(SOUTH DAKOTA) Visa holders in South Dakota who want a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card in 2026 will follow the same DPS checklist used now: prove identity and lawful status, show a Social Security Number or acceptable substitute, and bring two residency documents. South Dakota is fully compliant with the federal REAL ID law after the May 7, 2025 enforcement deadline, so 2026 applications do not add new state rules.
Why choosing REAL ID matters
A REAL ID card is the South Dakota license or ID with a gold star in the upper right corner. It is accepted for federal identification, including domestic flights and access to some federal facilities.
A standard card may be marked “Not for Federal Identification.”
Step 1: Set up your DPS visit (1–7 days)
South Dakota DPS requires an in-person application at a driver licensing exam station. Schedule an appointment online to avoid long waits. Locations are posted at https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/exam-stations.
Bring only original or certified documents. DPS does not accept photocopies, laminated documents, or hospital birth certificates. If your name changed, bring the record that proves it, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Step 2: Prove identity and lawful status (same day to 2 weeks)
Most Visa holders qualify with:
- Unexpired foreign passport
- Valid, unexpired U.S. visa in the passport
- I-94 arrival/departure record, printed or electronic
These documents must match your current legal name. If they do not, bring a full name-change chain (for example: old passport → marriage certificate → new passport). According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, mismatched names are a common reason DPS staff must pause an application.
Some applicants instead use other lawful-status documents, such as:
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) issued after approval of Form I-765
Useful reference: USCIS page for Form I-765 is https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.
Step 3: Show your Social Security Number (1–30 days)
If you have a Social Security Number, bring one document showing your full 9-digit SSN and name:
- Original, unlaminated Social Security card
- W-2
- 1099
- Pay stub
If you do not have an SSN, an SSN ineligibility letter can substitute when DPS accepts it. Get that letter early.
Step 4: Bring two residency proofs (same day to 2 weeks)
DPS requires two residency documents from different sources. Each must show your full name and a physical South Dakota address (P.O. boxes do not work).
Common acceptable options:
- Utility bill or hook-up order (within the last year)
- Bank or credit card statement (within the last year)
- Pay stub (within 60 days)
- Rental or lease agreement
- South Dakota vehicle registration or title
- Official school or government mail
Tips:
– If you just moved, set up at least one utility in your name and keep the first mailed bill.
– Two pieces of mail from the same provider usually will not count as “different sources.”
Step 5: What happens at the exam station (30 minutes to several hours)
At the exam station, DPS staff will:
- Review your documents and confirm your address.
- Run required identity and eligibility checks.
- Administer a vision screening.
- Require any necessary knowledge or road tests for driver’s license applicants.
Additional points:
– Minors under 18 must appear with a parent or legal guardian who can sign.
– If you hold an out-of-state license, bring it and be prepared for South Dakota testing rules and a vision check.
– If a required original document is missing, DPS cannot complete the transaction — you’ll need to return, so plan buffer time before taking time off work or school.
Issuance, mailing time, and validity
- Most exam stations issue the credential the same day if documents are complete and tests are passed.
- You will usually receive a temporary paper credential at the station; the plastic card mails in 10–15 business days.
- For Visa holders, the REAL ID validity generally matches your immigration status (for example, the visa expiration date). Plan renewals around travel, school terms, and work commitments.
Fees you should budget
Common cited fees:
| Credential | Fee | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s license | $28 | 5 years |
| ID card | $18 | 5 years |
A REAL ID upgrade may be free at renewal. Confirm current fees and payment methods through DPS before your visit.
If your visa end date is close
DPS sets the expiration date of a REAL ID credential based on the lawful-status document you present. If your I-94 or visa expires soon, expect a shorter-term license.
Important guidance:
– Renewing later usually requires showing the updated lawful-status document; DPS does not “extend” the old card.
– If you filed an immigration extension or change of status, bring the document proving current lawful presence.
– Many USCIS receipts do not replace an unexpired status document for state ID purposes. Bring your passport, visa, and the most current I-94 you can print.
After you leave the station
Before you walk out, review the temporary paper credential for spelling, address, and date errors. Fixing a typo is much easier the same day. Keep the paper credential and your passport together when you travel inside the United States 🇺🇸 until the plastic card arrives.
If the card does not arrive within 10–15 business days, call DPS Driver Licensing at 605-773-6883. Community groups can also help gather records; VoteRiders, for example, offers free help with getting the documents needed for state ID.
Key takeaway: double- and triple-check documents before your appointment. Small gaps are the most common cause of delays.
Mistakes that cause avoidable delays
Most delays come from small paperwork gaps that are easy to miss. Watch for these problems:
- Your SSN document shows only the last four digits.
- Your two residency proofs are from the same source, or are outside the date limits.
- Your immigration document is expired on the day you apply.
- Your address proof shows a P.O. box instead of a physical address.
Note: If you rely on an EAD, DPS uses the document you present to set the card’s end date — an expiring EAD can result in a shorter license term.
Federal travel rule after May 7, 2025
Since May 7, 2025, passengers using a state license for domestic flights need a REAL ID-compliant card. A passport remains an alternative. DHS keeps the federal rule summary here: DHS keeps the federal rule summary here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
Visa holders in South Dakota can obtain a REAL ID by presenting original identity documents, proof of a Social Security Number, and two residency documents. The process requires an in-person visit to a DPS exam station. The resulting ID features a gold star, allowing it to be used for domestic flights. Validity typically aligns with the holder’s visa expiration date, necessitating timely renewals as immigration status changes.
