Replacing a Lost CDL in South Dakota

Depending on your situation, you can apply for a duplicate commercial driver's license with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) online, by mail, or in person. Apply quickly, as it's illegal to operate a commercial truck or any commercial vehicle until you have your duplicate in hand.

The SD DPS provides a lost driver's license statement; for your own protection, it's a good idea to also report your lost CDL to law enforcement.

How to Apply for a Duplicate CDL in SD

Before you choose an application process, note that:

  • The SD DPS makes available online, by mail, and in person application processes; however, some commercial drivers aren't eligible for certain processes. See below for details.
  • Before you submit your application, complete and have notarized the state's Lost Driver License Statement and submit it during the application process you choose.

Online

You can apply for a duplicate CDL in IF you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have a Federally Compliant Driver's License.
    • A gold star on your license indicates it's federally compliant.
  • Have not applied for a previous replacement in this renewal period.

Once you determine your eligibility, visit the online renewal tool and be prepared to:

  • Provide your driver's license number.
  • Provide your date of birth.
  • Provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
  • Upload or send by mail 2 documents proving your address.
    • Documents must be less than 1 year old.
    • If your CDL has a HAZMAT endorsement, you'll also need to provide your U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Permanent Resident Card.
    • The system should provide the mailing address if you're unable to upload these documents.
  • Pay the $15 fee as well as the extra $2 or 2.95% fee (whichever is greater) for administrative purposes.
    • Currently, the website accepts Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards.

By Mail

Unless you're active-duty military or a dependent and stationed out of state, you MUST have a Federally Compliant Driver's License (look for the gold star) to order a duplicate CDL by mail.

To apply by mail:

  • Complete the South Dakota Driver License/I.D. Card Application (Form REV 2023).
  • Pay the $15 fee.
    • Make checks and money orders payable to “Department of Public Safety."
  • 2 documents proving your identity (photocopies are acceptable).
  • 2 documents proving your South Dakota residency (photo copies are acceptable).
    • You must complete and submit a residency affidavit if you're using a South Dakota forwarding address, as well as 1 document that proves your temporary SD address and 1 document that proves your personal mailbox address (this proof can't be more than 1 year old).
    • If you're an overseas military member or dependent, you can use 2 documents proving your APO address; if you're an out-of-state military member or dependent, you can use 2 documents proving your SD residential address.
  • Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Mail all of the above to:

Driver Licensing
118 West Capitol Ave. 
Pierre, SD 57501

In Person

Head to your local exam station and be prepared to provide:

  • A completed the South Dakota Driver License/I.D. Card Application (Form REV 2023).
  • The $15 fee.
    • Make checks and money orders payable to “Department of Public Safety."
  • The required identity and residency proofs based on whether your license is federally compliant or not (if your license had a gold star, it was federally compliant).
    • Refer to the state's documents list and find the acceptable documents—and how many of them you need—based on your license compliance.
  • Any additional CDL-related documents such as your medical certificate or waiver.

The exam station clerk will instruct you from there regarding when you'll receive your duplicate CDL.

Out-of-State SD Replacement CDL

As an out-of-state commercial driver, you can apply for a replacement CDL online or by mail (see above for instructions) only if you have a Federally Compliant Driver's License (one with the gold star).

If you're not sure about your eligibility to apply online or by mail, contact the SD DPS for instructions.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review