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 2019).
  • 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 2019).
  • 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.

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