South Dakota Driving Rules for International Students: Foreign Licenses, Permits & Documents

An F-1 or M-1 visa does not automatically mean you need a South Dakota instruction permit. A qualifying nonresident age 16 or older may drive with a valid license from their home state or country. After residing in South Dakota for 90 days, the person is considered a resident for licensing purposes and should obtain the appropriate South Dakota credential. An instruction permit is relevant when supervised practice is needed before licensing.

Requirements for F-1 and M-1 International Students in South Dakota

For non-U.S. citizens applying for a South Dakota credential, bring the immigration/status documents that apply to your case, such as a valid passport, I-20 and I-94 for an F-1 or M-1 student. Social Security and residency requirements still apply under the standard DPS document rules.

• Immigration/status documents: Bring the originals required for your status and make sure your I-94/SEVIS information is current.
• SSN or ineligibility documentation: Follow the DPS noncitizen document route that applies to you.
• South Dakota residency: Bring the required proofs when applying as a resident. See the Required Documents guide for the general checklist.

An F-1 student should verify active SEVIS status with their Designated School Official before applying for a South Dakota credential.

Can an International Student Apply Without a Social Security Number?

Possibly. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, follow the South Dakota DPS noncitizen document route for proving that status. The exact documents depend on your immigration and work-authorization situation.

Driving with a Foreign License or Foreign Permit in South Dakota

The right credential depends on whether you are still a qualifying nonresident, have become a South Dakota resident for licensing purposes, or need supervised practice before licensing.

A foreign learner's permit should not be treated as a substitute for a South Dakota instruction permit when supervised practice in South Dakota is required.

Do I Need a South Dakota Permit If I Already Have a Foreign Driver's License?

Not automatically. A qualifying nonresident age 16 or older may drive under South Dakota's nonresident rule with a valid foreign driver's license while that exemption applies. An instruction permit is relevant when you need supervised practice before qualifying for a South Dakota license.

What Happens After I Have Lived in South Dakota for 90 Days?

After 90 days of South Dakota residence, state law treats you as a resident for driver-licensing purposes. At that point, obtain the appropriate South Dakota credential for your situation rather than continuing to rely on the nonresident exemption.

Application Process for International Students at South Dakota DPS

If you need a South Dakota instruction permit, verify your immigration/status record, gather the noncitizen and standard DPS documents that apply to you, then complete the normal permit tests and fee process.

1. Confirm which South Dakota credential you need based on your residency and current foreign-license status
2. Verify your current immigration/status records
3. Gather the required noncitizen documents plus the standard identity, Social Security/ineligibility, and residency documents
4. Visit a Driver Exam Station for the permit process if supervised practice is required
5. Complete the required vision and knowledge testing and pay the applicable fee

When Does a South Dakota License for a Temporary Visa Holder Expire?

For a noncitizen who is not a permanent resident, the South Dakota credential can expire when the person's authorized stay ends if that date comes before the normal credential expiration date.

For the full South Dakota permit process for non-citizen applicants, document requirements, and exam-station information, see the South Dakota learner's permit guide.