How to establish residency in South Dakota
Obtain a South Dakota driver's license
Save on personal and business taxes
What are the benefits of becoming a resident in South Dakota?
Other than the amazing tax benefits of becoming a resident in South Dakota for people without permanent residence, the state has a low cost of living, a strong job market, and a high quality of life. Residents also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. South Dakota also has a rich history and culture, and is home to a number of historical sites and museums.
No state income tax
South Dakota has no personal income tax! Click here to see how much you'll save on tax each year you're a South Dakota resident.
Low vehicle license fees
Quick and painless! South Dakota’s fees are unbeatably low (see our comparison here), and you can do it all over the phone with our vehicle registration specialist.
#1 Dynasty Trust Laws in the Nation
South Dakota has the #1 Dynasty Trust Laws in the nation. There is no inheritance or gift tax in South Dakota, so your loved ones will receive all of the money and possessions you leave to them.
How long does it take to establish residency in South Dakota?
The process of achieving residency can take a few weeks or occasionally up to a few months, depending on how quickly you can gather the required documents. We do make it super easy for you! Once we help you get everything in order, you’ll officially be a resident of South Dakota.
Who benefits most from Residency in South Dakota?
There are many people who can benefit from becoming a resident of South Dakota but those who benefit most are generally U.S citizens who are frequently on the move or without a permanent home address in the U.S.
South Dakota Residency Compared To Florida & Texas
It's clear, South Dakota is the best choice!
Discover how much you’ll save on taxes in South Dakota compared to other states
Simply choose your current state of residence and your average annual income to see what you'll save per year as a resident of South Dakota!
SD Tax Savings Calculator
South Dakota
Tax Savings Calculator
How do you establish residency in South Dakota
Sign up with DakotaPost and get a South Dakota address
We'll email you a few simple forms to complete in order to establish you're very own South Dakota address! Watch the video below to understand how it works.
Download the USPS 1583 form
Stay one night in South Dakota
Choose a local hotel or campground to stay at for at least one night. When you stay, be sure to use your new South Dakota address.
Obtain a South Dakota driver’s license
We’ll walk you through the process of visiting our local Department of Public Safety to complete the final step in acquiring your South Dakota residency.
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Residency Services FAQs
We make it easy to become a resident of South Dakota
For both regular and enhanced permits the applicant must meet the following requirements (SDCL 23-7-7.1):
Has physically resided in and is a resident of the county where the application is being made for at least thirty days immediately preceding the date of the application;
- Is eighteen years-of age or older;
- Has never pled guilty or nolo contendere or been convicted of a felony or a crime of violence, as defined in SDCL 22-1-2 (9)
- Is not habitually in an intoxicated or drugged condition;
- Has no history of violence;
- Has not been found in the previous ten years to be a "danger to others" or a "danger to self" as defined in SDCL 27A-1-1 or is not currently adjudged mentally incompetent;
- Has no pending charges or previous violations of chapter 23-7, firearms control, 22-14, unlawful use of weapons, or 22-42, controlled substances; and marijuana, that constitute a felony or misdemeanor in the five years preceding the date of application.
- Is a citizen or legal resident of the United States; and
- Is not a fugitive from justice.
In addition to the above requirements, the enhanced permit also requires the following:
- A copy of the applicant's fingerprints for submission to the FBI, and any governmental agency or entity authorized to receive such information, for a state, national, and international criminal history background check;
- An authorization to run such fingerprint background check;
- A separate payment for the cost of processing the fingerprint background check;
- Proof the applicant has successfully completed a qualifying handgun course as defined in SDCL23-7-58 within the preceding twelve months or proof that the applicant is a current or former South Dakota law enforcement officer that has in the preceding twelve months, qualified or requalified on a certified shooting course administered by a firearms instructor approved by the Law Enforcement Officers Standards Commission.
For additional information on conceal and carry permits, please visit the SD Secretary of State.
https://sdsos.gov/general-services/concealed-pistol-permits/default.aspx
Please link the above web address to SD Secretary of State
A) Schedule an appointment at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety via this link https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/renew-and-duplicate/appointment-information
B) Appear in person at a SD Driver Testing Agency
C) Pass a Basic Vision Test, if over 65 years old a vision statement form is required.
D) Surrender your current valid Driver’s License
E) Bring Receipt demonstrating proof of a SD Mailing Address (provided upon request)
F) Bring Receipt of one night stay in SD (stay must be less than 1 year old)
G) Cost = $28 (cash only) and your license is valid for five years.
You can now renew your driver’s license through the mail. You will still need to provide a copy of a receipt of your stay in South Dakota (receipt needs to be less than a year old). This option will hopefully save you a trip back to South Dakota during the colder months!
You must bring one of the following items to prove identity, date of birth and lawful status:
- Valid unexpired U.S. passport
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- Valid unexpired permanent resident card
- Valid unexpired employment authorization document
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
- Certificate of Foreign passport with valid unexpired U.S. Visa with I-94 citizenship
You must bring one of the following items to prove identity, date of birth and lawful status:
- Social Security card
- SSA 1099 Form
- Non-SSA 1099 Form
- W-2 Form Pay stub (must include name and full social security number)
Please note if your last name is different on one of your IDs, you will need to provide the necessary documentation on why it is (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc). You will also need to fill out a Residency Affidavit Form, available at all South Dakota Driver’s License station or download and print the form here.
CLICK HERE
If you are unable to attend your polling place in person on Election Day, you may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. To vote by absentee ballot, a voter must request an absentee ballot application from your County Election Official. The County Election Official will send a paper absentee ballot to the voter. The voter then completes the ballot and returns it to the County Election Official.
Download the Absentee Ballot Application
Yes, you can. Voter Registration forms are available through the South Dakota Secretary of State office or CLICK HERE to download the necessary forms. To register to vote, you will need to complete the South Dakota Voter Registration Form. You can register to vote when you get your South Dakota driver's license and have met the state's requirements to be eligible to register to vote.
Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
Download the Voter Registration Form
