South Dakota’s driver license and ID cards are getting a new look.
Starting in January 2018, several minor changes are being made to the license and card. The header on driver’s licenses, which currently says “Operator License, ” will read “Driver License” on the new card. The organ donor indicator, which is in the bottom right-hand corner, will have a heart next to the word “donor.”
Also changed is the current solid gold star on federally compliant licenses and IDs. The star will now be white in a gold-colored circle. The new style meets the new federal REAL ID guidelines in using the license or card for such activities as commercial air travel.
Jane Schrank, director of the state Driver Licensing program, says the changes will increase the readability of the license and the card.
The changes are being made as new driver’s license issuance equipment is being installed in exam stations statewide. Schrank says changes will be made first at the Pierre exam station in early January and then implemented statewide through early February.
Schrank reminds people that they have 180 days prior to the expiration date to renew their license. For information about online renewal or what documents are needed for a license renewal and a list of exam stations, go to: https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing.
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