How often do I need to renew my Electrical Contractor License in South Dakota?

The Electrical Contractor License in South Dakota must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Electrical Contractor License in South Dakota?

The renewal cost for a Electrical Contractor License in South Dakota is $200.00.

South Dakota renewal guide

Electrical Contractor License

Q: What happens if my Electrical Contractor License expires in South Dakota?

Performing electrical work without a valid South Dakota Electrical Commission license is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The Commission may issue cease-and-desist orders, impose fines, and refer violations for criminal prosecution under SDCL 36-16.

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

See this alongside the other 21 South Dakota license pages we track.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

South Dakota Electrical Commission

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$200.00

Bond requirement

Yes — $10,000.00

Insurance requirement

Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation

Continuing education

16 hours

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
Finish the CE first

Complete the 16 required hours before you start the renewal.
2
Make sure the bond still clears

The $10,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
3
Check the insurance certificates

Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
4
File with the board

File through South Dakota Electrical Commission and pay the $200.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
5
Leave room for processing

Typical processing time is 30 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

South Dakota Electrical Contractor License

The South Dakota Electrical Commission requires every business performing electrical contracting to hold this license — $60 application fee, $200 biennial renewal, $10,000 undertaking (bond), and minimum $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance. Electrical and plumbing are the only two trades requiring state-level contractor licensing in South Dakota.

This License Authorizes Contracting for All Electrical Work Statewide

An Electrical Contractor license authorizes the holder to contract for and perform electrical wiring, installation, alteration, and repair on residential, commercial, and industrial properties throughout South Dakota. The contractor must employ or be a licensed journeyman or Class B electrician to perform field work.

File Bond and Insurance Before the Commission Issues Your License

Before the Electrical Commission will issue the license, file:

Undertaking (bond): $10,000 deposited with the State Electrical Commission; $50 deposit fee due at execution and biennially at renewal
Public liability insurance: Minimum $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate bodily injury; property damage coverage required separately (see dlr.sd.gov/electrical/undertaking_insurance.aspx); or $300,000 combined single limit
Workers' compensation: Required if you employ anyone

Complete requirements at dlr.sd.gov/electrical/undertaking_insurance.aspx.

Pass the Contractor Examination — 2023 NEC as of December 2024

Applicants must pass the electrical contractor examination via computer-based testing (CBT). As of December 2, 2024, all SD Electrical Commission exams are based on the 2023 National Electrical Code. Contact the commission at electrical@state.sd.us or 605.773.3573 for current exam scheduling and fees.

Fees

Application fee: $60
Biennial license fee: $200

Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years.

16 Hours of CE Required Before Each Biennial Renewal

Complete 16 hours of continuing education each two-year renewal cycle. At least 8 hours must cover the National Electrical Code; no more than 8 hours may come from correspondence or online courses. See dlr.sd.gov/electrical/continuing_education.aspx for approved providers.

Operating Without a License Is a Class 2 Misdemeanor Under SDCL 36-16

Performing electrical contracting without a valid Electrical Commission license violates SDCL 36-16-1 and is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The Commission may issue cease-and-desist orders, impose fines, and refer violations for criminal prosecution.

*Apply and renew at dlr.sd.gov/electrical/licensing.aspx. Contact: electrical@state.sd.us or 605.773.3573.*

Official links