Cosmetologist / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the South Dakota data shows for Cosmetologists

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in South Dakota means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,049 training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 16. South Dakota regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

The initial price tag is $40, and renewal costs $20 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 2 weeks to process once complete. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in South Dakota, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
79/100
Cosmetologist · South Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,049 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$47
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$15/yr
$30 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,049 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$47
Renewal Fee
$30
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All South Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in South Dakota? ▼
In South Dakota, the license path calls for 1049 education/training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, and a $47 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in South Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in South Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 1049 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Cosmetologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Yes, South Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the cosmetologist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in South Dakota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in South Dakota is $40. The renewal fee is $20 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in South Dakota? ▼
In South Dakota, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in South Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how South Dakota's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how South Dakota's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. South Dakota overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the South Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.