New to South Dakota? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License

Welcome to the Mount Rushmore State! As you settle into your new life in South Dakota, one of the most important practical steps is obtaining a local driver's license. While you can drive with a valid foreign license as a visitor, state law requires you to get a South Dakota license once you establish residency.

The process of transferring a foreign license through the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program can seem complex, but this guide will break it down into simple, actionable steps. We will cover residency rules, crucial reciprocity agreements that can save you time and effort, all the necessary documentation, and the tests you will need to take.

Step 1: Understand Residency and Reciprocity Rules

The first step is to determine how South Dakota's laws apply to your specific situation, which is largely dependent on your country of origin.

Establishing South Dakota Residency

If you move to South Dakota and establish residency (by getting a job, renting/buying a home, etc.), you have 90 days to obtain a South Dakota driver's license. Continuing to drive on your foreign license beyond this period is not permitted once you become a resident.

Reciprocity Agreements: The Key to Waiving Tests

This is the most critical piece of information for many international newcomers. South Dakota has reciprocity agreements with a few countries, which can significantly simplify the licensing process by waiving the most challenging tests.

• Countries with Reciprocity: South Dakota has driver's license reciprocity agreements with Germany and Taiwan.
• What This Means for You: If you hold a valid, unexpired non-commercial (Class D equivalent) driver's license from one of these two countries, the Driver Licensing Program will waive the driving skills test (road test) and the knowledge (written) test. You will only be required to pass the vision screening.
• All Other Countries: If your driver's license is from any country not on the reciprocity list, you must complete the entire licensing process as if you were a brand-new driver. This includes passing the vision, written, and full on-road driving skills tests.

It is always wise to check the official South Dakota DPS website for the most up-to-date information on international agreements before your visit.

Step 2: Assemble Your Essential Documents

The South Dakota Driver Licensing Program has very strict documentation requirements. All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Required Documentation Checklist:

1. Your Valid Foreign Driver's License: You must be prepared to surrender your physical, valid license from your home country.
   • Certified Translation: If your license is not in English, you MUST provide a certified translation. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can serve this purpose, but it must be accompanied by your actual license.
2. Proof of Identity and Legal Presence: You must provide a primary identity document and proof of lawful status in the US. For non-U.S. citizens, this typically includes:
   • A valid, unexpired Foreign Passport.
   • A valid, unexpired U.S. Visa and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
   • A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
3. Proof of Social Security Number: You must present your original Social Security card or other proof like a W-2. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must obtain an original letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirming your ineligibility.
4. Proof of South Dakota Residency: You must provide two documents that prove you live at a physical address in South Dakota. These documents must be less than one year old. Examples include:
   • Utility bills (electric, gas, water).
   • A current, signed lease or rental agreement.
   • Bank or credit card statements mailed to your SD address.
   • Payroll stubs showing your address.
5. Completed Application Form: You can get this form at the driver exam station or download it from the DPS website to fill out in advance.

Step 3: The Licensing and Testing Process

With your documents in hand, you must make an appointment to visit a driver exam station.

For German and Taiwanese Citizens (Reciprocity):

1. Make a Driver Exam Station Appointment: Schedule your visit online.
2. Present Documents: Provide all the required documentation from the checklist above.
3. Pass the Vision Test: An examiner will check your eyesight to ensure it meets state safety standards.
4. Surrender License and Pay Fees: Once you pass the vision test, you will surrender your foreign license and pay the required fees for your new SD license.
5. Receive Your License: You will receive a temporary paper license, and your permanent photo license will be mailed to you.

For All Other (Non-Reciprocal) Countries:

1. Apply for an Instruction Permit: You must first pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The knowledge test covers South Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The South Dakota Driver License Manual is your essential study guide. Upon passing, you will be issued a South Dakota Instruction Permit.
2. Schedule and Pass the Road Test: With your permit, you can now schedule your on-road driving skills test. This test will include maneuvers like parallel parking, a three-point turn, and backing up.
3. Get Your License: After successfully passing the road test, you will surrender your instruction permit and foreign license, pay the fees, and be issued your full South Dakota driver's license.

By meticulously gathering your documents and understanding the process for your specific situation, you can confidently navigate the steps to becoming a legally licensed driver in South Dakota.