How to get a Cosmetologist license in South Dakota

South Dakota licenses cosmetologists statewide through the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission.¹ For the Cosmetologist license you need at least 1,500 clock hours² of education and a passing score on the NIC (National-Interstate Council) written theory examination plus the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination³. The board lists $120 for the initial license⁴. You renew every year¹.

Last checked November 7, 2026 · 14 official sources

Who issues it

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Training and experience

Training: at least 1,500 clock hours²

Exam

NIC (National-Interstate Council) written theory examination plus the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination³

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $120⁴

Renewal

Every year¹

From another state

License by endorsement, Temporary license or permit and Military service members and spouses²¹⁵ Details

On this page

South Dakota cosmetologist licenses
Rules shared by several license levels
Who needs a Cosmetologist license
Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
How much a Cosmetologist license costs
How to apply
Renewal and continuing education
Moving to South Dakota with a license from another state
Apprentice License
Salon/Booth License
Cosmetology Instructor license
Check a license or report a problem
Laws and rules
Rule changes since January 2024
Common questions
Cosmetologist licenses in other states

South Dakota cosmetologist licenses

South Dakota issues 4 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

License	What it covers	Training or experience	Exam	Application or license fee
Apprentice License	Apprenticeship education in cosmetology in a licensed apprentice salon under a licensed instructor.¹	Training 1,500 clock hours¹	–	$25²
Salon/Booth License (90-day Salon/Booth Permit, then annual license)	Business license for a cosmetology, esthetics or nail salon, or a booth rented by an independent contractor inside a licensed salon; valid only for the original owner and address.⁴	–	–	$75⁴
Cosmetologist	Hair care (styling, braiding, extensions, cutting, coloring, perming, relaxing, etc.), nail technology, esthetics, and non-permanent hair removal, for compensation. Cosmetologists may perform all services of the three SD licenses.¹	Training 1,500 clock hours²	Yes⁴	$120⁴
Cosmetology Instructor (Instructor License)	Teaching in a school or apprentice salon; a cosmetology instructor may teach cosmetology, nail technology and esthetics.⁴	Training 12 clock hours⁶	Yes¹	$45²

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the South Dakota cosmetologist licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level except Apprentice License

Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years old⁴¹

Renewal

How often: Every year¹⁴
Renew online: apps.sd.gov⁷

2. Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Instructor (Instructor License)

Renewal

Renewal fee: $45⁷

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

Hair care (styling, braiding, extensions, cutting, coloring, perming, relaxing, etc.), nail technology, esthetics, and non-permanent hair removal, for compensation. Cosmetologists may perform all services of the three SD licenses.¹

Work that does not need this license:

Exempt: licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurses, podiatrists, chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, morticians, barbers and licensed demonstrators working within their own professions; natural hair braiding is also exempt (SDCL 36-15-16.1).¹

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Education or training: At least 1,500 clock hours²
1,500 hours of cosmetology education at a Commission-approved and licensed SD school (out-of-state students: certification from their state board).⁴
Who may teach it: Only graduates of Commission-approved and licensed SD schools may sit for the SD licensing exam; training certified by another state board or public college is accepted subject to review.⁸
Alternative: 1,500 consecutive hours of apprenticeship in a licensed apprentice salon.¹
Exam: NIC (National-Interstate Council) written theory examination plus the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination³
Given by: Prov (exam registration on the vendor's website after paying the Commission)⁹
Passing score: 75% or greater³
When you can take it: Students actively enrolled at an approved SD school may test any time (the Commission strongly encourages finishing at least 50% of the hours first); graduates of out-of-state schools cannot take the SD theory exam.¹⁰
NIC written theory examination (online)¹⁰
South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination³
Retakes: Retake without prior Commission authorization by paying the $90 retake fee; retakes are given in person in Pierre and you may not work until you pass.³
Also required: Initial applicants submit proof of identity/age (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, green card, passport or US/Canadian driver license) and a photo taken within the past year.²

How much a Cosmetologist license costs

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$120⁴	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Exam retake fee	$90²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Temporary license or permit	$6²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
License verification to another state	$30²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Duplicate or replacement license	$15²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Student license fee	$15²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Students enrolled in a SD school. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Verification fee for individual licensee (course not pre-verified)	$35²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Optional service certifications from providers not pre-approved

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

How to apply

Enrol in a Commission-licensed SD cosmetology school (1,500 hours) or a licensed apprenticeship.⁴
Submit the contact information form, create an online account, and pay the $120 Examination Application Fee online.⁴ Form (PDF, dlr.sd.gov)¹¹
Wait for the Commission email with a coupon code, then register for the NIC theory exam with Prov and complete the SD Laws & Rules exam.³
Complete the licensee agreement form; after you pass and your school sends your Student Education Record, the license is mailed.⁹
Renew every year by your birthday ($45).⁴

Apply online: apps.sd.gov¹¹
Temporary or provisional license: Passing school graduates get a Provisional Work Authorization to post while the license is mailed; SDCL 36-15-50.1 also allows a temporary license for school graduates until the next exam ($6).¹
Processing time: After passing, SD graduates whose Student Education Record is on file get their license mailed within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).³

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires: Renew every year on or before your birth date (shown as the expiry date on the license).²
Required topics: Optional service certifications (not renewal CE): eyelash extensions 16 hours, microdermabrasion 16 hours, electric nail files 8 hours of approved training.¹⁰
Late renewal: Late renewal fee: $30⁷ (per lapsed year, plus the renewal fee for each year expired)

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your South Dakota Cosmetologist license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Expiration date

Moving to South Dakota with a license from another state

These are the routes the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission publishes for the Cosmetologist license. The other cosmetologist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route: License by endorsement
What the board says: License by reciprocity for holders of an active, good-standing license from another state, district, territory or foreign country whose requirements were at least equal to SD's (cosmetology 1,500 hours + theory exam). The theory exam is waived if you passed a state-administered or authorized theory exam elsewhere; everyone passes the SD Laws & Rules exam. Work experience can make up missing school hours.²
Conditions: Pass the SD State Laws & Rules exam.¹⁰
Your home state sends SD a certification of licensure (education hours, exam status, standing, discipline, first-issue date).¹²
SD only counts the hours your state required, not extra hours you completed.¹²
Foreign-educated applicants also need 225 cosmetology hours at a Commission-approved school (OSHA/FDA safety, SD infection control, US cosmetic products).²
Review takes up to 15 business days after all documents arrive.¹⁰
Fee: $120²
Form: sdeforms.na2.adobesign.com¹¹

Route: Temporary license or permit
What the board says: Holders of a current license from another state or country may get a temporary permit valid until the next scheduled exam (extended until results if they sit it).¹
Fee: $6²

Route: Military service members and spouses
What the board says: SD licensing bodies must issue a license within 30 days, with no fee, to active-duty service members or spouses who hold the same or a similar license in good standing in another state or DC (SDCL 36-1B).⁵

Apprentice License

Apprenticeship education in cosmetology in a licensed apprentice salon under a licensed instructor.¹

Requirements

Minimum age: 17 years old¹
Education or training: At least 1,500 clock hours¹
1,500 consecutive hours of cosmetology apprenticeship education in the same licensed salon (transfers/breaks only with Commission approval for good cause).¹
Who may teach it: The salon must hold an apprentice salon license ($300) and the apprentice is taught by a licensed instructor.¹
Also required: Application includes a signed, certified letter from the salon owner naming the salon and the instructor.²

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$25²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Apprentice salon initial license fee and renewal fee	$300²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Paid by the salon providing the apprenticeship. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

Find a licensed apprentice salon and instructor, then apply for an apprentice license; contact the Commission first—several steps are needed before approval.⁸
After 1,500 hours, apply for the cosmetologist exam (and optionally a temporary license until the next exam).¹

From another state

Route: No reciprocity
What the board says: Apprentice licenses are for training in a SD apprentice salon; no out-of-state pathway.¹

Salon/Booth License

Business license for a cosmetology, esthetics or nail salon, or a booth rented by an independent contractor inside a licensed salon; valid only for the original owner and address.⁴

Requirements

Also required: Pass an inspection during the 90-day permit; do not open before the permit is received and posted.⁴
Also required: Minimum 120 sq ft of working space for the first licensee and 60 sq ft for each additional licensee, plus sink, restroom, ventilation and fire extinguisher (FAQ list).¹⁰
Also required: Booth licensees also need a personal license and a SD sales tax license.¹³
Also required: Home salons need a separate outside entrance and full separation from living quarters.⁴

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$75⁴	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Duplicate or replacement license	$15¹⁴	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

Submit the Salon/Booth Permit License Application with $75 and an opening date.⁴ sdeforms.na2.adobesign.com¹¹
Pass the inspection within the 90-day permit; the annual license then expires on the opening date.⁴

Renewal

When it expires: Renew on or before the opening (anniversary) date.⁷
Renewal fee: $55⁷
Late renewal: Late renewal fee: $30⁷

From another state

Route: No reciprocity
What the board says: Location-specific business license; a move or change of owner needs a new license.⁴

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Cosmetology Instructor license

Teaching in a school or apprentice salon; a cosmetology instructor may teach cosmetology, nail technology and esthetics.⁴

Requirements

Education or training: At least 12 clock hours⁶
12 hours of new instructor training²
Who may teach it: Commission pre-approved providers are listed on the Education page.⁴
Alternative: Or at least one year of teaching experience as a licensed instructor in another state.¹
Experience: Hold a current SD cosmetologist license (for a cosmetology instructor license).¹
License you must hold first: Valid cosmetologist license¹
Exam: NIC Instructor Theory Examination and SD Instructor Laws & Rules Examination⁴
Given by: NIC instructor theory exam taken online or at an authorized testing center⁶
Passing score: 75% or greater (Commission qualifying score)³
Retakes: If you fail either exam you may not instruct until you pass both and are licensed.⁴
Time limit: A conditional license (after the 12-hour course and SD laws exam) lasts 90 days; the theory exam must be passed within 90 days.²
Background check: Application asks about felony or other criminal convictions; attach details and certified court records.⁶

Fees

Fee	Amount	Paid to	Notes
Initial license fee	$45²	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2025
Exam fee	$120⁶	South Dakota Cosmetology Commission	Not refundable

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

Complete the 12-hour new instructor course.⁶
Send the Instructor License application with the $165 fee.⁴ Form (PDF, dlr.sd.gov)¹¹
Pass the SD Instructor Laws & Rules exam (conditional license) and the NIC Instructor Theory exam within 90 days.²

Temporary or provisional license: Conditional instructor license for 90 days pending the theory exam.²

Renewal

When it expires: Renew yearly by your birth date.⁴
Continuing education: At least 12 hours each renewal period²
Required topics: Teaching methods / methodology, 12 hours a year, completed before renewal⁴
Approved courses: Commission-approved courses; $35 verification fee for courses not pre-verified.²
Late renewal: Late renewal fee: $30² (per lapsed year)

From another state

Route: Exam waiver
What the board says: One year of teaching experience as a licensed instructor in another state substitutes for the SD instructor education (exams still required).¹

Military service members, veterans and spouses: SD licensing bodies must issue a license within 30 days, with no fee, to active-duty service members or spouses who hold the same or a similar license in good standing in another state or DC (SDCL 36-1B).⁵

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a cosmetologist in South Dakota, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in South Dakota is on the South Dakota license lookup page.

Look up a license: apps.sd.gov¹¹

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

July 1, 2025: Fee rule ARSD 20:42:03:03 amended (51 SDR 141); current fees $120 exam/initial, $45 renewal, $30 lapsed-year penalty.²

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in South Dakota?

The rules set at least 1,500 clock hours² before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: After passing, SD graduates whose Student Education Record is on file get their license mailed within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).³

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to South Dakota?

The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission publishes these routes for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement² and temporary license or permit¹. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in South Dakota?

Every year¹. The renewal fee is $45⁷.

Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

SDCL Chapter 36-15 CosmetologistsSouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
ARSD Article 20:42 CosmetologySouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - ExaminationsSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Licensing and ExaminationsSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SDLRC - Codified Law 36-1B-4 - Fees. 36-1B-4. Fees.South Dakota Legislature, Codified LawsChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Instructor License ApplicationSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - RenewalSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - EducationSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Examination Payment and Pre-registration InstructionsSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - FormsSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Reciprocity ChecklistSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Rented BoothSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
SD Cosmetology Commission - Payment FormSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Cosmetology CommissionChecked November 7, 2026