How often do I need to renew my Journeyman Electrician License in South Dakota?

The Journeyman Electrician License in South Dakota must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Journeyman Electrician License in South Dakota?

The renewal cost for a Journeyman Electrician License in South Dakota is $50.00.

What happens if my Journeyman Electrician License expires in South Dakota?

Performing electrical work without a valid South Dakota Electrical Commission license is a Class 1 misdemeanor under SDCL 36-16. Unlicensed individuals may face fines and criminal prosecution.

South Dakota renewal guide

Journeyman Electrician License

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

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

$50.00

Bond requirement

Insurance requirement

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
File with the board

File through South Dakota Electrical Commission and pay the $50.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
3
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 Journeyman Electrician License

The South Dakota Electrical Commission issues the Journeyman Electrician license to qualified individuals who have completed the required apprenticeship and passed the state examination. This is the primary individual trade license for electricians in South Dakota.

What This License Authorizes

A Journeyman Electrician may perform electrical wiring, installation, and repair work under the authority of a licensed electrical contractor. The journeyman may work independently on job sites but must be employed by or associated with a licensed contractor to contract for work.

Experience Requirements

Applicants must complete a registered apprenticeship program or demonstrate equivalent experience under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Typically, 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of supervised electrical work experience is required.

Examination Requirements

Applicants must pass the journeyman electrician examination via computer-based testing (CBT). The exam fee is $110. All exams are based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as of December 2024.

Fees

Application Fee: $50
License Fee: $50
Exam Fee: $110
Biennial Renewal Fee: $50

Renewal Process

Renewal Period: Every 2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee: $50
Continuing Education: 16 hours required per renewal cycle, with a minimum of 8 hours on the National Electrical Code. Only 8 hours may be from correspondence or online courses.

Consequences of Operating Without a License

Performing electrical work without a valid license is a Class 1 misdemeanor under SDCL 36-16. Individuals may face fines and criminal prosecution.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the South Dakota Electrical Commission.*

Official links