South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
Licensing
ADA Policy for Testing
If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, please read the Board's ADA Policy and contact us at 605.773.6193 for more information.
Barbershops
It is not required to be a licensed barber to own a barbershop; however, a barbershop must at all times be under the direct supervision and management of a registered barber.
Barbershop licenses are not transferable. If you change your shop location, you must obtain a new barbershop license, have your new shop inspected by a Board member and pay the application and inspection fees. See the table of fees below.
A cosmetologist is not licensed to work in a barbershop. Contact the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission at 605.773.6193 for information regarding cosmetology licensing requirements. If a barber requests to work in a cosmetology salon, the station must be inspected by the Board of Barber Examiners and a barbershop license issued.
Exams
The South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners administers a written National Barber Styling Theory Examination and a State-developed practical examination. You will be contacted by the Board of Barber Examiners to schedule your examinations after receipt of your Barber License Application.
For further information, contact the Board of Barber Examiners at 605.773.6193.
Fees
| Barber license application fee | $100 |
| Barber license fee | $50 |
| Barber license renewal fee | $75 |
| Barbershop inspection fee | $125 |
| Barbershop license application fee | $50 + $10 per chair |
| Barbershop license renewal | $50 + $10 per chair |
| Duplicate (replacement) license | no charge |
| Lapsed license renewal (less than three years) | $75 + $12 per year of lapse + restoration fee $15 |
| Transfer of License | $150 |
Transfer of License
If you have a valid barber's license or certificate of registration from another state or country, you may apply to transfer your license to South Dakota.
To apply to transfer a license, you will need to fill out and submit the License Application and a
Verification of All Past/Present Licensure (both in Adobe PDF format and available on our Forms Page). You must read and follow the Application Instructions (Adobe PDF format and available on our Forms page) for obtaining a South Dakota license. You must also submit a 3 inch by 5 inch current photograph and pay the license transfer fee of $150.00.
Renewal
All barber and barbershop licenses must be renewed each year by June 30. Use the appropriate renewal form available from our Forms web page and check the fees listed above.
If you have let your license lapse for less than three years, you may reinstate it by paying the lapsed license fees listed above. If you have let your license lapse for three or more years, you must re-take the practical and written exams.
Replacement
If you have lost your copy of your license, call the Board office at 605.773.6193 to request a duplicate license form. There is no fee to obtain a duplicate license.