the issuing authority. Hospital-issued certificates are not acceptable, and Puerto Rico certificates must be issued on or after July 1, 2010.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
To prove a name change, bring a certified marriage certificate from the state vital-statistics office (church or chapel certificates are not accepted) or a court order bearing the official court seal. Photocopies and faxes are not acceptable.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Accepted proof of Social Security number:
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- Social Security Administration 1099 form
- Non-Social Security Administration 1099 form
- Paystub
Examples of address proof (two needed):
- Utility bill or phone bill
- Bank statement
- Pay stub or earnings statement
- Mortgage document or rent receipt
- Tax document
- Homeowners/renter's insurance policy
- Transcript or report card from an accredited school
Know the rule
A parent's proof of address is acceptable for a minor child, but the name of the parent accompanying the minor must be on the address documents.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
Full-time travelers using an SD mail-forwarding address complete a Residency Affidavit and show a receipt for one night's stay in SD within the last year, a personal mailbox contract, and one PMB address document no more than one year old. Keeping a residence in another state disqualifies you.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
Honorably discharged veterans may add "Veteran" to the front of their license or ID by presenting a DD-214, a county or tribal veteran's service officer certificate, DD Form 2 (Retired), DD Form 2A (Reserve Retired), or NGB Form 22.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
Male applicants aged 18 to 25 must state on the application that they have registered with Selective Service, or authorize the Department of Public Safety to forward their information to register.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Put it into practice
You're 16 and applying for your first license. Bring your certified birth certificate (not the hospital keepsake copy), your Social Security card, and two recent address documents. Your parent's utility bill works if that parent comes with you and is named on it.