The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the renewal of driver licenses and permits, specifically waiving the renewal period for certain individuals. It modifies Section 32-12-42 to state that an operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, restricted minor's permit, or motorcycle restricted minor's permit expires on the licensee's birthday in the fifth year following issuance or on the expiration date of the applicant's authorized stay in the U.S., whichever comes first. The bill also specifies that the Department must waive the knowledge and driving tests for renewal if the application and payment are made within thirty days after expiration. If the application is made after this period, the knowledge test is required.

Additionally, a new section is added to Chapter 32-12, stating that certain licenses are exempt from the standard one hundred eighty-day renewal period. This exemption applies to active-duty members of the armed forces, employees of the U.S. Department of State serving abroad, and their spouses or dependents, allowing them to renew their licenses at any time regardless of the expiration date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 32-12-42