Getting a South Dakota Driver's License or State ID as an International Student

Question

How do I apply for a driver's license?

Answer

Note: The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is in charge of driver licensing. Their webpage is the source of the most detailed and current information about the process and where you have to go to schedule an appointment. If you do not have all required documents or if your documentation does not meet their standards, you will have to reschedule your appointment. Read carefully!

Drivers Licence

1. Proof of Identity and Residence Documents needed for Driver's Licence (for application, etc. see webpages)
   1. Proof of Identity
      1. Unexpired foreign passport with your US visa and your form I-94. We recommend also bringing
      2. Unexpired SEVIS I-20 (if F-1 student) or DS-2019 (if J-1 student)
      3. Unexpired EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card for those on OPT
   2. At least two documents proving your local, residential/physical local (Vermillion) address. These documents must show your FULL name, your local address and be less than one-year old.
      1. Example documents listed on the South Dakota driver licensing web page include:
         1. Utility bill, pay stub, rent receipt, phone bill, bank statement, vehicle registration and/or renter’s insurance policy.
         2. No photo copies and no handwritten mail/addresses.
      2. Other acceptable documents could include:
         1. tuition payment receipt; bank account info or letter from bank.
         2. If you are new to campus and the area, you may need a letter from your International Student Advisor that includes your local address
2. Setting up an Appointment to get a License
   1. Go to South Dakota Department of Public Safety Site
   2. Scroll down to Schedule an Appointment
   3. Click click here to use our online scheduling tool!
   4. Set up an appointment
3. Where is Driver Licensing Located?
   1. Vermillion’s local driver licensing office is located at Hallmark Square (11 East Cherry St)
   2. They have limited hours: Thursdays from 7 AM to 4 PM
   3. Other locations are listed on the webpage

Notes:

• If you have a valid foreign license and have been in the US for a short time, or are only here for a semester, typically you may use it to operate a motor vehicle
• If you’re a new student and you are going to the driver licensing office within the first two weeks of the semester, confirm with the International Office that your SEVIS record has been registered
• It is not a requirement to possess a Social Security Number to apply for a driver’s license in South Dakota, though it does simplify the process
• For more information on how to obtain a SSN, refer to the Social Security handout
• If you possess a valid international driver’s license, you may be exempt from taking the written and/or road test