State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Insurance)
Department of Public Safety Benefits
Health Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in South Dakota
South Dakota Military Resource Locator
Resources
Summary of South Dakota Military and Veterans Benefits: South Dakota offers special benefits for Service members, Veterans and their Families including a property tax exemption for Veterans and their Surviving Spouses, compensation for state active duty, education assistance, license plates, hunting and fishing benefits and free or reduced fees at South Dakota State Parks. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Officers: The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has trained County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers who can assist Veterans, retired Service members and their Families find and apply for Veterans benefits under federal, state and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Officers Directory
Learn more about the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Officers
South Dakota State Military and Veterans Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
What are my South Dakota Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?
South Dakota Income Taxes: There are no individual income taxes in South Dakota. Distributions received from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not taxed.
Learn more about South Dakota Income Taxes
South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Paraplegic Veterans and Their Surviving Spouse: South Dakota offers a full property tax exemption to eligible paraplegic Veterans and their Surviving Spouse. This exemption applies to the house, garage and the lot up to one acre.
South Dakota Codified Laws 10-4-24.10 and 10-4-24.11
Who is eligible for South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Paraplegic Veterans and Their Surviving Spouse? To be eligible:
- Property must be owned by a Veteran who lost or lost the use of both lower extremities and the unremarried Surviving Spouse of an eligible Veteran
- Property must be specifically designed for wheelchair use
To Apply: The South Dakota Application for Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemptions is available beginning in January of each year. Applications must be submitted annually to the local County Director of Equalization.
South Dakota Online Application for Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
South Dakota County Directors of Equalization Directory
South Dakota Department of Revenue, Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption Brochure
South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: South Dakota offers a partial property tax exemption up to $200,000 for disabled Veterans and their Surviving Spouse. This exemption applies to the house, garage and the lot up to one acre.
South Dakota Codified Laws 10-4-40
Who is eligible for South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans? The property must be owned and occupied by a disabled Veteran who has a service-connected, total and permanent disability rating from the VA or their unremarried Surviving Spouse to be eligible.
To Apply: The South Dakota Applications for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions are available beginning in January of each year. Applications must be submitted annually to the local County Director of Equalization on or before November 1 st .
South Dakota Online Application for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
South Dakota County Directors of Equalization Directory
South Dakota Department of Revenue, Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Brochure
Learn more about South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Education Benefits?
Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Veterans: South Dakota offers free tuition at state supported schools for Veterans who served on active duty service in the U.S. Armed 
Forces during a wartime period (see bottom of application located below for qualifying wartime dates). Veterans must use all VA educational benefits before they are eligible.
Veterans will receive one month’s free tuition towards an undergraduate degree for each month served during a qualifying wartime period. Veterans will receive a minimum of one academic year with a maximum of four academic year’s free tuition.
South Dakota Codified Laws 13-55-2 thru 13-55-5
Who is eligible for Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Veterans? Honorably discharged Veterans who are South Dakota residents and qualify for instate tuition must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Served on active duty between August 2, 1990, and date to be determined
- Received an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, or other campaign, expeditionary, or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations outside the boundaries of the U.S., or
- Has a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more from the VA
Learn more about Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Veterans
Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Children of Service Members Who Died During Military Service: The Child of a Service member who died, while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for free tuition at a state supported school or postsecondary technical institute.
South Dakota Codified Laws 13-55-6
Who is eligible for Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Children of Service Members Who Died during Military Service? The deceased Service member must have been a resident of South Dakota for at least six months prior to entry into the U.S. Armed Forces and the Child must be under age 25 and a South Dakota resident to be eligible.
South Dakota Veteran's Dependents or Survivors Application for Free Tuition at State Supported Universities and Technical Colleges
Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Dependents of Service Members Declared a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA): The Spouse or Child of a Veteran who is declared a POW or MIA, may be eligible for free tuition and no mandatory fees at a state supported school or any postsecondary technical institute. Eligible dependents must use all federal assistance before they can receive state financial assistance.
South Dakota Codified Laws 13-55-9.2
Who is eligible for Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Dependents of Service Members declared a POW or MIA? The Veteran must have been a resident of South Dakota at the time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed forces. The Child or Spouse must be a resident of South Dakota and are not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits.
South Dakota Veteran's Dependents or Survivors Application for Free Tuition at State Supported Universities and Technical Colleges
Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Children or Spouse of South Dakota National Guard Service Members who became Disabled or Died in the Line of Duty: The Spouse or Child of a South Dakota National Guard Service member who died or became permanently disabled in the line of duty are eligible for free tuition and no mandatory fees at a state supported school or postsecondary technical institute.
South Dakota Codified Laws 13-55-10
Who is eligible for Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Children or Spouse of South Dakota National Guard Service Members who became Disabled or Died in the Line of Duty? The resident Spouse and Children (under 25 years old) of a South Dakota National Guard Service member who became permanently disabled, died, or died from a service-connected injury or disability are eligible. The Service member’s death or disability must have been considered in the line of duty.
South Dakota Veteran's Dependents or Survivors Application for Free Tuition at State Supported Universities and Technical Colleges
Reduced Tuition for South Dakota National Guard Members: South Dakota National Guard Service members are eligible for a 100% reduction in undergraduate tuition at state supported universities, technical schools, or in-state nonprofit post-secondary institutions. Reduced tuition is offered for up to 128 credits for undergraduate programs and 32 credits for graduate programs. Service members also have the option to use this benefit at state supported vocational schools.
Nonresident Service members serving in the South Dakota National Guard are considered residents for tuition purposes. The receipt of federal education benefits does not affect eligibility for this program.
South Dakota Codified Laws 33-6-5 thru 33-6-8.1
Who is eligible for Reduced Tuition for South Dakota National Guard Members? Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible for reduced tuition:
- Service member must be serving in the South Dakota National Guard throughout each semester or vocational program for which they apply for benefits
- Completed basic training
- Attend 90% of drills and training periods
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance
Federal tuition assistance must be used before state education benefits are applied.
South Dakota National Guard Tuition Assistance Application Webpage
Learn more about Reduced Tuition for South Dakota National Guard Members
South Dakota Resident Status for Tuition Purposes for Nonresident Service Members, Veterans and Their Dependents: Nonresident Service members, honorably discharged Veterans and their dependents are considered residents for tuition purposes.
Honorary South Dakota High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: South Dakota offers honorary high school diplomas to wartime Veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. South Dakota Codified Laws 33A-2-34
Who is eligible for Honorary South Dakota High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans? Veterans must have received an honorable discharge and served during one of the following wartime periods to be eligible:
- December 7, 1941, through September 2, 1945
- June 25, 1950, through July 31, 1953
- February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975
Veterans should contact the school district they wish to award the diploma to apply.
South Dakota Department of Education Directory
Learn more about Honorary South Dakota High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
South Dakota Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB): VUB helps Veterans to improve their education skills and prepare for college, university, or technical school.
VUB provides the following programs and assistance:
- Academic refresher classes
- Tutoring (individual and group)
- Study skills
- College curriculum information
- Preparation for college, university or technical school entrance
- GED preparation assistance
In addition, VUB offers career services such as:
- Career interest inventories
- Follow-up information on specific job outlooks
- Help finding training opportunities
- Career exploration
- Help defining choices and planning
- Education funding information
- Financial aid application assistance
All supplies, instructional materials, career, financial aid and academic services are provided free of charge.
VUB is offered at the following educational institutions:
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- University Center in Rapid City
- Black Hills State University
- National American University
- Western Dakota Technical Institute
VUB also serves Veterans attending online and other programs offered in the Black Hills region.
Who is eligible for the South Dakota VUB? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Low income and/or first-generation U.S. Armed Forces Veterans
- Served 181 or more days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an other than dishonorable discharge, or
- Was discharged due to a service-connected disability, or
- Was a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces called to active duty for more than 30 days, or
- Was a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001
For more information, contact:
Veterans Upward Bound Program Advisor
501 E. St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: 605-390-0746
Email: naum@wncc.edu
Learn more about the South Dakota Veterans Upward Bound Program
South Dakota Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children of military Families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
- Facilitating the prompt enrollment of Children of military Families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
- Facilitating the student placement process through which Children of military Families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
- Facilitating the on-time graduation of Children of military Families
- Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
- Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military Families under this compact
- Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military Children
- Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student
Primary Point of Contact
Phone:605-923-0002, 605-593-6563
South Dakota Purple Star School Designation for Military-Friendly Schools: The South Dakota Purple Star School Designation for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and Families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.
For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Award they must appoint a school liaison that is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military Families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military Families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military Families.
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program
Learn more about the South Dakota Purple Star School Designation for Military-Friendly Schools
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Employment Benefits?
Military Training Leave for South Dakota State Employees: State employees who areserving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed 
Forces receive 15 days military leave per calendar year for training.
Employees may use up to an additional 40 hours of accumulated sick leave when called to state active duty.
Who is eligible for Military Training Leave for South Dakota State Employees? National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members who are permanent state employees are eligible.
Learn more about Military Training Leave for South Dakota State Employees
Credited Military Service for South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS): Members of SDRS who are reserve component Service members and are called to federal active duty service do not lose credit for retirement. Employees will continue to earn credited service if they meet the following requirements:
- Employed before going on military leave
- Return to public service within one year of discharge
- Must remain employed for at least one year after their return
South Dakota Codified Laws 3-12C-514
Who is eligible for Credited Military Service for SDRS? State employees who are National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members who take an authorized leave of absence when called to federal active duty are eligible for credited service.
Learn more about Credited Military Service for South Dakota Retirement System
South Dakota State Employment Wage Compensation Adjustment during Active Duty Service: State employees who are serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and are ordered to state or federal active duty (not active duty for training), will receive the difference between their state salary and their military salary for the duration of their active duty service. The difference is paid on a quarterly basis.
South Dakota State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference: South Dakota offers Veterans’ preference when hiring for state or local government jobs. Those eligible receive preference for appointment, employment, and promotion at all levels of government, including state, county, and city. In all cases applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job they are applying for.
At the state level, eligible applicants are automatically added to the interview list after the top qualified persons have been determined.
Preference is given in the following order:
- Disabled Veteran
- Spouse of a disabled Veteran
- Veteran
- Unremarried Surviving Spouse
South Dakota Codified Laws 3-3-1 thru 3-3-8
Who is eligible for South Dakota State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference? To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. Citizen
- Resident of South Dakota
- Veteran who served their full contract obligation in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Force and received an honorable discharge
- Spouse of a disabled Veteran who cannot work due to their disability
- Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who died due to a service-connected illness or injury
South Dakota Codified Laws 33A-2-1
Learn more about South Dakota State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) Veterans' Employment Assistance: South Dakota DLR Job Service Offices have trained staff who offer specialized services to job-seeking Veterans and eligible Spouses.
Some of the services provided are:
- Intensive services for disabled Veterans
- In-person orientation sessions introducing South Dakota DLR services and procedures
- Job search information
- Resume and cover letter assistance
- Interview preparation
- Eligibility determinations for special programs and services that employ and train Veterans
- Information on how to apply for federal, state, county and city employment
- Employment information for newly separated or transitioning Service members
- Military skills to civilian employment crosswalk
- Direct referrals to job openings
Who is eligible for South Dakota DLR Veterans' Employment Assistance? To receive specialized services Veterans must have served on federal active duty, received a discharge other than dishonorable and meet one of the following service requirements:
- Served more than 180 days
- Served at least one day and was discharged or released because of a service-connected disability
- Reserve component Service member who served at least one day after being called to federal active duty during a time of war
- Served at least one day and received a campaign medal
- Discharged due to sole survivorship
- Identified as having a significant barrier to employment
Disabled Veterans qualify in the following circumstances:
- Entitled to compensation for a disability from the VA (or would be entitled if not receiving military retired pay), or
- Entitled to compensation for a VA disability rating of 30% or more (or would be entitled if not receiving military retired pay)
Spouses and Surviving Spouses of the following Service members or Veterans are eligible:
- Veteran who died of a service-connected injury, illness, or disability
- Active duty Service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who has been listed for 90 or more days as missing in action or a prisoner of war
- Veteran who has a total and permanent service-connected disability
Veterans receive priority of service at DLR local offices and are given priority in DLR training programs.
South Dakota DLR, Veterans' Services Brochure
South Dakota DLR, Veterans' Employment Assistance Eligibility
South Dakota Job Service Offices Directory
Learn more about South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Veterans' Employment Assistance
Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled orwho served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil 
service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
- During a war, or
- During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
- A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
- A Veteran who received a Purple Heart
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of Spouses, Surviving Spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a Spouse (including Surviving Spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the Spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
- Rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
- Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
- Attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.
Learn more about Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects Service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for militaryduty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service as long as the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning Service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning Service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for Service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, or National Guard Service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Insurance) Benefits?
South Dakota Reemployment Assistance (RA): South Dakota's Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) administers RA, providing temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who lost their job through no fault of their own. Reemployment assistance benefits are funded through taxes paid by employers and are based on the previous wages earned.
South Dakota Codified Laws Title 61
Who is eligible for South Dakota RA? To be eligible for RA applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Totally or partially unemployed
- Register with the DLR
- File an application for benefits
- Worked at a job where their employer paid reemployment assistance tax on wages
- Monetarily eligible
- File weekly requests for payment
- Able and willing to accept suitable work
- Make a reasonable effort to find and apply for work
- Attend all DLR scheduled services
Applicants need the following information to file a claim:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number or other state ID number
- Employment history for the last 18 months (all in-state and out-of-state jobs), including business names, addresses and phone numbers
- Name and number of local union hall (if applicable)
- Alien registration number if not a U.S. Citizen
- SF-8 and SF-50 forms for former federal employees
- DD214 for former Service members
Applicants can file a claim online at the DLR RA Application webpage, or by calling the Claims Call Center at 605-626-3179, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. (Central Time). For TTY service, dial 711 or 800-877-1113. Translation services available on request.
For assistance, please call the DLR Customer Service Center at 605-626-2452, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time).
South Dakota DLR, Claimant Handbook
South Dakota DLR, RA Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about South Dakota Reemployment Assistance
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Department of Public Safety Benefits?
‘Veteran’ Designation on South Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card: Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces have the option of adding the word ‘Veteran’ to the front of their South Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card. In additio
n to the required driver’s license and ID card documents, Veterans need to provide one of the following:
- DD214 that indicates an honorable discharge from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Certificate signed by a county or tribal Veteran's Service Officer verifying their status
- DD Form 2 (Retired)
- DD Form 2A (Reserve Retired)
- NGB22
Veterans can apply at any South Dakota Driver Licensing Office location.
South Dakota Codified Laws 32-12-17.15
South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer Directory
Learn more about Veteran Designation on South Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card
South Dakota Driver’s License Extension for Service Members and their Dependents: South Dakota extends the expiration of driver’s licenses for resident Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents. Their license will remain valid as long as the Service member continues to serve, and they remain outside South Dakota. Their licenses will remain valid for up to 90 days after their return to South Dakota or the Service member separates from the U.S. Armed Forces. South Dakota Codified Laws 32-12-45
Learn more about South Dakota Driver License Extension for Service Members and their Dependents
South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange Program: Service members and Veterans who have recent experience driving military vehicles similar to commercial motor vehicles may be eligible for a CDL skills test waiver or an even exchange of their military license for a South Dakota CDL. These benefits are not available for hazardous materials or school bus endorsements. All applicants must be South Dakota residents and have a state driver’s license. Veterans must be within one year of their separation from the U.S. Armed Forces to be eligible.
Skills Test Waiver: To be eligible for the skills test waiver, applicants must have licensed and operated the same type of commercial vehicle that they expect to operate as a civilian for at least two years for active duty Service members, or four years for National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves Service members. Applicants must pass the CDL written tests before they can receive a skills test waiver.
Even Exchange Program: To qualify for the Even Exchange Program applicants must serve in a qualifying Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) and have a military license to operate a military commercial vehicle. The Even Exchange Program authorizes the waiver of both knowledge testing and skills testing requirements. Service members who served within the last year in the following MOSs are eligible:
- Army - 88M, 92F, or 14T
- Air Force- 2T1, 2F0, or 3E2
- Marine Corps- 3531
- Navy- EO
To apply applicants must submit the following:
- Completed Military CDL Waiver Checklist and Application
- Proof of current or previous military service, DD214, NGB22, military discharge papers or current military ID card
- Two most recent years W-2 forms from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Vehicle Operators Qualification Record (for Even Exchange)
Applicants should send their completed application, phone number, email address and other required documents (listed on the application) to:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Driver Licensing Program
118 W. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Learn more about the South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License Military Skills Test Waiver
South Dakota Veteran and Military License Plates: The South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division offers distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of Service members, Veterans, Native American Veterans, retired Service members and eligible Family members. These license plates are broken down into two categories:
- South Dakota Specialty Military License Plates
- South Dakota Military License Plates - Veteran, Tribal and Active Duty
Applicants should submit completed applications, any fees and required documentation to their local county treasurers’ office. All applicants must have a South Dakota driver’s license or ID card to be eligible to apply.
South Dakota Department of Revenue, County Treasurer Directory
Learn more about South Dakota Military and Veteran License Plates
South Dakota Medal of Honor License Plate: Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for the South 
Dakota Medal of Honor license plate for use on passenger vehicles. There is no fee for this license plate. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214, medal certificate or other official documentation to verify receipt of the Medal of Honor and a completed South Dakota Military License Plate Application.
Learn more about the South Dakota Medal of Honor License Plate
South Dakota Purple Heart License Plate: Purple Heart recipients are eligible for the South Dakota 
Purple Heart license plate for use on passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214, medal certificate or other official documentation to verify receipt of the Purple Heart and a completed South Dakota Military License Plate Application.
Learn more about South Dakota Purple Heart License Plate
South Dakota Disabled Veteran License Plate: South Dakota offers the South Dakota Disabled Veteran license plate to eligible Veterans who have a service-connected disability they received while serving on active duty during a wartime period. In addition, Veterans must meet one of the following criteria:
- Receiving VA Level K, Special Monthly Compensation (U.S. Code, Title 38, Special Monthly Compensation Ratings)
- Received compensation from the VA to modify or purchase a specially adapted vehicle
- Receiving compensation from the VA for the loss or loss of use of one or more extremities
- Has a total and permanent disability rating from the VA
Disabled Veteran plates are available for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Applicants must provide proof of VA awarded disability and a completed South Dakota Military License Plate Application.
Learn more about the South Dakota Disabled Veteran License Plate
South Dakota Veterans License Plate: Honorably discharged resident Veterans who served on 
active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and active duty Service members are eligible for the South Dakota Veteran license plate for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Veterans can choose their branch of service and 16 different military operations or combat theaters to be displayed on their license plate. Applicants must submit a completed South Dakota Veteran and Active Duty Military License Plate Application and Affidavit to apply.
Learn more about the South Dakota Veterans License Plate
South Dakota Gold Star License Plate: South Dakota offers the Gold Star Family license plate for passenger vehicles and motorcycles to resident Family members of a Service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or as a result of injuries they received while serving. Eligible Family members include:
- Surviving Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
Applicants must submit a copy of the Department of Defense Report of Casualty (DD1300), or verification from the VA that the Service member's death was service-connected and a completed South Dakota Military License Plate Application.
Learn more about the South Dakota Gold Star License Plate
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Health and Insurance Benefits?
South Dakota National Guard Medical Coverage and Compensation for Injury and Illness that Occurred during State Active Duty: South Dakota National Guard Service members who are injured or become ill while serving on state active duty will receive medical care and will remain on state active duty with full pay and allowances until cleared by a medical review board.
Who is eligible for South Dakota National Guard Medical Coverage and Compensation for Injury and Illness that Occurred during State Active Duty? South Dakota National Guard Service members who were injured or became ill in the line of duty are eligible for coverage.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component Service members and their Families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard Service members) and their Families who meet the following qualifications:
- Not on active duty orders
- Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
- Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a Family member
The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a Service member is not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Parks and Recreation Benefits?
Reduced Fee South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans and Former Prisoners of War (POWs): South Dakota offers resident disabled Veterans and former POWs a four year hunting and fishing license for $10. 
South Dakota Codified Laws 41-6-10.2
Who is eligible for Reduced Fee South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans and Former POWs? To be eligible applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Receiving VA Level K, Special Monthly Compensation (U.S. Code, Title 38, Special Monthly Compensation Ratings)
- Has a 40% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA
- 40% Social Security disability rating and served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Declared a POW
Veterans must submit official documentation as proof of eligibility, a $10 fee and a completed South Dakota Disabled Veterans and Prisoner of War Application for Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing License to:
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
ATTN: Disability License
20641 SD Hwy 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
South Dakota Special Provisions for Handicapped Hunters: South Dakota has special provisions for resident disabled hunters. Hunters who have lost an upper limb, or the use of an upper limb, or must use a wheelchair may use a crossbow or draw-lock to hunt.
Legally blind or quadriplegic residents are authorized to have an assistant while hunting.
For more information and applications please visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Accessibility Permits webpage.
South Dakota Codified Laws 41-8-31
Learn more about South Dakota Special Provisions for Handicapped Hunters
South Dakota General Hunting and Fishing Licenses are not required for Active Duty Service Members Stationed outside South Dakota: South Dakota resident Service members who are 
stationed outside South Dakota are not required to have a license to fish or hunt small game while home on leave. The federal migratory bird stamp and the migratory bird certification permits are still required.
Service members must have current orders assigning them outside South Dakota and their military ID with them when hunting or fishing.
South Dakota Codified Laws 41-6-16.2
South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Prices for Nonresident Service Members and Veterans: South Dakota offers hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices to Service members and their Spouse who are stationed in South Dakota.
South Dakota also offers resident prices to Veterans who are patients at a Veterans hospital located in South Dakota.
South Dakota Big Game Hunting License for Resident Service Members and their Families: Resident Service members and their dependents who are stationed out of state during the application period and lottery drawings are eligible for deer, turkey, and antelope licenses. Applicants must meet all other hunting licensing requirements to be eligible.
For more information, please contact the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks at 605-223-7660 or email WildInfo@state.sd.us.
South Dakota Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Service Members Serving in a Reserve Component of the U.S. Armed Forces: South Dakota National Guard Service members and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members assigned to a unit located in South Dakota who are nonresidents are eligible to purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses.
South Dakota Free Lifetime State Park Entrance License for Disabled Veterans and Former Prisoners of War (POWs): South Dakota offers
a free lifetime State Park Entrance License to eligible resident disabled Veterans and former POWs. This license authorizes free entrance for the Veteran and their vehicle to all state parks
This license also provides a 50% discount on camping fees and electrical fee for their site or camping cabin. The discount does not apply to other facilities or fees.
South Dakota Codified Laws 41-17-13.4
Who is eligible for South Dakota Free Lifetime State Park Entrance License for Disabled Veterans and Former POWs? To be eligible Veterans must meet one of the following requirements:
- Service-connected 100% total disability rating from the VA
- Receiving VA Level K, Special Monthly Compensation (U.S. Code, Title 38, Special Monthly Compensation Ratings)
- Former POW
Completed applications and verifying documentation (listed on the application) should be mailed to:
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Parks and Recreation
523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-4521
Disabled Veteran and Prisoner of War Lifetime South Dakota State Park Entrance License Application
What are my South Dakota Military and Veteran Miscellaneous Benefits?
South Dakota Wartime Veteran and Active Duty Service Member Bonus: South Dakota will pay a bonus to resident Service members and Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a qualifying wartime period. Active duty for training does not count towards eligibility.
Who is eligible for the South Dakota Wartime Veteran and Active Duty Service Member Bonus? Service members and honorably discharged Veterans must have been South Dakota residents for at least six months prior to their period of active duty service during one of the following qualifying time periods:
- August 2, 1990, through March 3, 1991 - All active service counts for payment
- March 4, 1991, through December 31, 1992 - Only service in a hostile area qualifying for the Southwest Asia Service Medal counts for payment
- January 1, 1993, through September 10, 2001 - Only service in a hostile area qualifying for a campaign or service medal for combat operations against hostile forces counts for payment
- September 11, 2001, to a date yet to be determined - All active service counts for payment
Applicants who served in a non-hostile area are eligible for a bonus of $100 for the first month, then $20 for each month after, up to $240. Applicants who served in a hostile area are eligible for a bonus of $150 for the first month, then $50 for each month after, up to $500. Veterans or Service members who were eligible for a bonus for service prior to December 31, 1992, and are also eligible for a bonus for service after January 1, 1993, may receive two separate bonuses. All other applicants are eligible for only one bonus. Veterans who are eligible for a bonus and have a 10% or more service-connected disability rating will receive the maximum bonus amount of $500.
Service members and Veterans can apply through their local County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer or by mail:
South Dakota Veterans Bonus
425 E. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-7251
South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer Directory
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran/Active Duty Bonus Application
Learn more about the South Dakota Wartime Veteran and Active Duty Service Member Bonus
Free Certified Copies of South Dakota Resident Veterans Records: South Dakota counties must provide free certified copies of official documents when used for benefits claims for state and federal benefits. Counties must provide the following documents:
- Birth
- Death
- Marriage
- Adoption
- Divorce
- Guardianship
- Conservatorship
South Dakota Codified Laws 34-25-54
Who is eligible for Free Certified Copies of South Dakota Resident Veterans Records? Documents are provided to:
- Service members
- Veterans
- Spouses, Surviving Spouses or dependents of a Service member or Veteran
- Organizations assisting with benefits claims (must be designated by power of attorney)
Learn more about Free Certified Copies of South Dakota Resident Veterans Records
South Dakota State Veterans Home: The Michael J. Fitzmaurice, South Dakota Veterans Home,located in Hot Springs, is a 100-bed facility that serves South Dakota Veterans and their Spouses. The home has 76 skilled nursing beds and 24 non-skilled beds.
There are eight wings with eight neighborhoods that have a living room, dining room, and kitchen area to provide a home-like environment.
South Dakota Veterans Home Amenities:
- Complete medical services
- Pharmacy services
- Physical and occupational therapies
- 24-hour nursing care
- Recreation programs
- Meals
- Social services
- Religious and spiritual services
- Transportation services
- South Dakota Veterans Service Officer located at the Veterans home
Who is eligible for care at the South Dakota State Veterans Home? Admission to the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home is open to South Dakota resident Veterans, their Spouse or Surviving Spouse.
Veteran: Veterans must have received an honorable discharge and was a resident of South Dakota at any time in the previous five years from the date of the application. Veterans must not have income more than $1,000 above the VA pension rate for Veterans.
Spouse: The Spouse of a Veteran eligible for admission may be admitted with the Veteran if they have been married and living together for at least one year prior to application. Spouses may also be admitted, if the Veteran is eligible for admission at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home but is living in a different healthcare facility.
Surviving Spouse: The unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who is a least 60 years old and was married to the Veteran for at least one year prior to their death.
Spouses and Surviving Spouses will only be admitted if the home’s resident population of non-Veterans does not exceed 25% of the total population.
For more information, please contact the Admissions Specialist at 605-745-5127 (Ext. 1500115). South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officers can also help with the application process.
Michael J. Fitzmaurice, South Dakota Veterans Home
2500 Minnekahta Avenue
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Phone: 605-745-5127
Fax: 605-745-5547
South Dakota Codified Laws 33A-4
South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer Directory
Maurice J. Fitzmaurice, South Dakota State Veterans Home Application
Learn more about the South Dakota State Veterans Home
South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery: The South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery, located inSioux Falls, provides a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible Family members. 
The cemetery has accommodations for casketed remains, cremation graves, a scattering garden and a columbaria niche for cremated remains. The cemetery will provide a grave site or columbaria niche, grave liner, a headstone, niche cover or memorial marker, and perpetual care.
There is no fee for the burial of a Veteran. The fee for burial of a Spouse or eligible dependent is $948. Fees for Spouse or eligible dependents cannot be prepaid and are subject to change. Cemetery administrative staff assigns gravesites at the time of death.
Who is Eligible for Burial at the South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery? Eligibility requirements for the burial at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
- Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
- Died while serving on active duty, or
- Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or
- Reserve component Service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
- Spouses and dependents (burial of dependent Children is limited to unmarried Children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a Child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)
- There are no state residency requirements for burial
All Veterans are encouraged to complete the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery Determination of Eligibility Form to establish eligibility prior to need.
South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery 
25965 477th Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: 605-277-8094
Email: sdvc@state.sd.us
South Dakota Tribal Veterans Cemeteries:South Dakota also has three Tribal Veteran Cemeteries to serve South Dakota’s Tribal Veterans and their Families. For more information, Veterans or their Family members should contact their Tribal Veteran Service Officer or the Tribal Veterans Cemetery directly.
Akicita Owicahe Lakota Freedom Veterans Cemetery 
202-35 BIA 2
Kyle, SD 57752
Phone: 605-455-1497
Sicangu Akicita Owicahe Veterans Cemetery 
27404 U.S. Highway 83
White River, SD 57579
Phone: 605-747-2593
Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Veterans Cemetery 
453851 BIA 10
Sisseton, SD 57262
Phone: 605-698-3388
VA Cemetery Directory for South Dakota
South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer Directory
Learn more about the South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery
South Dakota Burial Allowance for Veterans, Spouses, or Surviving Spouses: South Dakota will pay $100 to the beneficiaries of an honorably discharged resident Veteran, their Spouse, or Surviving Spouse who did not leave adequate finances to prepare for their burial.
South Dakota Codified Laws 33A-5-2
Who is eligible for South Dakota Burial Allowance for Veterans, Spouses, or Surviving Spouses? The honorably discharged Veteran must have been a South Dakota resident for one year prior to their entrance into the U.S. Armed Forces, or one year prior to their death.
Beneficiaries must provide an affidavit to the County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer, that sufficient funds are not available for funeral expenses. An affidavit and a copy of the funeral bill must be submitted within one year from the date of the burial.
South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer Directory
Learn more about South Dakota Burial Allowance for Veterans, Spouses, or Surviving Spouses
South Dakota Veterans Headstone Fee Reimbursement: South Dakota will pay up to $200 towards the cost of setting a government headstone or marker at the grave of a Veteran.
The state will also pay $100 for the professional etching of the Veterans military information on the back of a privately purchased headstones. The etching must include the name, rank, branch of service, and dates of birth and death of the Veteran.
South Dakota Codified Laws 33A-5-4
Who is eligible for the South Dakota Veterans Headstone Fee Reimbursement: The Veteran must have been a South Dakota resident for one year prior to their entrance into the U.S. Armed Forces or one year prior to their death and received an honorable discharge for their service.
Survivors can apply for the Veterans Headstone Fee through a South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer.
South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer Directory
Learn more about the South Dakota Veterans Headstone Fee Reimbursement
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in South Dakota
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in South Dakota: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and Family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in South Dakota
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in South Dakota: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains three national cemeteries in South Dakota. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building
425 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:605-773-3269 / 877-579-0015
Fax: 605-773-5380
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Contact Information
Learn more about the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Military Installations in South Dakota
Please see the South Dakota Military Resource Locator for additional information.
Active Duty:
Army
No active duty Army installations are located in South Dakota.
Air Force
Ellsworth Air Force Base
National Guard:
South Dakota National Guard
South Dakota Army National Guard
South Dakota Air National Guard
114 th Fighter Wing
U.S. Army Reserve (USAR)
88 th Readiness Division
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, State Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Facility Directory South Dakota
South Dakota Government Information Gateway
South Dakota State Employee Handbook
South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division
U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment and Career Transition Advisor
South Dakota Department of Revenue
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organization Directory