South Dakota Nursing License Guide

South Dakota License Overview

Compact / eNLCYes — Compact

Endorsement Fee$100

Typical Timing30-60 days

NursysYes

Temporary LicenseYes

Board Phone(605) 362-2760

How Long Does It Take?

Typical timing: 30-60 days.

TGL Recruiter tip: Processing estimates change with fingerprint delays, missing documents, and application volume. Confirm the current timeline with the Board before promising a start date — and always start early.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

Permanent License — Endorsement

Apply online through the South Dakota Board of Nursing portal and pay the $100 fee.
Request license verification via Nursys. South Dakota participates in Nursys.
Submit fingerprints for a background check — instructions are provided with your application.
Processing typically takes 30–60 days.

Temporary License

South Dakota offers a temporary permit valid for 90 days.
Request the temporary permit with your endorsement application.

TGL Recruiter tip: Start the licensing process as early as possible — especially for non-compact states, which can take 8–12 weeks. Your TGL recruiter will track your application status and help you time your assignment start date.

Fees

Endorsement fee is $100. Temporary permit is included. Biennial renewal is $100. Background check fees are separate.

Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official South Dakota Board of Nursing website before applying.

License Renewal

South Dakota RN licenses renew biennially. No continuing education is required (verify current requirements). Renewal fee is $100.

Important Notes for Travel Nurses

South Dakota is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice without endorsement.
Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the primary travel nurse placement areas.
Processing is generally efficient for a compact state.

Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 — Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the South Dakota Board of Nursing.