Your South Dakota driving record, officially known as a certified abstract, is a critical document that chronicles your driving history. It serves as an official account of your conduct on the road, influencing everything from your car insurance premiums to potential employment opportunities, especially for roles that involve driving. Understanding how to request, interpret, and manage this record is essential for every licensed driver in the state. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the process, ensuring you can access and understand your driving history with confidence.
What Is a South Dakota Driving Record (Certified Abstract)?
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues certified abstracts that detail your driving history. This official document includes key information such as traffic convictions, accident dates, and the current status of your driver’s license . Due to privacy regulations, when a third party like an insurance company requests your record, they typically only receive a three-year history. However, as an individual, you have the right to request your complete, full driving history to have a comprehensive view of your record over time.
How to Obtain Your South Dakota Driving Record
South Dakota does not offer an online portal for viewing your driving record. The process requires submitting a formal request, which can be done either by mail or in person.
Requesting a South Dakota Driving Record by Mail
Requesting your record by mail is the standard method for most drivers, especially those who cannot visit a physical office. Because this is a legal document, the state requires a specific verification process to protect your privacy.
- Download the Correct Form: Visit the South Dakota DPS website and download the Personal Driving Record Request form. Ensure you select the correct version for individual use rather than the company version.
- Complete the Information: You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver’s license number. You must also specify if you want a 3-year history, a 3-year CDL history, or your full driving history.
- Notarization is Mandatory: Before mailing, you must sign the form in the presence of a Notary Public. This step is crucial; the DPS will reject any mail-in application that has not been properly notarized.
- Prepare the Fee: Include a check or money order for $5.00 made payable to “Department of Public Safety.” Do not send cash through the mail.
- Mail the Package: Send your notarized form and payment to:
South Dakota Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Once processed, your record will be sent to you via the US Postal Service or email, depending on the preference indicated on your form.
How to Get a South Dakota Driving Record In Person
If you need your record immediately, you can visit a designated driver exam station. This method bypasses the need for notarization since an agent will verify your identity on-site.
- Visit a Participating Location: Not all exam stations provide this service. You must visit one of the primary hubs in Aberdeen, Brookings, Mitchell, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Yankton.
- Bring Valid Identification: You must present a government-issued photo ID, such as your current South Dakota driver’s license or a passport, to prove you are the record holder.
- Payment Requirements: In-person stations typically require exact change if paying in cash, though personal checks are also accepted. The fee remains $5.00 per record.
Daily Limits: To ensure efficient service for all visitors, the DPS limits in-person requests to a maximum of five records per visit.
Personal Driving Record Fees in South Dakota
The cost of a driving record depends on who is requesting it. The DPS has a straightforward fee structure for both personal and company requests.
| Request Type | Fee | Description |
| Personal Request | $5.00 | For an individual requesting their own record. You can select a 3-year history, 3-year CDL history, or your full driving history. |
| Company Request | $7.00 | For an employer or other business entity. The driver must provide written consent, and only a 3-year record is provided. |
South Dakota Point System
Your driving record is directly impacted by the South Dakota Point System, which assigns points for various traffic violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. A driver who accumulates 15 points in 12 consecutive months or 22 points in 24 consecutive months is subject to a license suspension.
| Conviction | Points Assessed |
| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 |
| Reckless Driving | 8 |
| Eluding or Attempting to Elude | 6 |
| Drag Racing | 6 |
| Failure to Yield Right of Way | 4 |
| Improper Passing | 4 |
| Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway | 4 |
| Stop Sign or Stop Light Violation | 3 |
| Other Moving Violations | 2 |
A DUI conviction also results in a mandatory license revocation under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the South Dakota DPS does not provide online access to driving records. You must request a copy by mail or in person, which will then be sent to you via the US Postal Service or email.
The South Dakota DPS does not offer a program for point reduction through driving courses. Points remain on your record for a set period, so the only way to maintain a clean record is through safe and lawful driving.
While a standard record request by a third party only shows the last three years of history, all convictions remain on your full driving history indefinitely. The impact on insurance rates, however, typically diminishes after three to five years.
Conclusion
Regularly reviewing your South Dakota driving record is a proactive step toward managing your driving privileges and financial well-being. It allows you to verify the accuracy of the information and address any issues before they become larger problems. By following the official procedures outlined by the Department of Public Safety, you can ensure you have a clear and accurate understanding of your driving history. The first step is to download the official request form from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website.
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