Motorists Reminded of Driver Licensing Changes

Press Release

Many South Dakotans are showing up at driver license stations without the proper documents to obtain or renew their licenses, Gov. Mike Rounds said today.

The Governor reminds people that new federal requirements that went into effect Dec. 31 mean a lot more paperwork must be taken to driver exam stations.

"Lots of people who go to get their driver's licenses are having to return home for the proper documents. That can be avoided if they check the list of required documents before heading to the exam station," Gov. Rounds said. "I know it is exasperating to show up and learn you don't have the necessary paperwork along."

States had no choice but to comply with the federal regulations, the Governor said. The federal regulations carry no penalty for states, but residents of non-complying states will be unable to use driver licenses for such simple things as boarding airplanes and entering federal buildings.
"The extra paperwork is not very convenient. But in today's world, it has -- unfortunately -- become necessary," Gov. Rounds said.

The list of documents needed is available from the Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Office.
Among documentation needed:
§ One identity document, which can be a certified birth certificate (hospital birth certificates are not acceptable), valid U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, valid permanent resident card, valid employment authorization document, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. Visa with I-94; if your name is different from your identity document, you will need additional proof of your legal name, such as a certified marriage certificate, a certified adoption certificate, or a court order authorizing a name change -- such as a divorce decree.
§ One document to prove your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 Form, SSA 1099 Form, non-SSA 1099 Form, or a pay stub with name and Social Security number included.
§ Two documents to prove your address, such as a utility bill, credit card statement, pay stub or earnings statement, rent receipt, phone bill, transcript or report card from an accredited school, bank statement, mortgage document, tax document, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy (people unable to provide two of those documents may call for exceptions at 1-800-952-3696); Post Office box addresses are acceptable in areas not assigned street or 911 addresses; if minors do not have two documents proving residency, a parent may provide the two forms for them.
· People with questions about driver licensing may call 1-800-952-3696 or visit http://dps.sd.gov/licensing/driver_licensing/obtain_a_license.aspx
The new, more-secure driver licenses are being phased in over the next five years as South Dakotans receive new licenses, get duplicate licenses for those that are lost, or renew their licenses.

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