South Dakota

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South Dakota requires photo ID to vote in person. If you can’t get an accepted photo ID, there is another way to confirm your identity. Check below for your options! Most voters include a copy of acceptable ID when you request to vote by mail or notarize your absentee ballot application.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

South Dakota requires photo ID to vote in person. Vote and sign a provisional ballot if you don’t have an accepted ID.

ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID

You can use one of the following photo IDs:
Ok if expired

  • South Dakota driver’s license
  • South Dakota non-driver ID card
  • ID issued by the federal government (for example: passport, military ID)
  • Tribal ID
  • Current student ID card from a high school or accredited post-high school institution in South Dakota

If you are not able to present an acceptable ID, you may still vote by signing a Personal Identification Affidavit. See the FAQ for more details.

Voting by Mail

You must either have your absentee ballot application notarized or include a copy of acceptable ID when you request to vote by mail. More info is in the FAQ below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in South Dakota?

Voters in South Dakota must show photo ID to confirm their identity at their polling place.

BUT: If you are not able to present acceptable ID, you may still vote a regular ballot by signing a Personal Identification Affidavit.

A Personal Identification Affidavit is a form on which you write your name, address, and signature. Your signature on the Affidavit must match the signature on file with the state.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing ID.

Learn more here!  (link to “Vote” section)  

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in South Dakota?
No. If you do not have and can show your original photo ID, you may still vote a regular ballot by signing a Personal Identification Affidavit.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in South Dakota?

You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in South Dakota.

Your driver’s license or state ID card will show a gold star if it meets REAL ID requirements under federal law. You may also hear it called a “gold star” ID.

South Dakota only issues real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs.

If you need to renew your state photo ID or driver’s license (or apply for a new one) you must go through the REAL ID process.

Get in touch with VoteRiders if you have questions or need free help securing your REAL ID.

Who is eligible to vote by mail in South Dakota?
Any registered South Dakota voter may request an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.
Do you need to include ID with your absentee ballot application?

State law requires completed absentee ballot applications to be notarized or include a photocopy of acceptable photo identification.

Any ID that is valid for voting in person will be accepted. See the list in the “Voting in Person” section.

Do you need to include ID with your absentee ballot?
No, but the signature on your mail-in ballot must match your signature on file with the state.