What Is the Abbreviation for South Dakota?
The standard abbreviation for South Dakota is SD. This page explains why South Dakota uses SD, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for South Dakota?
South Dakota's abbreviation is SD. You may also see S.D. in older writing, but SD is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use SD for South Dakota in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and database records.
Why South Dakota Uses SD
South Dakota uses the USPS abbreviation SD.
USPS adopted SD for South Dakota in 1963. The older form S.D. still appears in older publications, but SD is the standard postal abbreviation today.
Old Abbreviation for South Dakota
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For South Dakota, that older style was usually S.D..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is SD. If someone searches for old abbreviation for South Dakota, the practical answer is to recognize S.D. and use SD in current writing and addresses.
How to Write South Dakota in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
SD Compared With Similar State Codes
SD is often checked against ND and SC because directional state codes can look similar in forms and short lists.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with South Dakota and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
South Dakota belongs to the Midwest region. Its capital is Pierre, and its postal code SD is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
South Dakota entered the Union on November 2, 1889.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for South Dakota?
The standard USPS abbreviation for South Dakota is SD.
What is the postal abbreviation for South Dakota?
SD is the two-letter postal abbreviation for South Dakota. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate South Dakota?
Abbreviate South Dakota as SD in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is South Dakota abbreviated SD?
South Dakota uses the USPS abbreviation SD.
What does SD stand for?
SD stands for South Dakota in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for South Dakota?
Older editorial styles often wrote South Dakota as S.D.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is SD.
How do you write a South Dakota mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code SD, then the ZIP Code. For example: Pierre, SD 00000.
What state is SD?
SD is the postal abbreviation for South Dakota, located in the Midwest region. The capital is Pierre.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know SD stands for South Dakota, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.