SD Driver’s License Renewal Grace Period Extended to Alleviate Backlog
In response to the backlog of driver’s license renewals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety has announced an extension of the grace period for expired licenses. This move comes as a relief to many residents who have been struggling to find appointments to renew their licenses before the previous grace period deadline.
The grace period extension allows drivers with expired licenses to continue driving legally until the end of the year. This gives them more time to schedule appointments at the state’s driver’s license offices and DMV locations, which have been overwhelmed with renewals since the pandemic began.
“We understand that many South Dakotans have been experiencing difficulties in renewing their driver’s licenses due to the high demand and limited availability of appointments,” said DPS spokesperson, John Smith. “By extending the grace period, we hope to alleviate some of the stress and help drivers stay on the road legally.”
The grace period extension is also good news for new residents who have been unable to obtain South Dakota driver’s licenses due to the backlog. The extension gives them more time to fulfill the state’s residency and licensing requirements before facing penalties for driving with an out-of-state license.
“I recently moved to South Dakota and have been struggling to find an appointment to get my driver’s license,” said new resident, Emily Johnson. “The grace period extension gives me some breathing room to get everything sorted out without worrying about getting a ticket for driving with an out-of-state license.”
The DPS advises drivers with expired licenses to schedule appointments as soon as possible to avoid further delays. Appointments can be made online or by calling the state’s driver’s license information line. Walk-ins are not accepted at this time due to the high demand for services.
In addition to the extended grace period, the DPS has implemented other measures to help alleviate the backlog of driver’s license renewals. This includes hiring additional staff, extending office hours, and streamlining the renewal process to make it more efficient.
“We are doing everything we can to help drivers get their licenses renewed in a timely manner,” said Smith. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work through this backlog together.”
The DPS encourages drivers to check the department’s website and social media pages for updates on appointment availability and other important information. They also remind drivers to drive safely and responsibly while on the road, regardless of their license status.
As the state continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the DPS remains committed to providing essential services to South Dakotans and ensuring that everyone can safely and legally operate a motor vehicle.
In the meantime, drivers can take advantage of the grace period extension to get their licenses renewed and stay on the road legally. By working together and following the guidelines set forth by the DPS, South Dakotans can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger than ever.
