South Dakota License Requirements
South Dakota Insurance License Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know to get and keep your South Dakota insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.
South Dakota Insurance License Requirements at a Glance
Key facts for getting and maintaining your South Dakota insurance license.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of South Dakota |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life) | None required (optional) |
| Prelicensing Hours (Health) | None required (optional) |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined) | None required (optional) |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Fee | $85 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Background Check Cost | $No fee required |
| Fingerprinting Required | No |
| CE Hours Required | 10 hours every 1 year |
| Ethics CE Hours | 0 hours |
| Renewal Deadline | South Dakota licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 3 years |
| License Duration | 1 year |
| Special Training Required | No |
| Total Cost Estimate | $350-500 estimated total cost |
| Total Licensing Time | 2-4 weeks |
How to Get Your South Dakota Insurance License
Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in South Dakota.
Complete Prelicensing Education
Prelicensing education status for South Dakota: None required (optional). Check with the South Dakota Division of Insurance for current requirements.
Browse South Dakota Prelicensing Courses →Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The South Dakota insurance licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $85, and you'll need a passing score of 70%. Schedule your exam online after completing your prelicensing education.
Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE →Complete Fingerprinting
Not required
Apply for Your License
Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $25. Processing typically takes 1-5 business days.
Apply for Your South Dakota License →Get Appointed and Start Selling
Once your South Dakota insurance license is issued, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier before you can sell their products. Each carrier you work with will submit an appointment request to the South Dakota Division of Insurance. Appointments are typically processed within a few business days, and there is no additional exam required. Your sponsoring agency or carrier will guide you through this process.
South Dakota Fingerprinting Requirements
Not required
Name Match Requirement
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
South Dakota CE Renewal Requirements
To keep your South Dakota insurance license active, you must complete continuing education every 1 year. Here are the details:
10 hours
Total CE Hours
0 hours
Ethics Hours Required
1 year
Renewal Period
South Dakota licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 3 years
Renewal Deadline
$39
CE Package Price
SD DOI
Regulatory Body
South Dakota Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations
Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in South Dakota.
Insurance Code
South Dakota Codified Laws, Title 58 – InsuranceView Statute
Prelicensing Education
N/A — not required
Examination Requirements
S.D. Codified Laws 58-30-145
Age Requirements
SDCL § 58-30-148
Background Check
SDCL Sec. 58-30-167
Fingerprinting
N/A — not required
License Application
SDCL § 58-30-148
CE Requirements
S.D. Codified Laws 58-30-121
CE Ethics
SDCL §58-30-116 et seq.
Administrative Code
Article 20:06 - InsuranceView Statute
Provider Regulation
Administrative Rules of South Dakota 20:06:18
South Dakota Insurance License Requirements — FAQs
How long does it take to get a South Dakota insurance license?
Most candidates complete the South Dakota insurance licensing process in 2-4 weeks. This includes completing prelicensing education, passing the state exam, fingerprinting (if required), and waiting for license approval after submitting your application.
What happens if my name doesn't match my ID in South Dakota?
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
Where do I get fingerprinted in South Dakota?
Not required
Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to South Dakota?
Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. No exam is required.
How much does a South Dakota insurance license cost?
The total cost to get your South Dakota insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($85), the state application fee ($25), and the background check cost ($No fee required). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.
What are the South Dakota CE requirements?
South Dakota requires licensed insurance agents to complete 10 hours of continuing education every 1 year, including 0 hours of ethics training. Your renewal deadline is South Dakota licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 3 years. JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.
Why do so many insurance companies incorporate in South Dakota?
South Dakota has long been known for its business-friendly laws, including favorable insurance regulations and no state income tax. Many insurance holding companies and captive insurers choose South Dakota for incorporation due to its flexible regulatory environment and efficient Department of Insurance. For producers, South Dakota's 3-year license renewal cycle and absence of prelicensing requirements make it one of the quickest and most affordable states in which to get licensed.
What are the prelicensing hour requirements in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires None required (optional). Courses are available fully online through JustInsurance.
Ready to Get Your South Dakota Insurance License?
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