Drivers in the Military in South Dakota

South Dakota allows members of the military―as well as their dependents who are living out-of-state temporarily―to renew their driver's licenses by mail, if you so choose (See NOTE below). Also, if you are on active duty with the Peace Corps, you may do the same.

To renew by mail, you will need to:

• Fill out a license application form. Those in the military (and their dependents) should use their United States address; Peace Corps members need to use their South Dakota address.

• Sign your name on an unlined, white sheet of paper.

• Have a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist complete the vision statement. Make sure that the doctor fills out the form in English, and that the statement has been done within the past six months.

• Make copies of two acceptable forms of identification. Those in the military (and their dependents) must use their military identification card as one of the forms.

• If you're in the Peace Corps, you must include proof of your service.

• Fill out a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

• There's an $8 fee for passenger license renewals, and a $15 fee for commercial licenses. Unfortunately, hazardous material licenses are not allowed to be renewed by mail. If you're writing a check, make it payable to the Department of Public Safety.

Then, once you've got everything ready, include it all in an envelope and send it to:

• Driver Licensing Program

• 118 West Capitol Ave.

• Pierre, SD 57501

NOTE: If do not want to renew, bear in mind your permit or license―car or motorcycle―will remain valid as long as you're an active armed forces member serving outside of South Dakota. When you return or leave the service, the South Dakota DPS gives you 30 days to renew.

If you're on active duty with the military and are stationed in South Dakota, you do not need to apply for a state driver's license. Providing, of course, that you have a valid license from your home state.

The same holds true for your spouse and children. However, your children will need to be at least 16 before they can drive here.

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