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South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

Licensing Requirements

Cosmetologist License

Nail Technician License

Esthetician License

Instructor Licenses

Manager's License (discontinued)

Salon/Booth Licenses (including home salons)

Certification of Licensure (Proof)

License Replacement or Duplicate

Cosmetologist License

For hair, nail and skin services, as established by South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 36-15-2

• Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology education, as shown by transcript from a South Dakota school. Out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board.
• Be 18 years or older, as shown by copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
• Submit the applicable, completed Exam or Reciprocity Application (available from our Forms page) to the Cosmetology Commission by mail.
• Pay $100 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
• Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and NIC written practical. All reciprocity and out-of-state student applicants will also need to pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam.
• Pay annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.

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Nail Technician License

For nail services only, as established by SDCL 36-15-17.2

• Complete 400 hours of nail technology education, as shown by transcript from a South Dakota school. Out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board.
• Be 18 years or older, as shown by copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
• Submit the applicable, completed Exam or Reciprocity Application (available from our Forms page) to the Cosmetology Commission by mail.
• Pay $100 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
• Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and NIC written practical. All reciprocity and out-of-state student applicants will also need to pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam.
• Pay annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.

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Esthetician License

Skin services only, as established in SDCL 36-15-2.2

• Complete 600 hours of esthetics education, as shown by transcript from a South Dakota school. Out-of-state students must provide certification from their state board or esthetics school.
• Be 18 years or older, as shown by copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
• Submit the applicable, completed Exam or Reciprocity Application (available from our Forms page) to the Cosmetology Commission by mail.
• Pay $100 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
• Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and NIC written practical. All reciprocity and out-of-state student applicants will also need to pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules exam.
• Pay annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.

You may also find Esthetics handout (Adobe PDF format) helpful.

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Instructor Licenses

Cosmetologist instructors can teach cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics. Nail technology instructors can teach only nail technology. Esthetics instructors can teach only esthetics.

• Submit the Instructor License Application Form and necessary attachments/fees by mail to the Cosmetology Commission (available from our Forms page).
• Office staff will contact you once the application is considered complete. The next step will be to take and pass the South Dakota Instructor Laws and Rules written exam with the Cosmetology Commission Inspector in your area.
• Once the inspector has notified the office that you have passed the laws and rules exam, you will be issued a Conditional Instructor’s License, which is valid for 90 days. Within those 90 days, you will need to contact the Commission office to schedule your Instructor Theory Examination to be conducted online at our office in Pierre.
• If the Instructor Theory examination is failed, the conditional instructor license is invalid and the individual may not instruct students until passing the theory examination and being issued an Instructor License.
• Instructor licenses must be renewed each year by the expiration date on the license (date of birth).
• Twelve hours of instructor continuing education on teaching methodology must be completed and proof of education submitted to the Commission office prior to renewing an instructor license.
• The Approved Education Providers PDF on our Education page lists pre-approved providers.

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Manager's License

The Manager's License was discontinued July 1, 2007. All those who possessed a manager license will now have "Cosmetologist," "Nail Technician" or "Esthetician" on their license, as applicable.

Salon/Booth Licenses

If you are opening a new cosmetology, esthetics, or nail salon or booth, you must apply for your first license, which is a 90-day permit. The fee is $60. Your salon/booth will be inspected during that 90-day period.

If the inspection is passed, we will issue a license that will expire annually on the business’ opening date. If the inspection is failed, you will be responsible for completing all steps to rectify the reasons for failure before your 90-day permit has expired.

You may not open for business before the salon/booth permit license is received by mail and posted. Once your salon/booth is licensed, it must pass a yearly inspection and you must pay an annual renewal fee, and late penalties when applicable.

A booth license is for an individual acting as an independent contractor, renting space in a salon. See our General Guidelines for the Booth Rental License page.

Setting up a salon in your home requires a salon license. You must follow all salon rules and regulations. In addition, your home salon must have a separate entrance from outside and be completely separated from your living quarters. You should check your local city/county ordinances as well. See the Home Salon Requirements (Adobe PDF format) for more information.

All salon and booth licenses are valid for the original owner(s) and original physical address only. If you move your physical address or the salon changes ownership, a new license is required.

Use the Salon/Booth Permit License Application (available from our Forms page) to apply for a new salon/booth permit or apply through your online account.

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Certification or Endorsement of Licensure (Proof)

To prove to another state that you hold a valid South Dakota license, you may request a certificate with the state seal showing hours and licensing for a $20 fee. Please log in to your online account and utilize the “Request Certification for License” link from the menu. We will send the certificate directly to the other state, unless that state's form indicates otherwise.

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License Replacement or Duplicate

If you have lost your copy of your license or need a duplicate to post at a different salon, notify the Commission. The cost of the replacement or duplicate is $5. Duplicates can be requested from your online account or by mail with proper payment.

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