South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
The mission of the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission is to ensure the health and safety of our citizens as they use cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology services.
Important Notice: The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission only accepts training and education documentation from schools or providers licensed or certified by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. The Commission also accepts training and education documentation certified by another state licensing board or public institution of higher education (subject to review).
View list of approved South Dakota education providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
View answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Online Licensee Services
You can now login to your applicant/licensee portal to:
- Pay for an application
- Track the status of your application
- Renew a license
- Purchase a duplicate license
- Pay for a fine or penalty
- Pay for a pre-inspection or reinspection
- Update your address
LOG IN HERE
If you are a new user or if you have forgotten your password, click “Create New Password” on the portal homepage. You will be prompted to enter your email address on file with the Commission. You will receive an email with a temporary password and will have one hour to login and create a new password.
To update your email address on file with the Commission, please complete the Contact Information Form. It can take up to ten business days for your email address to be updated.
Applications
Click here to complete an application. Please see Processing Timelines below for approximate application processing timelines. To check the status of an application or to make payment click here.
Processing Timelines
Timelines are estimated based on current demand and staff availability. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid delays.
License Renewals: 10-15 business days
Reciprocity Applications: 15-20 business days (once all required documentation and payment is received)
New Booth/Salon Applications: 10-15 business days.
Applications for Examination: 10-15 business days (once all required documentation and payment is received)
Certifications of Licensure: 10-15 business days
Name Change Requests: 10-15 business days
Eyelash Extension, Microdermabrasion, Electric Filing Certifications: 10-15 business days
Cosmetology Commission Mission
The Commission ensures the health and safety of citizens by:
- examining and licensing qualified practitioners
- conducting inspections of cosmetology, esthetics and nail salons, booths and schools
- enforcing statutes, rules and regulations governing the practice of cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology, including consumer complaints
- resolving complaints
- overseeing the education of cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology students by regulating cosmetology schools.
We regulate the following activities when done for any fee or compensation:
- hair care (styling, wrapping, arranging, braiding, twisting, weaving, extending, fusing, dressing, curling, waving, permanent waving, singeing, cleansing, shampooing, cutting, bleaching, setting, coloring, straightening, relaxing, fitting, massaging, or similar work upon the hair, scalp, wigs or hairpieces of a person)
- skin care or esthetics (beautifying, massaging, cleansing, exfoliating, stimulating, applying oils, creams, cosmetic preparations, make-up, facial treatments, body treatments, body wraps, antiseptics, scrubs, clays, lotions, masks, waxes or other preparations for the noninvasive care of the skin)
- nail care (cutting, filing, trimming, shaping, polishing, coloring, removing polish, tinting, air-brushing, decorating, cleansing or otherwise beautifying a person's fingernails or toenails; applying and removing artificial nails; or massaging, cleansing and exfoliating a person's hands, arms, feet and legs)
- removal of superfluous hair by nonpermanent means
- education, equipment and safety and sanitation in salons, booths and schools
In no case may the above procedures be invasive or medical treatments.
More details may be found in the Scope of Practice
The Cosmetology Commission does not regulate:
- barbers (regulated by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners, 605.773.6193)
- electrology, permanent hair removal
- body piercing and ear piercing
- permanent makeup and tattooing
- massage therapy (regulated by the South Dakota Massage Therapy Board
Holiday Closures
See our Holiday Closure page for upcoming state office holiday closures.
Contact Us
Program Director: Tyler Evins
Senior Secretary: Lynda Fratzke
Education Coordinator: Ela Peterson
Address:
South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
217 W. Missouri Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605.773.6193
Email: cosmetology@state.sd.us
License Certifications/Continuing Education: email
Disclaimer
The information included on this website is provided as a courtesy to applicants and licensees. Reference should be made to South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) and the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) for the most recent, complete, and official licensing information available. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission is not liable for any inaccurate or outdated information contained on this website.