Monday was a morning I had been dreading for a long time.  It was the day I was going to get my updated, with all the technical new stuff included, South Dakota drivers license.  I had been sweating the day for a couple of years now, but I have to tell you it went pretty good.  In fact, it was easy.

Thanks to my wife I had prepped for the ordeal pretty well.

#1  I had my social security card. This is pretty key, but if you don't have one, don't be using the 'stub' they mention on their website. I had the correct one, and that was a great start. If you don't have it, you can use,

  • W-2 Form
  • SSA 1099 Form
  • Non-SSA 1099 Form
  • Pay stub (must include name and social security number)

That last one, is kind of hard to find, as most companies only include the last four of your social.  If you don't have the correct card, go the 1099 or W2 form.  They're pretty common and an easy find.

I had a bank statement and a phone bill for my two forms of I.D. Have 'em along with you.

Here's your double whammy.  Get this one taken care of first.

  • Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by state or county (no hospital birth-certificates)
  • Valid unexpired U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship

Non-Citizens Need:

  • Valid unexpired permanent resident card
  • Valid unexpired employment authorization document
  • Foreign passport with valid unexpired U.S. Visa with I-94

Since I was born in South Dakota I was able to go to the Register of Deeds office and get a copy pretty easy. (Take cash though, they don't take checks)

When I left the Register of Deeds, they pointed me in the right directions, (with a slip of paper with the actual directions) as to where to go.

I showed up, filled out my stuff, took my own picture and got the rest of the stuff taken care of.  The only tough part was checking to see if my vision was good enough to dirve without glasses.  It was.

I had heard nightmarish stories.  My advice, do all your homework ahead of time so you have everything where you want it.  Don't plan on making excuses and skating through.  They won't let you.

Oh, other than a horrible picture, (which I took myself) I have my new license with the star on it, that says I don't have to go through all the hassle again.

Thanks to the Register of Deeds office for making things go super smooth today!

 

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5