South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Licensing & Examinations
Manager's License (discontinued)
Salon/Booth Licenses (including home salons)
Certification of Licensure (Proof)
License Replacement or Duplicate
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.
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.
- Pay $120 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
- Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules. 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.
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 Reciprocity Application (available from our Forms page) to the Cosmetology Commission.
- Pay $120 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
- Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules. 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.
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.
- Pay $120 examination or reciprocity fee, which includes the first license.
- Pass all required examinations: NIC national written theory and South Dakota Laws and Rules. 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.
Instructor Licenses
Cosmetology instructors can teach cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics. Nail technology instructors can teach only nail technology. Esthetics instructors can teach only esthetics.
- Complete the Instructor License application found on our Forms page.
- Once we receive a completed application, you will be sent instructions to register for the NIC Instructor Theory Examination and to complete the SD Instructor Laws & Rules Examination.
- If you fail either exam, you may not instruct students until passing both examinations 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.
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 $75. Your salon/booth will be inspected during that 90-day period.
If your salon or booth passes inspection, 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 on our Forms page) to apply for a new salon/booth permit.
Certification or Endorsement of Licensure (Proof)
To prove to another state that you hold a valid South Dakota license, you may request a certificate showing hours and licensing for a $30 fee. We will send the certificate directly to the State Board requesting certification of licensure.
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 $15. To request a duplicate or replace license, log in to your online account, select Pay for an Application and then check Duplicate/Replacement License Fee.