South Dakota Cosmetology Commission | Bulletin Board
Important Updates
Note: Effective October 2023, the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission issued a ‘one-time’ paper license to operators and businesses. There is no expiration date printed on the license, instead there is a QR code printed on the license. By scanning the QR code, a customer, licensee, or member of the public can search for an operator or business by name or license number to check the status of a license. Displayed on the licensee’s profile is the name of the business or operator, the license expiration date, and any relevant disciplinary action taken against the licensee. If an operator or business license has lapsed for more than 30 days, the search result will state “Records Found: 0”.
A new paper license is issued only if one of the following events occurs:
1. The name of the operator or business changes
2. The license is lost or damaged
3. The operator attains new certification that needs to be listed on the license
4. The business moves from limited to full license status
Business licenses issued by the Commission are white, contain a square QR code on the face of the license, and contain the signature of the Commission President. Operator licenses issued by the Commission are green, contain a square QR code on the face of the license, and contain the signature of the Commission President. Questions concerning licenses can be addressed to: cosmetology@state.sd.us.
Shared Booth Space (03/26/2025): On March 17, 2025, Governor Rhoden signed House Bill 1232C into law. This law allows booth renters to share booth space under certain conditions. Booth space may now be shared as long as each booth renter meets the minimum equipment and sanitary requirements, booth renters do not share the same booth space at the same time, and each booth renter holds the proper operator and booth licensure to perform services in the shared booth space. During an inspection, if an inspector discovers a violation of South Dakota Cosmetology Law or Rule, and cannot determine which booth renter is responsible for the violation, the salon owner will be held responsible.
Limited Salon/Booth Licenses (01/27/2025): A cosmetology salon or booth (business) license applicant who selects fewer than all three service types (hair, esthetics, nail technology) on an application is issued a limited business license. The limitation only affects the business license and can be updated by applying for a new business license and being inspected. This is required by South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 36-15-51 (effective 1957, updated 2003).
Limited licenses are a benefit to cosmetology business owners and allow a cosmetology business owner to operate his or her business without having all the required tools and equipment for the services which fall under the cosmetology scope of practice. If a business owner wishes to add new services in the future, a new inspection is required to ensure the new equipment, tools, and products meet safety and sanitation requirements.