Motorcycle license replacements in South Dakota are administered by the state Department of Public Safety (DPS). You must be able to provide the verification documents each time you go through the replacement process.

Moreover, you must always carry a valid license or permit when you operate a motorcycle to prove you possess the knowledge and skills to drive a motorbike on public roads. Therefore, you must obtain a replacement in the event you need one.

Applicants should review all the DPS requirements to apply for a duplicate motorcycle license prior to starting the process. By understanding how to replace a motorcycle license, you will have a better idea of the documents that satisfy the verification requirements and be able to obtain your new credentials.

In some cases, single documents may satisfy multiple requirements and you may submit them along with your request using the methods the DPS offers. You can learn about the process and valid documents needed to apply by reviewing the sections below.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in South Dakota?

You must obtain a motorcycle license replacement if your original card is lost, stolen or destroyed. Like all drivers with a license, motorcyclists are required to present their valid license and registration to avoid lawful consequences.

Any biker caught without valid credentials to verify their driving privileges is likely to receive a traffic citation and fine. Therefore, you must obtain an SD duplicate motorcycle license if you no longer have access to your original document or your license or permit is no longer legible.

Furthermore, you will need to obtain a replacement if you must make changes to your personal information. For example, if you recently got married and underwent a legal name change, or in case you change your address.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in South Dakota

You must provide the required motorcycle license replacement documents to obtain a duplicate card. Currently, you must provide documentation to apply for a license that is compliant with federal regulations or REAL ID. Show the following if you are replacing a motorcycle license REAL ID:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status
  • Proof of Identity or name change (if applicable)
  • Two documents to prove South Dakota residency (must be less than one year old)

Additionally, to replace a South Dakota motorcycle license, you must bring a document to verify your Social Security Number. This only applies to you in case you did not have a REAL ID before requesting a replacement.

On the other hand, applicants younger than 18 years of age may use their parent’s residency documents as proof of address. Minor applicants must also provide the parental consent form signed by their parent or legal guardian.

How to Replace a South Dakota Motorcycle License Online

You may apply for a motorcycle license replacement online only once every 10 years. To qualify to apply through the DPS website, you must have previously held a REAL ID motorcycle license. Keep in mind that only U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are eligible to request a duplicate motorcycle license using the online services.

You may enter either your driver license number or use your personal information to access the online application. As you are filling out the application, you may choose to upload your residency documents or mail them to the DPS.

Once you complete the application fully online, your South Dakota duplicate motorcycle license will be mailed within two to three weeks of the application date. Otherwise, by using the mail option for your residency documents, your license may take longer to arrive. You should email or contact the DPS by calling 605-773-6883 if you encounter any problems with the online application.

How to Replace a South Dakota Motorcycle License by Mail

You can also replace a motorcycle license by using the mail option. Just like with the online application, you may only obtain a duplicate motorcycle license with this method once every 10 years. If you already obtained a duplicate online or through the mail within the last 10 years, you are not able to use this method. In this case, you must complete the process in person.

Moreover, you must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who had a REAL ID to be able to request your duplicate through the mail. If you qualify, you must mail the following documents:

  • A completed license application form
  • Two documents to prove your address (not older than one year)
  • Application check payable to “Department of Public Safety”
  • A self-addressed stamped envelope to have your license mailed back to you

To replace motorcycle licenses in SD using the mail option, you must mail the necessary documents along with the completed application to:

Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

Note: Applicants who are requesting a duplicate due to name change must apply at a licensing location in person and may not use either online or mail-in options.

How to Replace a South Dakota License in Person

Residents are able to obtain duplicate motorcycle licenses in person by visiting a state driver licensing location. You do not need an appointment, but it is strongly encouraged that you have one as it will help you save time when you arrive. Moreover, you must provide the necessary verification documents to complete your request. Keep in mind that the DPS does not accept photocopies and you must provide original documents.

You must also pay the applicable fees to complete the application and the offices only accept cash or checks as forms of payment. Once you complete the South Dakota motorcycle license replacement process, you will receive your replacement credentials in the mail. However, even though you obtain a new card, your duplicate license will have the same expiration date as your previous card.

Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement in South Dakota

Temporarily out-of-state residents may replace their stolen, damaged or lost motorcycle license, online or by the mail. You may use any of these options as long as you qualify and have not used them in the last 10 years. You will receive a replacement card at your out-of-state temporary address, or the address written on the self-addressed envelope provided with the mailed-in application.

On the other hand, you may also obtain an SD motorcycle license replacement card as a full-time traveler. In this case, you must provide a residency affidavit and proof of stay for at least one night in the state in the year prior to your application. You may also use a consent of address form to use the address of a friend or relative as your official address.

Otherwise, you must provide the licensing office with a personal mailbox address in order to complete your full-time traveler license replacement application.

South Dakota Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license depends on how you apply for it. The South Dakota duplicate motorcycle license fee is $15. However, if you choose to replace your license with the online services, an additional $2 will be added to the transaction. Moreover, the online method is the only method that accepts Visa or MasterCard as payment.

Otherwise, you can pay by check or cash in person, and by check only if you are mailing your request. Keep in mind that mail applications also have miscellaneous costs of the stamps for the self-addressed envelope that you must include as part of your application.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.