How to Search South Dakota Professional Licenses (Start Here)
Professional and occupational licenses in South Dakota are issued by state licensing boards — each profession has its own board with its own search tool. There is no single database of all licenses in South Dakota.
What this page covers: South Dakota professional license verification databases — medical, legal, real estate, contractor, financial, and other regulated professions. What it does not cover: Business entity filings (those are with the Secretary of State) or association memberships (those are private organizations).
Where to start: Identify the profession, then go to the specific licensing board for South Dakota. For attorneys, go to the state bar. For doctors, the medical board. For contractors, the contractor licensing authority. The databases below are organized by profession.
Common mistake: A professional license and a business registration are different. A license authorizes a person to practice a profession. A business registration authorizes a company to operate. They are filed with different agencies.
Central licensing portal
Medical board (MD)
Insurance licensing
Bar / attorney
Contractor licensing
For general information on requirements involved in starting or operating a busi
Population
924,669
Households
365,500
Median Income
$71,722
Median Home Value
$219,900
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: South Dakota professional & occupational licenses URL verified against the official state publisher at dlr.sd.gov on the review date. 4 primary .gov sources cited below.
South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses — Key Facts (2026)
Doctors, lawyers, contractors, nurses, real estate agents in South Dakota — who's licensed and how to verify in 2026.
State-only
License jurisdiction
Not federal
~22%
U.S. workforce licensed
Up from 5% in 1950
1,100+
Licensed occupations
NCSL national database
Free
Official verification
Never pay 3rd parties
Compacts
Cross-state reciprocity
Nursing/medical/PT
Active license
100%
Continuing-ed current
70%
No disciplinary actions
30%
No complaint history
20%
Criminal background
10%
Unit: % verified by 'active license' alone.
What Changed in 2026 — South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses
2026
South Dakota professional & occupational licenses portal active
The official South Dakota portal at dlr.sd.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for professional & occupational licenses in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for professional & occupational licenses
The NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database at www.ncsl.org provides federal-level context that complements South Dakota state records.
2026
South Dakota access in 2026
For 2026, South Dakota continues to publish professional & occupational licenses information through state-authorized portals; check dlr.sd.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE South Dakota's state portal — see the Primary Sources below for additional official portals.
The 4-Step South Dakota License Verification
1
Step 1 — Identify the profession
Each occupation has its own South Dakota board (medical, bar, contractor, real-estate, cosmetology, etc.).
2
Step 2 — Confirm the state
Licenses are state-issued. A South Dakota license is NOT automatically valid in other states (unless via compact).
3
Step 3 — Use the official board lookup
Every South Dakota board has a free verification tool. Never pay a third party for verification.
4
Step 4 — Check disciplinary history
Active license ≠ clean record. Always check the South Dakota board's disciplinary actions search.
Five Things People Get Wrong About South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses
MYTH"Inactive means revoked."
FACTInactive usually means not currently practicing — retired, lapsed, or paused. Revoked is a discipline status, and boards label the difference.
MYTH"License numbers are private."
FACTThey're the opposite — public identifiers designed for verification. A professional refusing to give one is the red flag.
MYTH"There's one national license database."
FACTLicensing is state-by-state, board-by-board. A nurse, a contractor, and a barber in South Dakota are verified in three different systems.
MYTH"Expired licenses vanish from the record."
FACTMost boards keep showing the history — expired, lapsed, surrendered — because the history is the point of the lookup.
MYTH"A license only works in the state that issued it."
FACTCompacts changed that: nursing (NLC), medicine (IMLC), and others let one license or an expedited pathway cover many states. Check the compact map.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- dlr.sd.gov — Official South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses — State portal for South Dakota professional & occupational licenses
- NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database — All-state licensing database
- USA.gov — Licenses & Permits — Federal licensing portal
- DOL Occupational Licensing — Dept of Labor licensing resources
- FTC Licensing Reports — FTC licensing economic analysis
- Minneapolis Fed — Licensure Data — Workforce licensure trends
- CLEAR Licensing Dashboard — Licensure regulation dashboard
Related Licenses Resources
📍 Other South Dakota records:
- South Dakota Court Records →
- South Dakota Criminal Records →
- South Dakota Property Records →
- South Dakota Vital Records →
- South Dakota Voter Records →
- South Dakota Wants & Warrants →
- South Dakota Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Licenses in other states:
- Alaska
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- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
National: U.S. Licenses hub →
Related Public Records
More South Dakota records: Court records · Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Licenses
Licenses Databases
42 official South Dakota licenses sources.
Licenses
SD Board of Accountancy - Annual Register
Official Free
The following are links to annual registers (Adobe PDF format) of both individuals and firms registered in South Dakota. For current listings, please view the License Lookup. Certified Public Accountants - Active · Certified Public Accountant Firm Permits ·
South Dakota Inspection, Compliance & Remediation
Official Free
State law requires that all pesticide products sold in South Dakota be registered with the DANR. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is often asked to evaluate the impacts of a proposed project or land use change. DANR ensures compliance with the state's Animal Feed & Remedy requirements through the Inspection, Enforcement, and Licensing/Registration.
Individual Appraiser | ASC gov
Official Free
Parcel and valuation data for South Dakota — ownership, assessed values, and property characteristics. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
🌐 asc.gov
Contact | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
The five members of the board include two members who are licensed audiologists actively practicing or who have two years of experience practicing in South Dakota, two members with an active license and at least two years of experience fitting and dispensing hearing aids, and one member of the general public who is not associated with, or financially interested in, the practice or business of hearing aid dispensing, audiology, or a related profession.
Board of Barber Examiners Roster of Active Barbershops As of August 17, 2023
Official Free
Current inmate information for South Dakota is published here. Confirm details with the official license and permit office before relying on them.
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | South Dakota Truck Information
Official Free
Commercial Driver Licenses are issued by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. General information regarding CDLs can be obtained by contacting the Driver Licensing Program by calling 605.773.6883 or toll-free 1.800.952.3696.
Licensing Requirements | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
The licensing division of the South Dakota Board of Chiropractic Examiners has the responsibility for licensing qualified chiropractors wishing to practice in South Dakota as well as maintaining the status of active practicing chiropractors as well as those chiropractors licensed but not practicing.
Application for Relicensure Board of Social Work Examiners : South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
Official Free
Once the board has reviewed and approved the renewal you have submitted, you may go to the website and print an updated license for your records. The license will reflect the updated expiration date · During online renewal, please do not use the back button in your browser.
Application Overview - South Dakota Board of Dentistry
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for South Dakota run through here. Confirm details with the official license and permit office before relying on them.
Environmental Consultant List
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for South Dakota run through here. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
Licensing Requirements | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
Learn about the educational, examination, and practical experience criteria necessary to obtain and maintain a funeral service license.
Commission on Gaming - Annual Report — FY20
Official Free
manufacturers/distributors to do business in South Dakota.
South Dakota Real Estate Commission - How to Become a Home Inspector
Official Free
A registered Home Inspector who has been employed at the registered level for no less than one year and performed at least 100 home inspections for compensation can upgrade the license to Licensed Home Inspector by submitting a completed Experience Log Experience Log (Adobe PDF format) to the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Search | South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Official Free
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a new e-commerce system, Go Outdoors South Dakota. Below you will find YouTube videos of how to remove your dog from a snare and a trap. How to Remove a Dog From a Trap How to Remove a Dog From a Snare. Small Game/Fishing Licenses General hunting/fishing licenses; such as fishing, small game, combination, furbearer, predator/varmint or migratory bird are available in unlimited quantities and are sold through over 400 agent locations across the st.
Massage Therapy Information | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
Anyone who is 18 years of age or older, with a high school diploma or its equivalent who has completed at least 500 of specified education and training in massage therapy from a recognized facility and passed an examination by an approved national certification board can apply to be a licensed massage therapist.
SDBMOE - PHYSICIANS
Official Free
Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) Physicians · MD or DO Post Graduate Resident Training Program License · As a medical professional licensed by this Board, renewal of your South Dakota license is entirely your responsibility. Reminders, if sent, are a courtesy.
Division of Banking - Money Lenders
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for South Dakota run through here. Confirm details with the official license and permit office before relying on them.
Division of Banking - Money Transmitters
Official Free
South Dakota money transmitter license applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). The NMLS website provides step-by-step instructions on how to access the system and guides on how to complete the MU forms. All licenses expire on December 31 of each year, and renewal applications must be submitted through the NMLS.
NMLS Consumer Access website
Official Free
Information made available through NMLS Consumer AccessSM is derived from NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System / Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry), the financial services industry's online registration and licensing database.
SOUTH DAKOTA BOARD OF NURSING
Official Free
within four months of working and performing nurse aide duties. Board’s application the U.S. state where the individual · holds active CNA registration. Same website to apply:. U.S. state provided and will add the individual to South · Dakota’s CNA registry if the individual holds.
South Dakota Board of Nursing Facility Administrators | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
Learn about applying for an emergency permit to serve as a nursing facility administrator. Become a certified preceptor or renew your status. Review continuing education requirements to renew a license. Find an upcoming meeting or review archived meeting minutes. The mission of the South Dakota Board of Nursing Facility Administrators is to protect the health and safety of the consumer public through the licensure of Nursing Facility Administrators, and the enforcement of statutes, rules, and regulations that fall under the jurisdiction of the Board.
SD Optometry | Licensing
Official Free
Browse this alphabetical listing of licensed optometrists in South Dakota to view name, address, phone and license number. List is in pdf format.
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Commercial Applicators
Official Free
Part 1 of 2: To pay DANR for a South Dakota commercial pesticide applicator and/or dealer LICENSE, whether it is a NEW license or to RENEW an existing license, click on either: Individual Registration (to log in to an individualâs record to pay for that one person) or Company Registration.
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Commercial Applicators
Official Free
Part 1 of 2: To pay DANR for a South Dakota commercial pesticide applicator and/or dealer LICENSE, whether it is a NEW license or to RENEW an existing license, click on either: Individual Registration (to log in to an individualâs record to pay for that one person) or Company Registration.
South Dakota Board of Pharmacy | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
The Mission of the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy is to protect and promote the health and safety of the public by supporting pharmacists and pursuing the highest quality pharmaceutical care through education, communication, licensing, legislation, regulation, and enforcement.
South Dakota Board of Podiatry Examiners Online Verification : South Dakota Board of Podiatry Examiners
Official Free
You may Download a complete roster of our active licensees · Search by name or certificate number. To check multiple names, enter one at a time. To exit this screen, click on any other navigational link
Online Services : South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
Official Free
South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Renew your license online. Application for Relicensure for Board of Social Worker Examiners · Print an updated certificate for your records. Note: The board will no longer mail updated seals and it will be the licensee's responsibility to print.
August 31, 2021 NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids ...
Official Free
30 to 50 tons; Backhoes/Excavators 21 to 40 tons; Maintenance Mechanic; Scrapers; Concrete Pump Truck
Board of Social Work Examiners Online Verification : South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
Official Free
You may Download a complete roster of our active licensees · Search by name or certificate number. To check multiple names, enter one at a time. To exit this screen, click on any other navigational link
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant | South Dakota Department of Health
Official Free
An SLPA applicant can complete the 100-clock hour/clinical practicum requirement on the job pursuant to SDCL 36-37-18 (5): "Completes a supervised clinical practicum of a minimum of one hundred clock hours as a speech-language pathology assistant while either on the job or during academic.
Division of Banking
Official Free
The Division of Banking of the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is charged with the regulation and supervision of state chartered and licensed financial institutions, to maintain stability and public confidence in state chartered institutions and to protect public interests.
Division of Banking - Trust Companies
Official Free
A South Dakota-chartered trust company is subject to an annual supervisory fee computed at the rate of seven cents per $10,000 of total trust assets under management, administration, or custody as reported as of the end of December. The minimum annual fee is $3,750 and the maximum annual fee is $20,000 for private trust companies, while the minimum annual fee is $4,500 and the maximum annual fee is $30,000 for public trust companies.
South Dakota Feedlot Permit Program - Septic Tank Systems
Official Free
South Dakota has developed a certification program for septic tank system installers. This program ensures that the installers understand the design requirements. To become a certified installer you will need to pass a written test administered by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.
Water Well Drillers / Pump Installers
Official Free
Becoming a licensed well driller. Driller and Pump Installer Search Back to top What information is available to search? Basic location and contact information is displayed as results. More details on a given result can be seen by clicking the button labeled DETAILS. Details include years licenced and driller contact information. If you just cannot get the search to work, contact the South Dakota.
Kelly Registration Systems, Inc.
Official Free
The following selections will search the South Dakota Department of Agriculture databases of registered pesticides. This information is compiled solely from pesticide registration data submitted by companies who wish their products to be sold in the state of South Dakota, combined with data.
SD Board of Technical Professions - Information for Petroleum Release Services
Official Free
Applications should refer to the Blue Book SDCL 36-18A-31, ARSD 20:38:31:01, ARSD 20:38:31:06 and ARSD 20:38:31:07 for specific information regarding experience requirements for licensure as a Petroleum Release Assessor or as a Petroleum Release Remediator. The completed application form including.
South Dakota
Official Free
License and permit records for South Dakota — issued credentials and active-status checks. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
Kelly Registration Systems, Inc.
Official Free
Property research in South Dakota starts here: parcels, assessments, and tax detail. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
South Dakota Minerals and Mining Program - Oil and Gas
Official Free
There are five different approval processes that apply to oil and gas operations: 1.) Orders for spacing, pooling or unitization requests; 2.) The Notice of Recommendation procedure; 3.) Applications for Permit to Drill (APD) for drilling, deepening, or reentering requests; 4.) Underground Injection Control Class II Permits to Inject; and 5.) Sundry Notice Requests for administrative approvals.
South Dakota Producer Portal | Vertafore
Official Free
Contact the South Dakota Division of Insurance for any of the following reasons: To withdraw/cancel a license contact the Division by email, To get a Letter of Clearance send by mail your request along with the $10.00 fee, To report assumed names, alias, trade names, or "doing business as" (dba) organizations please contact the Division by email or mail.
Find trusted lawyers in South Dakota | State Bar of South Dakota
Official Free
The State Bar of South Dakota Lawyer Referral Service is a public service to help you find a qualified, local lawyer. Lawyers who participate in this program will give you a consultation. During your consultation, you will receive: Guidance on the nature of your legal issue from a trained,.
Participants - ARELLO
Official Free
License and permit records for South Dakota — issued credentials and active-status checks. Confirm details with the official license and permit office before relying on them.
South Dakota Counties
66 South Dakota counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I verify a South Dakota professional license?▼
Most South Dakota professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contracting, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) can be verified through the Official South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses at dlr.sd.gov. Look for the 'License Lookup' or 'Verify a Licensee' tool — searches are typically by name or license number and return active/inactive status.
How do I apply for a South Dakota business license?▼
South Dakota business licensing combines state, county, and city permits depending on activity. The Official South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses at dlr.sd.gov is the primary state portal; local business-tax certificates are issued by the city or county where you operate. The federal usa.gov permits guide is a helpful starting overview.
Is a South Dakota license required to work in my profession?▼
That depends on the profession. South Dakota, like most states, licenses regulated occupations such as healthcare, legal, construction, real estate, cosmetology, security, and many trades. The Official South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses publishes the full list and exemption criteria at dlr.sd.gov.
How do I report a complaint against a South Dakota licensee?▼
Complaints against licensed professionals in South Dakota are filed with the issuing board or division under the Official South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses. Most boards accept online complaint submissions at dlr.sd.gov, plus mail-in forms. Each board reviews complaints under the standards in South Dakota's occupational code.
Does South Dakota recognize licenses from other states?▼
Many South Dakota boards offer license-by-reciprocity, license-by-endorsement, or expedited pathways for applicants already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. The Official South Dakota Professional & Occupational Licenses at dlr.sd.gov publishes the reciprocity rules per profession; some require additional South Dakota-specific exams or jurisprudence tests.