South Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the South Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission is a state regulatory body operating under the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). Unlike standalone state boards in many other states, South Dakota's cosmetology authority is organized as a commission within DLR, which also oversees the Board of Barber Examiners, the Electrical Commission, the Plumbing Commission, and several other professional licensing entities. Notably, the Cosmetology Commission and the Board of Barber Examiners are separate — barbering is regulated independently from cosmetology in South Dakota.
The Commission's mission is to ensure the health and safety of South Dakota citizens who use cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology services. It carries out this mission by examining and licensing qualified practitioners, conducting inspections of salons, booths, and schools, enforcing applicable statutes and administrative rules, resolving consumer complaints, and overseeing cosmetology education in the state.
The Commission's offices are located at 217 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501. The Commission can be reached by phone at (605) 773-6193 and by email at cosmetology@state.sd.us. For questions specifically about license certifications or continuing education documentation, a separate email address is available: cosmetologycert@state.sd.us.
South Dakota law defines cosmetology broadly to include hair care (styling, cutting, coloring, braiding, weaving, fusing, and related services), skin care (facials, body treatments, waxing, and noninvasive cosmetic applications), and nail care (cutting, polishing, artificial nail application, and hand and foot massage). The Commission does not regulate barbers, electrologists, body piercers, permanent makeup artists, tattoo artists, or massage therapists.
Commission members are appointed by the Governor and hold regular public meetings to address policy, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. Meeting schedules and agendas are posted on the Commission's bulletin board page. Disciplinary actions taken by the Commission are public record and published on the Commission's website.
Licenses Regulated
The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission issues individual operator licenses, instructor licenses, and business licenses. Each license type is defined under South Dakota Codified Law and requires completion of a specified number of training hours from a Commission-approved school.
Cosmetologist
A cosmetology license authorizes the holder to perform hair, nail, and skin services for compensation. Applicants must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education at a Commission-approved school, be at least 18 years old, pass the NIC national written theory examination and the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination, and pay the $120 examination fee (which includes the first license).
Nail Technician
A nail technician license covers nail services only: cutting, filing, polishing, applying artificial nails, airbrushing, and massaging hands, arms, feet, and legs. Applicants must complete 400 hours of nail technology education, be at least 18, pass the NIC nail technology theory exam and SD Laws and Rules exam, and pay the $120 examination fee.
Esthetician
An esthetician license authorizes skin care services: cleansing, exfoliating, facial treatments, body treatments, waxing, and noninvasive cosmetic applications. Applicants must complete 600 hours of esthetics education, be at least 18, pass required examinations, and pay the $120 examination fee.
Instructor Licenses
The Commission issues separate instructor licenses for cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics. A cosmetology instructor may teach all three subjects; a nail technology instructor may teach only nail technology; an esthetics instructor may teach only esthetics. Instructors must pass the NIC Instructor Theory Examination and the South Dakota Instructor Laws and Rules Examination. Instructor licenses renew annually and require 12 clock hours of Commission-approved continuing education in teaching methodology each year.
Salon and Booth Licenses
Any cosmetology, esthetics, or nail salon operating in South Dakota must hold a salon license. New salons start with a 90-day permit ($75 fee) and are inspected during that period. Upon passing inspection, a full annual license is issued. Booth licenses cover independent contractors renting space in an existing salon. Home salons are permitted but require a separate outside entrance and complete separation from the owner's living quarters. All salon and booth licenses are tied to the original owner and physical address — a new license is required if either changes.
Digital Licenses
Since October 2023, the Commission issues a one-time paper license containing a QR code instead of a printed expiration date. Scanning the QR code displays the licensee's name, license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions. A new paper license is issued only for name changes, lost/damaged licenses, new certifications, or a business moving from limited to full license status.
Renew Your South Dakota Cosmetology License
South Dakota cosmetology, nail technician, esthetician, and instructor licenses are renewed annually. Individual operator licenses expire on the licensee's birth date each year. Salon and booth licenses expire annually on the business's opening (anniversary) date.
Renewal Fees
- Cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, or instructor license: $45
- Salon or booth license: $55
- Late penalty (postmarked or paid after due date): $30
Continuing Education
South Dakota does not require continuing education for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician license renewals. Instructor licenses require 12 clock hours of Commission-approved continuing education in teaching methodology each year, with proof submitted to the Commission prior to renewal. Additionally, any licensee who wishes to offer microdermabrasion, eyelash extension, or electric nail filing services must complete a Commission-approved certification course for each specialty before performing those services.
How to Renew
Renew online through the Online Licensee Services portal at apps.sd.gov. You can also pay by credit card through the portal or mail a completed Payment Form with a check or money order to the Commission at 217 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501. Complete any name changes before submitting your renewal.
Expired Licenses
Any license lapsed more than 60 days is subject to disciplinary action. If your license expired less than five years ago, pay the renewal fee plus a $30 penalty for each expired year. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must also retake the state board examinations (NIC theory and SD Laws and Rules).
File a Complaint
The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission accepts complaints from any member of the public, Commission member, or Commission inspector about licensees or businesses regulated under South Dakota cosmetology law. Complaints may address safety and sanitation violations, unlicensed practice, deceptive conduct, drug or alcohol abuse, failure to display required licenses, or any other violation of South Dakota cosmetology statutes or administrative rules.
How to File a Complaint
Complaints must be submitted in writing using the official Complaint Form (PDF). The form must clearly identify the problem in detail, and all pertinent documents or evidence must be attached. Complaints cannot be kept confidential. Mail or deliver the completed form to the Commission office at 217 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501, or email it to cosmetology@state.sd.us.
Investigation Process
Once received, Commission staff acknowledge the complaint and determine whether the alleged facts constitute a violation of existing laws or regulations. If a potential violation is identified, the complaint is referred to the Commission's Investigation Committee, which conducts interviews, gathers evidence, and reviews the facts. The committee may then negotiate a settlement, file a formal complaint, or dismiss the case for insufficient evidence.
If a formal complaint is filed, the licensee is entitled to a hearing before the majority of the Commission or an administrative law judge. At the hearing, both sides may present evidence and witnesses. After the hearing, the licensee receives Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and has the right to appeal to the circuit court and the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary actions taken by the Commission are public record and are published on the Commission's website as a downloadable PDF. The Commission has authority to revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue a license for violations including fraud, unlicensed practice, failure to comply with cosmetology laws and rules, and continued practice by a person with an infectious or contagious disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission a standalone state board?
- No. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission operates under the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR), which also oversees the Board of Barber Examiners, the Electrical Commission, the Plumbing Commission, and other professional licensing bodies. The Commission is a separate entity from the barber board — cosmetology and barbering are regulated independently in South Dakota.
- How many training hours are required for a South Dakota cosmetology license?
- A South Dakota cosmetology license requires 1,500 hours of education from a Commission-approved school. Nail technician licenses require 400 hours and esthetician licenses require 600 hours. All applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- What examinations are required for a South Dakota cosmetology license?
- Applicants must pass two examinations: the NIC national written theory examination and the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination. Both are completed online. Exams are administered through Prov, Inc. (provexam.com). A score of 75% or higher is required to pass. There is no separate practical examination for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician applicants.
- When does a South Dakota cosmetology license expire?
- Individual operator licenses (cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, instructor) expire annually on the licensee's birth date. The renewal fee is $45. A $30 late penalty applies if the renewal is submitted after the birthday due date. Salon and booth licenses expire on the business's annual opening date.
- Does South Dakota require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No continuing education is required for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician license renewals. However, instructors must complete 12 clock hours of Commission-approved teaching methodology education each year. CE is also required for licensees who wish to offer microdermabrasion, eyelash extensions, or electric nail filing services.
- How can I verify a South Dakota cosmetology license?
- License verification is available through the Commission's online License Verification portal. When searching by license number, enter only the five middle digits (for example, for CO-10010-25, enter 10010). Physical licenses issued since October 2023 include a QR code that links directly to the licensee's current profile and expiration status.
- Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to South Dakota?
- Yes, through a reciprocity application. The $120 fee applies and you must pass the South Dakota Cosmetology Laws and Rules examination. Reciprocity applicants may be eligible for a waiver of the NIC written theory exam. All required documents must be submitted to the Commission for review, and processing takes approximately 15–20 business days after receipt of a complete application.