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How to get a driver's license in South Dakota as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in South Dakota needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Nonresidents with a valid license from their home state or country may drive vehicles that license covers.
Deadline after moving
License required once you live in South Dakota more than 90 days
License exchange without tests
Not stated in official sources
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your Social Security card showing your full number (W-2, 1099 or pay stub with full number also accepted).

Driving on a foreign license

Nonresidents with a valid license from their home state or country may drive vehicles that license covers. Deadline after moving: License required once you live in South Dakota more than 90 days.

If your country is not on the list

Apply as a new driver: pass a vision test, a knowledge test (80%) and a driving test (80%).

may operate in this state any motor vehicle for which that person is licensed in the person's home state or country. sdlegislature.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Foreign passport with U.S. visa/I-94
a Permanent Resident Card dps.sd.gov

Social Security number

Provide your Social Security card showing your full number (W-2, 1099 or pay stub with full number also accepted).

you will be required to provide, your Social Security Card (showing your full social security number) dps.sd.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents showing your name and physical address, less than one year old (utility bill, pay stub, rent receipt, bank statement).

All applicants are required to provide two documents proving your residential/physical address. dps.sd.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather original documents: lawful status, SSN proof, and two proofs of South Dakota address.
  2. Go to a state Driver Exam Station (non-citizen applications are not accepted at county offices).
  3. Fill out the application (English or Spanish) and pay the $28 fee.
  4. Pass the vision test.
  5. Pass the knowledge test with 80% or higher (instruction permit is valid one year).
  6. Schedule and pass the driving test with 80% or higher.
  7. Receive your South Dakota driver license.

Fees

$28 application fee for a driver license.

Provide the $28 application fee dps.sd.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.