South Dakota permit fees and documents
Permit fee
$38 for an instruction permit. Credit or debit card payments at the exam station also carry a processing charge of $2.00 or 2.95%, whichever is greater. Cash, check and money order are also accepted in person.
Documents to bring
First-time applicants need a completed application with an original dated signature, an accepted identity and lawful-status document, Social Security evidence, and two documents showing a South Dakota physical address. Bring certified evidence linking any changed names. A parent or guardian must be present to sign for an applicant under 18. The handbook allows an accompanying parent’s address evidence for a minor. Consult the agency’s document list for citizenship, name-change and residency exceptions.
Only independently reviewed sections are shown. This page is not a complete application checklist.
Handbook and related study
Driver's License Manual - English · REVISED 11/2024 · Official handbook
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