SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in South Dakota

Checked against official South Dakota sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Getting a suspended or revoked South Dakota license back means waiting out the suspension or revocation, paying a reinstatement fee plus the license application fee, and, after certain offenses, filing proof of insurance. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles reinstatement. [1][2]

SR-22 required?
Yes (insurer certificate)
Base reinstatement fee
$75
Keep SR-22 for
3 years

Step by step

  1. Check your license status online

    DPS has an online status check, so you don't need to call. If you have questions, call DPS at (605) 773-6883, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday. [2]

    Driver's License Eligibility ↗

  2. Know whether you were suspended or revoked

    After a suspension, you don't need to retake tests unless your license has expired. After a revocation, you must pass the vision and knowledge tests again. [2]

  3. File proof of insurance, if required

    You must file proof of financial responsibility after a revocation or suspension for an unpaid crash judgment, no insurance, vehicular homicide, DUI, or a second reckless driving conviction within one year. DPS says most people do this with an SR-22 filing from their insurer. The requirement lasts 3 years. DPS releases it after 3 years if it has no record of a new suspendable conviction in that time. [1][2]

  4. Pay the reinstatement and application fees

    Reinstatement fees run from $75 to $225, depending on why you lost your license. Call or email DPS to find your exact fee. You also pay the license application fee. DPS lists a regular driver license at $38. [2][3][4]

    Driver License/ID Card Fees ↗

  5. Keep your insurance in force

    If your certified policy is cancelled, your insurer must tell DPS within 15 days. DPS then suspends your license and registration until you file new proof. [1]

After a DUI arrest or conviction

  1. Request a hearing within 120 days if you refused a test

    If you refused a chemical test and want to contest the revocation, you must request a hearing within 120 days of your arrest. If the refusal is upheld, your license is revoked for one year. [5]

  2. Ask the court about a limited driving permit

    After a first DUI conviction, the court must revoke your license for at least 30 days. The court may let you drive for work, school, 24/7 sobriety testing, counseling, and similar needs, but only if you show proof of insurance. [6]

  3. Expect higher fees and an SR-22

    DUI revocations carry reinstatement fees of $100 to $200, depending on the offense level, and you must retake the knowledge test. A DUI conviction also requires 3 years of proof of insurance. [1][3]

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) before you drive.

SR-22 rules in South Dakota · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. SDCL Chapter 32-35 - Financial Responsibility of Vehicle Owners and Operators (incl. 32-35-1, -43, -43.1, -47, -65, -70, -71, -80, -94, -95, -96) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. South Dakota DPS - Revoked or Suspended Driver License and Reinstatement (KB0043742) (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  3. SDCL 32-12-47.1 - Renewal or restoration after suspension, revocation or disqualification; fee (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. South Dakota DPS - Driver License/ID Card Fees (KB0043708) (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  5. SDCL 32-23-11 - Request for hearing on revocation of license for refusal to submit to chemical analysis (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  6. SDCL 32-23-2 - Punishment for prohibited driving; first offense; limited driving privilege (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)

Another state?