South Dakota Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in South Dakota
To obtain a cosmetology license in South Dakota, applicants must complete approved education, meet the minimum age requirement, pass required state board examinations, and submit an application to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. The Commission operates under the Department of Labor and Regulation and manages all licensing through an online portal.
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education at a Commission-approved South Dakota cosmetology school. Training documentation is accepted only from SD-licensed schools, schools certified by another state licensing board, or public institutions of higher education (subject to Commission review). Out-of-state graduates must provide certification of education from their state's cosmetology licensing agency.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. All applicants must be at least 18 years old. Acceptable proof includes a driver's license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
- Submit your examination application and pay the $120 fee. Download the Exam Application from the Commission's Forms page and submit it along with payment. The $120 fee covers both the examination and the first license.
- Wait for your coupon code. The Commission emails a payment confirmation and coupon code within 72 hours of receiving your payment (excluding weekends and holidays). Do not register for your exam until you receive this code.
- Register for and pass your examinations. Use the coupon code to register for the NIC theory examination through Prov at provexam.com. You must also complete the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination. A score of 75% or higher is required on each exam.
- Receive your license. After you pass your examinations and the Commission receives your Student Education Record from your school, your license is mailed within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
Training Requirements
South Dakota requires completion of a specified number of training hours at a Commission-approved school before an applicant may sit for the state board examinations. The Commission accepts training documentation only from South Dakota-licensed cosmetology schools, from schools certified by another state's cosmetology licensing board, or from public institutions of higher education (subject to review). A current list of approved education providers is available on the Commission's Education page.
Training Hours by License Type
- Cosmetologist: 1,500 hours — encompasses hair care, nail care, skin care, and related services as defined by South Dakota Codified Law
- Nail Technician: 400 hours — nail services only
- Esthetician: 600 hours — skin care services only
Out-of-State and Transfer Students
Out-of-state graduates are not eligible to take the South Dakota theory examination directly. They must either become licensed in their home state and apply for reciprocity licensure in South Dakota, or transfer to a South Dakota cosmetology school and complete any remaining required hours. To determine how many out-of-state hours may transfer, submit an official transcript from your school and a certification of education from your state's cosmetology licensing agency. The Commission will audit the transcript and provide a report of transferable hours.
Student Examination Eligibility
Currently enrolled South Dakota students may register for the NIC theory examination before completing their full training hours. However, the Commission will not issue a license until the school submits the completed Student Education Record confirming the student has finished all required hours.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission requires every applicant to pass state board examinations before a license is issued. Examinations are administered online through Prov, Inc., the testing provider designated by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
Required Examinations
- NIC National Written Theory Examination: Covers cosmetology, nail technology, or esthetics theory, depending on the license type sought. Content is developed and owned by NIC.
- South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Examination: Required for all applicants, including reciprocity applicants. Administered separately from the NIC theory exam.
Examination Process
- Submit your application and pay the $120 examination fee. Do not attempt to register for an exam before receiving payment confirmation.
- Receive a payment confirmation email and coupon code from the Commission within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
- Use the coupon code to register for your NIC theory examination through Prov at provexam.com.
- Complete the SD Laws and Rules examination as directed in your confirmation email from the Commission.
Passing Score and Retakes
A score of 75% or higher is required to pass each examination. If you fail on the first attempt, you may retake the examination without prior Commission authorization. Examinations must be canceled or rescheduled at least three business days before the scheduled date. Medical emergencies or the death of an immediate family member may qualify as an excused absence, subject to documentation and Commission approval.
No Practical Examination for Operators
South Dakota does not require a separate practical examination for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician applicants. Only the NIC written theory and SD Laws and Rules examinations are required.
Instructor Examinations
Instructor applicants must pass the NIC Instructor Theory Examination and the South Dakota Instructor Laws and Rules Examination. Instructors may not teach students until both examinations are passed and an Instructor License is issued by the Commission.
How to Renew Your South Dakota Cosmetology License
South Dakota cosmetology licenses are renewed annually. Individual operator licenses — cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, and instructor — expire each year on the licensee's birth date. 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 (applied after the due date): $30
How to Renew
Renew online through the Online Licensee Services portal. You can also pay by mailing 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 to avoid delays.
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education is not required 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 of completion submitted to the Commission prior to renewal. Licensees wishing to offer microdermabrasion, eyelash extension, or electric nail filing services must complete a Commission-approved certification course for each specialty before performing those services.
Expired Licenses
Any license lapsed more than 60 days is subject to disciplinary action. If your license expired within the last five years, you must pay the renewal fee plus a $30 penalty fee for each expired year. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must also retake the state board examinations — the NIC theory examination and the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination.
Other Cosmetology License Types in South Dakota
The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission issues individual operator licenses, instructor licenses, and business licenses. Each type has specific education, examination, and annual renewal requirements.
Cosmetologist
Authorizes hair, nail, and skin services for compensation. Requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology education, minimum age of 18, passage of the NIC theory and SD Laws and Rules examinations, and the $120 examination fee. Annual renewal: $45.
Nail Technician
Authorizes nail services only — cutting, filing, polishing, applying artificial nails, airbrushing, and massaging hands, arms, feet, and legs. Requires 400 hours of nail technology education, minimum age of 18, passage of the NIC nail technology theory and SD Laws and Rules examinations, and the $120 fee. Annual renewal: $45.
Esthetician
Authorizes skin care services only — cleansing, exfoliating, facials, body treatments, waxing, and noninvasive cosmetic applications. Requires 600 hours of esthetics education, minimum age of 18, passage of the NIC esthetics theory and SD Laws and Rules examinations, and the $120 fee. Annual renewal: $45.
Instructor Licenses
A cosmetology instructor may teach cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics. A nail technology instructor may teach nail technology only. An esthetics instructor may teach esthetics only. Requires passage of the NIC Instructor Theory Examination and the SD Instructor Laws and Rules Examination. Annual renewal: $45, plus 12 hours of CE in teaching methodology annually.
Salon License
Required for any cosmetology, esthetics, or nail salon operating in South Dakota. New salons receive a 90-day permit ($75) and are inspected during that period. Upon passing inspection, a full annual license is issued. Annual renewal: $55, due on the business's opening date.
Booth License
Required for independent contractors renting space in an existing salon. The booth licensee is responsible for maintaining their own license independently of the salon. Annual renewal: $55.
Specialty Certifications
Separate Commission-approved CE certifications are required to offer microdermabrasion, eyelash extension, or electric nail filing services. These certifications do not result in a separate license but must be documented before providing those services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many training hours does South Dakota require for a cosmetology license?
- South Dakota requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology education from a Commission-approved school. Nail technicians require 400 hours and estheticians require 600 hours. All applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- What exams are required for a South Dakota cosmetology license?
- Two examinations are required: the NIC national written theory examination and the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination. Both are completed online through Prov, Inc. (provexam.com). A passing score of 75% is required on each exam. There is no separate practical examination for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician applicants.
- How long does it take to get a South Dakota cosmetology license after graduation?
- After submitting your examination application and payment, the Commission sends a payment confirmation and coupon code within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Once you pass your examinations and the Commission receives your Student Education Record from your school, your license is mailed within 72 hours. New exam application processing takes approximately 10–15 business days from receipt of a complete application.
- Does South Dakota have reciprocity for out-of-state cosmetology licenses?
- Yes. Applicants licensed in another state may apply for reciprocity. The $120 fee applies and all applicants must pass the South Dakota Laws and Rules examination. Reciprocity applicants may be eligible for a waiver of the NIC written theory exam. Processing takes approximately 15–20 business days after all required documentation and payment are received.
- Does South Dakota require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No CE is required for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician renewals. Instructors must complete 12 clock hours of Commission-approved teaching methodology CE annually. Any licensee who wants to perform microdermabrasion, eyelash extensions, or electric nail filing must also complete a Commission-approved certification course for each specialty.
- How much does it cost to get a South Dakota cosmetology license?
- The examination application fee is $120, which includes the cost of the first license. Annual renewal is $45. A $30 late penalty applies if the renewal is submitted after the birthday due date. Reciprocity applications also carry the $120 fee.