Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in South Dakota
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The state of South Dakota offers several important benefits to current and veterans of the military when it comes to driver's licenses, license plates, and more, including the fact that those who are out of state don't actually need to renew their licenses. until they return to the state. state or leave the service.
Exemption from licensing and registration taxes and fees
Please note that the State of South Dakota does not offer any licensing or registration taxes or fees for veterans or active duty military personnel. A standard driver's license costs $28, renewal also costs $28. ID cards without a driver's license also cost $28. A duplicate license (if you lose the original) costs $15. Commercial licenses cost $33.
Veteran driver's license badge
South Dakota allows veterans to add veteran status to their driver's license. This is only available to those who have been honorably discharged, and veterinarians will be required to provide proof of service on DD Form 2 or DD Form 2A. A DD-2014 or a certificate from a tribal or county veterans officer will also work. There are no downloadable forms for this designation, and it cannot be done online. To apply for your veteran's title, bring proof of your honorable discharge to your local driver's license office. Please note that you will also need to provide all other documents required by civilians to renew your license or obtain a new license, and to register your vehicle with the state.
Military badges
Like most other states, South Dakota offers several military badges of honor for military veterans. These include only the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. However, proof of eligibility, including a valid driver's license, will be required. You will also need to pay the normal registration fee for your vehicle (depending on the type of vehicle) as well as an additional $10 for a special license plate. Finally, you must complete and submit to the Licensing Department the South Dakota Veteran and Active Duty License Plate Application and Affidavit, which can be found here.
Waiver of military skills exam
South Dakota allows retired service members to apply for a waiver if they wish to apply for a commercial driver's license (CDL). However, there are strict requirements, including:
You must leave the service no more than one year before applying.
You must prove that you have at least two previous years of safe driving experience.
You must certify that you have NOT had more than one license in the past two years other than a military CDL and a state issued license.
You cannot have more than one conviction in the extensive list of states for disqualifying offenses.
Your state license cannot be suspended or revoked.
You must be a South Dakota resident.
You must have a license (valid).
You must complete the opt-out form, which can be found here.
Driver's License Renewal During Deployment
For active duty military personnel stationed outside of South Dakota or outside the country, nothing needs to be done to renew their license. It will not expire while you are out of state. However, after you return to the state or leave the service, you will have 30 days to renew your license. Standard renewal fees apply. However, the state offers the option to renew your license while out of state, if needed. First, you will need a driver's license that meets federal requirements. If you do not have one, you cannot renew your license while out of state. If you have it, you need to follow these steps:
Fill out the application found here
Sign your name on a sheet of plain white paper (sign the signature and print it out).
Ask a licensed ophthalmologist to complete a vision application here and attach it to your renewal documents.
Attach two documents proving your residence in the state, as well as a photocopy of your current license.
Provide payment of $28 ($33 per CDL) and ship it all to the following address:
Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Stone, SD 57501
Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel
The State of South Dakota does not require out-of-state military personnel stationed in the state to register their vehicles or obtain an SD license. However, you need to have a valid license and registration in your home state.
