How To Schedule An Appointment At South Dakota DMV

Welcome to South Dakota! The first thing you must know is that the “DMV” is actually two separate offices. Where you make your appointment depends on what you need to do.

1. State Driver’s License (DOV) Office: For your person. Go here for your Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, ID Card, and all testing.
2. County Treasurer’s Office: For your property. Go here for your Vehicle Title, Vehicle Registration, and License Plates.

This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office.

How to Schedule a DRIVER’S LICENSE Appointment

You must make an appointment for all driver’s license services at a State Driver’s License (DOV) Office.

Use this process for:

• First-time Learner’s Permit or Knowledge Test
• Driver’s License Road Test
• Transferring Your Out-of-State License
• In-person License Renewal
• Getting a State ID Card

Step-by-Step Online Booking:

1. Visit the official SD DPS Appointment Portal: [https://nqa4.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/7ik87vf56]
2. In the “New Appointment” section, select the exact service you need.
   • For a Learner’s Permit or Written Test: Choose “All Knowledge Testing.”
   • For a Driving Test: Choose “Driver Test.”
   • For a New License / ID Card / Out-of-State Transfer: Choose “Drivers License.”
   • For a Renewal: Choose “Drivers License Renewal.”
3. Click “Make an appointment.”
4. Accept the terms and conditions.
5. Select the office location you want to visit.
6. Choose an available date and time slot.
7. Enter your personal details (Name, Phone, Email) and confirm your booking.
8. You will receive a confirmation. Bring this with you to your appointment.

How to Schedule a VEHICLE REGISTRATION Appointment

You cannot use the state link for this. All vehicle registration, title work, and license plates are handled by your local County Treasurer’s Office.

Each county has its own system. There is no single state-wide link.

1. You must find your specific county’s website. Search Google for “[Your County Name] South Dakota Treasurer.” (e.g., “Minnehaha County Treasurer”).
2. On your county’s site, look for a “Motor Vehicle” or “Appointments” section.
3. Follow their instructions. Many counties now require an appointment for title and registration.

CRITICAL: If you book an appointment at the State Driver’s License Office for “License Plates,” you will be at the wrong building and they will turn you away.

South Dakota “New Resident” Checklist

If you are new to South Dakota, you must visit BOTH offices. Follow these steps in order:

1. First, Go to the County Treasurer’s Office.
   • Goal: To title and register your vehicle and get your SD license plates.
   • Bring: Your out-of-state vehicle title, proof of SD insurance, and your driver’s license.
2. Second, Go to the State Driver’s License Office.
   • Goal: To surrender your old license and get your new SD driver’s license.
   • Book an appointment using the steps in Section 1 (select “Drivers License”).
   • Bring: Your new SD vehicle registration (from Step 1) and all your REAL ID documents (see below).

Required Documents for Your License Appointment (REAL ID)

When you visit the State DOV Office for your license, you must bring documents to get your “Gold Star” (REAL ID) license.

You will need:

1. One (1) Proof of Identity & Legal Status:
   • U.S. Passport or Passport Card
   • U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
   • Permanent Resident Card
2. One (1) Proof of Social Security Number:
   • Social Security Card
   • W-2 form (must show full SSN)
   • 1099 form (must show full SSN)
3. Two (2) Proofs of SD Residency (from different sources):
   • These must show your new SD address and be less than one year old.
   • Examples: Utility bill (electric, gas, water), bank statement, paystub, or rental/lease agreement.
4. Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
   • If your name is different from your birth certificate (e.g., due to marriage), you must bring the legal document linking them, like a certified Marriage Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)