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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A South Dakota Motorcycle License can be renewed in person at any driver exam station in the State. The South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your South Dakota motorcycle license is valid for five years and will generally expire on your birthday. If you are turning 21, your license will expire 30 days after your birthday. It is advisable to renew your motorcycle license before the birthday on which it will expire. You can renew your license any time in the six months leading up to its expiration. If you are turning 21, then you have to wait till your birthday to renew. Your driving privileges expire on midnight of your birthday if you do not renew. However, you will still have an additional one month to renew your license without any additional testing requirements.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:

  • Your expiring motorcycle license or two Proofs of Identity if the expiring license is not available.
  • If your name has changed, court-issued documentary proof would be required like the Divorce decree, Marriage license or other legal documents that shows such change.
  • If you are renewing your license after 30 days of its expiration, you would need to give a knowledge test.
  • Renewal fee of $8, payable by cash or personal check.
  • You are required to take a vision test before renewal.
Note: Renewal by mail is available only to out-of-state military personnel and their family, active duty peace corps or a missionary. When you renew by mail, you should prepare and/or complete:

A check of $8 made in favor of the "Department of Public Safety".

  • A self-addressed and stamped envelope.
Mail all the documents to: 
Driver Licensing Program
118 W Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
The renewed motorcycle license will arrive by mail within four to six weeks. Applications involving a name change cannot be sent by mail and need to be renewed in person.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A South Dakota Motorcycle License can be replaced in person at any driver exam station in the State.

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

You must replace your motorcycle license if your original license has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

TO REPLACE IN PERSON

You must bring:
  • Bring proper identification. The state of South Dakota requires that you present one piece of primary ID and one piece of secondary ID when applying for a duplicate motorcycle license.
  • Bring the correct fee. Normally, there is a $6 fee for replacing a lost, stolen, or mutilated license. Please contact your driver exam station to confirm the fee before applying in person, since fees may vary.
  • If your motorcycle license will expire within the next 180 days, you can renew your license instead of applying for a replacement.
Note: South Dakota residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may apply for a duplicate motorcycle license through the mail. Such persons may include military personnel or students who are either out of the state or country, among others.
  • Download and complete the application form from the Division of Motor Vehicles website.
  • Obtain a check or money order in the correct amount, made payable to: Department of Public Safety. Please contact the SD Driver Licensing Program at (800) 952 3696 to confirm the correct fee, as fees may vary.
  • Obtain copies of two proper identification, and write your signature on a piece of plain white paper.
Mail the completed form along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, the above documents and your payment to: 
The Department of Public Safety
Driver Licensing Program
118 W Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION