Licensing

Electrician Licensing in South Dakota

South Dakota licenses electricians statewide. The journeyman-level credential is the South Dakota Journeyman Electrician License, issued by the South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation. It requires at least 8,000 hours of experience.

Source: South Dakota Electrical Commission, checked 2026-10-07

Before you start: You need this state credential before you start electrical work in South Dakota.

Credential: Apprentice registration (Apprentice License Application)
Issued by: South Dakota Electrical Commission
Fee: $20 (biennial; licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years)

Official source · Checked 2026-10-07

Page last reviewed 2026-10-01 against official sources; credential requirements checked 2026-09-05. Confirm with the issuing authority before applying.

Licensed in another state? See reviewed routes into South Dakota.

How electrical licensing works in South Dakota

South Dakota licenses electrical work statewide through the State Electrical Commission in the Department of Labor and Regulation. Current statute and commission forms issue separate authorizations for Electrical Contractor, Class B electrician, Journeyman, 501(d) electrician, apprentice registration, Maintenance electrician, and Electrical inspector. Those labels are not one two-class progression.

This page covers those statewide credentials. It does not flatten one hour count, fee, examination score, reciprocity roster, or continuing-education rule across every class. Inactive labels are a status on an existing class. Reciprocal journeyman and contractor filings are pathways into those classes. A partnership or corporation applies through an officer or manager; that is an application method, not a separate occupational class.

Credential-specific requirements

Requirements differ by credential. Expand any credential for the work or business activity you plan to perform. Issued by South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation unless noted.

South Dakota Apprentice Electrician Registration Statewide apprentice electrician registration

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: An apprentice electrician is a person learning the trade under the supervision and employment defined in SDCL 36-16-2. Experience hours count only after the commission receives the registration.
Experience or qualification: SDCL 36-16-21 requires registration before work and forbids work without personal supervision. Current ARSD 20:44:16:10 starts South Dakota apprentice experience on the date the commission receives the application. Current ARSD 20:44:16:05 requires on-site personal supervision on commercial sites and daily personal supervision on other projects.
Examination: No examination is stated for apprentice registration. The current Apprentice License Application is a separate $20 filing and is not the general examination application.
Initial fee: The current Apprentice License Application and ARSD 20:44:16:17 state a $20 biennial registration fee. SDCL 36-16-21 caps that fee at twenty dollars.
Renewal: Registrations expire June 30 of even-numbered years. Current ARSD 20:44:17:01 requires 16 hours of continuing education for apprentice electricians. Do not use the general electrician application to renew.
Official application: Apply / forms →

South Dakota Journeyman Electrician License Statewide journeyman electrician license

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: A journeyman electrician is a person with the qualifications, training, technical knowledge, and experience defined in SDCL 36-16-2. The class is an individual worker license, not contractor authority.
Experience or qualification: SDCL 36-16-2 requires at least four years of experience. Current ARSD 20:44:16:08 and the October 2025 application require at least four licensed years under an electrical contractor or Class B electrician after apprentice or 501(d) work. The current licensing page restates that route as 8,000 hours. One year equals 2,000 hours under ARSD 20:44:16:06.
Examination: Pass the commission wiring examination after approval. Current ARSD 20:44:16:03 sets the journeyman passing score at 70 percent. Reciprocal journeyman is a pathway, not a second class.
Initial fee: The October 2025 general application lists a $60.00 application fee and an $80.00 license fee. Current ARSD 20:44:16:15 lists the same $80 biennial journeyman fee. SDCL 36-16-17 caps the journeyman biennial fee at eighty dollars.
Renewal: Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years. Current ARSD 20:44:17:01 requires 16 hours of continuing education for journeyman electricians. Renew through the current biennial Adobe Sign form. Inactive journeyman is a status on this class.
Official application: Apply / forms →

South Dakota Electrical Contractor License Statewide electrical contractor license

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: An electrical contractor may undertake with another to plan, lay out, supervise, and install electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment for electric light, heat, and power. Inactive electrical contractor is a status on this class and may not perform jobs requiring a contractor license.
Experience or qualification: SDCL 36-16-19 requires at least two years as a journeyman or at least one year of commercial experience as a Class B electrician. Current ARSD 20:44:16:08 and the October 2025 application also describe a journeyman-to-contractor route of at least two licensed years, including one commercial year, and a Class B-to-contractor route of one additional commercial year. The current licensing page restates the journeyman route as 4,000 additional hours including 2,000 commercial hours. One year equals 2,000 hours under ARSD 20:44:16:06.
Examination: Pass the commission wiring examination after the commission approves the application. Current ARSD 20:44:16:03 sets the passing score for an electrical contractor at 70 percent. Current exam guidance uses the 2023 NEC and forbids sitting without prior written approval. Reciprocal contractor is a pathway, not this class.
Initial fee: The October 2025 general application lists a $60.00 application fee and a $200.00 license fee. Current ARSD 20:44:16:15 lists the same $200 biennial contractor fee. SDCL 36-16-17 caps the contractor biennial fee at two hundred dollars. A $10,000 undertaking and liability insurance are required before issuance.
Renewal: Licenses expire at midnight on June 30 of each even-numbered year. Current ARSD 20:44:17:01 requires 16 hours of continuing education for electrical contractors. The current licensing page requires those hours by renewal or June 30, with at least eight code hours. Renew through the current biennial Adobe Sign form, not the initial application.
Official application: Apply / forms →

South Dakota Class B Electrician License Statewide class b electrician license

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: A Class B electrician may contract only for farm electrical wiring, residential electrical wiring, and related equipment on that farm and residential wiring. The class is not a generic specialty endorsement on the journeyman license.
Experience or qualification: SDCL 36-16-2 defines a Class B electrician as having at least thirty-six months' experience. Current ARSD 20:44:16:08 and the October 2025 application require a journeyman to document at least two licensed years under a Class B electrician or electrical contractor, including at least one year of residential or farmstead wiring.
Examination: Pass the commission wiring examination after approval. Current ARSD 20:44:16:03 sets the Class B passing score at 70 percent. Current exam guidance uses the 2023 NEC and requires prior written approval.
Initial fee: The October 2025 general application lists a $60.00 application fee and a $100.00 license fee. Current ARSD 20:44:16:15 lists the same $100 biennial Class B fee. SDCL 36-16-17 caps the Class B biennial fee at two hundred dollars. A $10,000 undertaking and liability insurance are required before issuance.
Renewal: Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years. Current ARSD 20:44:17:01 requires 16 hours of continuing education for Class B electricians. Renew through the current biennial Adobe Sign form. Inactive Class B is a status on this class.
Official application: Apply / forms →

South Dakota 501(d) Electrician License Statewide 501(d) electrician license

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: A 501(d) licensee is restricted to wiring on 501(d) properties within South Dakota. 501(d) refers to the federal internal-revenue exemption for a religious or apostolic association or corporation.
Experience or qualification: Current ARSD 20:44:16:08 requires at least two licensed years from apprentice to 501(d) under a licensed electrical contractor, 501(d) electrician, or Class B electrician. Advancement from 501(d) to journeyman requires at least four licensed years under a licensed electrical contractor or Class B electrician.
Examination: Pass the commission wiring examination after approval. Current ARSD 20:44:16:03 sets the 501(d) passing score at 70 percent.
Initial fee: The October 2025 general application lists a $60.00 application fee and an $80.00 license fee and states the licensee is restricted to wiring on 501(d) properties within South Dakota. Current ARSD 20:44:16:15 lists the same $80 biennial 501(d) fee. SDCL 36-16-17 caps the 501(d) biennial fee at one hundred twenty dollars.
Renewal: Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years. Current ARSD 20:44:17:01 names inspectors, contractors, journeymen, Class B electricians, and apprentices for the 16-hour CE rule and does not name 501(d) licensees. This row does not infer that CE is or is not required. Inactive 501(d) is a status on this class.
Official application: Apply / forms →

South Dakota Maintenance Electrician License Statewide maintenance electrician entity license

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: The license is limited to repair or replacement of existing wiring devices and electrical utilization equipment using material with the same capacity and characteristics. Additions, feeder or service alterations, motor-size changes, and other work that changes electrical characteristics may be performed only by a licensed electrical contractor. A maintenance electrician under SDCL 36-16-2 is a person working under that entity license.
Experience or qualification: SDCL 36-16-13.2 and current ARSD 20:44:16:21 issue the license to a public or private entity that employs one or more persons to perform maintenance electrical work on land and facilities the entity owns or leases. A separate license is required for each county.
Examination: No examination is stated on the current maintenance application. The license is issued to an entity, not as an individual wiring-license examination class.
Initial fee: Current ARSD 20:44:16:21 and the maintenance application require an $80 application fee. SDCL 36-16-17 caps the maintenance biennial fee at one hundred twenty dollars.
Renewal: Current ARSD 20:44:16:24 requires biennial renewal before expiration, an inspection or inspection waiver, and an eighty-dollar renewal fee. The March 2026 maintenance renewal form states a nonrefundable $120 renewal application fee and one-county coverage. Those official fee figures conflict and are not flattened here. ARSD 20:44:17:01 does not name maintenance licensees in the 16-hour CE list.
Official application: Apply / forms →

South Dakota Electrical Inspector License Statewide electrical inspector license

Issuing authority: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Department of Labor and Regulation →
Scope of work: Current ARSD 20:44:16:20 says the electrical inspector license is valid only for conducting electrical inspections for the state, local inspection systems, or authorized third-party inspections. The license may not be used in lieu of apprentice, Class B, contractor, journeyman, or maintenance electrician licenses.
Experience or qualification: SDCL 36-16-2 requires either a commission-approved electrical-school graduate with four years of electrical work excluding school, or at least six years of practical electrical-wiring experience. Current ARSD 20:44:16:08 allows journeyman-to-inspector advancement after the same two licensed journeyman years required for contractor, including one commercial year, and allows an electrical contractor to become an inspector with no additional experience.
Examination: Pass the commission examination after approval. Current ARSD 20:44:16:03 sets the electrical-inspector passing score at 80 percent, not the 70 percent score used for contractor, Class B, journeyman, and 501(d). Residential and noncommercial farmstead inspector (RFI) is a limited inspector examination/category, not a separate electrician class.
Initial fee: The October 2025 general application lists a $60.00 application fee and a $100.00 license fee. Current ARSD 20:44:16:15 lists the same $100 biennial inspector fee. SDCL 36-16-17 caps the inspector biennial fee at one hundred twenty dollars.
Renewal: Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years. Current ARSD 20:44:17:01 requires 16 hours of continuing education for electrical inspectors. Renew through the current biennial Adobe Sign form.
Official application: Apply / forms →

Licensed in another state?

South Dakota has a reviewed application route for some licenses from 11 states. A route can waive an exam or some experience; you still need the South Dakota credential before you work. Expand a state for the routes and their requirements.

Alaska Reciprocity

If you hold: Alaska journeyman electrician certificate (Alaska DOLWD Mechanical Inspection Section), exam-tested under AS 08.40 / 8 AAC 90
You can apply for: South Dakota journeyman electrician license by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR; SDCL Title 36, Ch. 16 / ARSD 20:59)

To apply:

have earned the license in Alaska by examination
have held the license for at least one year
the license must be in active status for one year in order to reciprocate to South Dakota
apply on the official South Dakota Electrical Commission application form (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx)

Limits:

the table maps Alaska to 'Journeyman (JM), no ec equivalent' - Alaska issues no statewide master/EC credential, so the route is journeyman only and no AK master or contractor route is asserted
reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-19.

Alaska licensing →

Arkansas Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Arkansas journeyman electrician license earned by examination, held in active status for at least one year (Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners)
You can apply for: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician (JM), South Dakota Electrical Commission

To apply:

Apply to the South Dakota Electrical Commission (https://dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); exam waived under the reciprocal agreement
License verification to SD showing exam-based licensure and one year active status

Limits:

SD notes reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-17.

If you hold: Arkansas master electrician license earned by examination, held in active status for at least one year (Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners)
You can apply for: South Dakota Master Electrician (EC), South Dakota Electrical Commission

To apply:

Apply to the South Dakota Electrical Commission (https://dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); exam waived under the reciprocal agreement
License verification to SD showing exam-based licensure and one year active status

Limits:

SD notes reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-17.

Arkansas licensing →

Colorado Reciprocity

If you hold: Colorado journeyman electrician license (Colorado State Electrical Board, DORA DPO), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (JM) by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Colorado journeyman license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); fees per the Commission schedule

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the CO master is not confirmed as a reciprocal credential: the Colorado table entry reads 'no ec equivalent (Master Electrician or ME + 2,000 more hours)', so no master route is asserted without Commission confirmation
the CO residential-wireman credential is not named by the Commission's Colorado row; no residential route is asserted
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-18.

Colorado licensing →

Idaho Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Idaho journeyman electrician license (Idaho DOPL Electrical Bureau), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (JM) by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Idaho journeyman license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); fees per the Commission schedule

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the ID apprentice and per-se contractor credentials are not separately listed on the Commission's Idaho row
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-19.

If you hold: Idaho master electrician license (Idaho DOPL Electrical Bureau), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota master electrician / electrical contractor license (EC) by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Idaho master electrician license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); fees per the Commission schedule

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
Idaho contractor licensure per se is not separately listed on the Commission's Idaho row; the EC class is the reciprocated master/contractor credential
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-19.

Idaho licensing →

Iowa Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Iowa Class A Journeyman Electrician license (Iowa Electrical Examining Board, Iowa Code ch. 103), exam-based (PSI national exam on the 2023 NEC)
You can apply for: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR; SDCL 36-16-24)

To apply:

hold a current Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB) license obtained by examination (PSI-administered, 2023 NEC; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Iowa
hold the Iowa license for at least one year before applying
keep the license in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota ('unless otherwise specified')
apply on the Commission's forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx) with proof of equal qualifications and payment of the required fee per SDCL 36-16-24

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
Class A vs Class B is not distinguished on the page; a Class B holder's coverage depends on SD's qualification determination
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-22.

If you hold: Iowa Class A Master Electrician license (Iowa Electrical Examining Board, Iowa Code ch. 103), exam-based (PSI national exam on the 2023 NEC)
You can apply for: South Dakota Electrical Contractor license (master equivalent) by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR; SDCL 36-16-24)

To apply:

hold a current Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB) license obtained by examination (PSI-administered, 2023 NEC; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Iowa
hold the Iowa license for at least one year before applying
keep the license in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota ('unless otherwise specified')
apply on the Commission's forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx) with proof of equal qualifications and payment of the required fee per SDCL 36-16-24

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
Class A vs Class B is not distinguished on the page; a Class B holder's coverage depends on SD's qualification determination
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-22.

Iowa licensing →

Minnesota Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Minnesota Class A Journeyworker Electrician license (Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Minn. Stat. ch. 326B), exam-based (DLI)
You can apply for: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota Electrical Commission, SD Department of Labor and Regulation; SDCL 36-16-23)

To apply:

hold a current Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) credential obtained by examination (DLI-administered exam; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Minnesota
have earned the Minnesota license by examination
have held the license for at least one year unless otherwise specified
keep the license in an active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
Minnesota has no separate contractor license number: the electrical-contractor row maps the firm-level contractor posture (a DLI-certified journeyworker/master behind the contracting firm)
the MN row is marked 'Journeyman, Electrical Contractor' (not the master-tier marking): no named master-tier reciprocity; a Minnesota Class A Master Electrician's South Dakota master route is unresolved (likely by examination)
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-26.

If you hold: Minnesota electrical contractor firm posture (a DLI-certified Class A journeyworker/master electrician behind the contracting firm; Minnesota has no separate contractor license number, Minn. Stat. ch. 326B)
You can apply for: South Dakota Electrical Contractor license by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota Electrical Commission, SD Department of Labor and Regulation; SDCL 36-16-23)

To apply:

hold a current Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) credential obtained by examination (DLI-administered exam; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Minnesota
have earned the Minnesota license by examination
have held the license for at least one year unless otherwise specified
keep the license in an active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
Minnesota has no separate contractor license number: the electrical-contractor row maps the firm-level contractor posture (a DLI-certified journeyworker/master behind the contracting firm)
the MN row is marked 'Journeyman, Electrical Contractor' (not the master-tier marking): no named master-tier reciprocity; a Minnesota Class A Master Electrician's South Dakota master route is unresolved (likely by examination)
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-26.

Minnesota licensing →

Montana Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Montana journeyman electrician license (Montana State Electrical Board, Montana DLI), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (JM) by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Montana journeyman license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); fees per the Commission schedule

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the MT residential credential is not named by the Commission's Montana row; no residential route is asserted
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-18.

If you hold: Montana master electrician license (Montana State Electrical Board, Montana DLI), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota Master Electrician (EC) license by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Montana master electrician license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx); fees per the Commission schedule

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the master row rests on the table's Montana entry (JM, EC) alone; no contractor row separate from the EC credential is asserted without Commission confirmation
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-18.

Montana licensing →

Nebraska Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Nebraska Electrical Contractor license (Nebraska State Electrical Board; Neb. Rev. Stat. ch. 81, art. 21), exam-based
You can apply for: South Dakota Electrical Contractor license by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR; SDCL ch. 36-16)

To apply:

hold a current Nebraska State Electrical Board (NSED) license obtained by examination (75% or greater on the state exam; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Nebraska
hold the Nebraska license for at least one year before applying
have earned the Nebraska license by examination and held it for at least one year unless otherwise specified, in active status ('The license must be in an active status for one year in order to reciprocate the license to South Dakota')
file through the Commission's Applications & Forms for Licensure page (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx)

Limits:

the Nebraska master electrician credential is not named as such on the Nebraska row (the row lists 'Journeyman, Electrical Contractor'); the SDEC page uses 'Electrical Contractor' terminology for what other rows call 'Master Electrician (EC)' - a mapping nuance, not a bar
reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-22.

If you hold: Nebraska Journeyman Electrician license (Nebraska State Electrical Board; Neb. Rev. Stat. ch. 81, art. 21), exam-based (75% or greater on the state exam)
You can apply for: South Dakota journeyman electrician license by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR; SDCL ch. 36-16)

To apply:

hold a current Nebraska State Electrical Board (NSED) license obtained by examination (75% or greater on the state exam; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in Nebraska
hold the Nebraska license for at least one year before applying
have earned the Nebraska license by examination and held it for at least one year unless otherwise specified, in active status ('The license must be in an active status for one year in order to reciprocate the license to South Dakota')
file through the Commission's Applications & Forms for Licensure page (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx)

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-22.

Nebraska licensing →

New Mexico Reciprocity

If you hold: New Mexico EE-98J journeyman electrician certificate, residential and commercial electrical (New Mexico Construction Industries Division, RLD; NMSA 1978 ch. 60 art. 13, NMAC 14.6.4), exam-based (PSI)
You can apply for: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license by reciprocal agreement (South Dakota State Electrical Commission, DLR; SDCL 36-16-23)

To apply:

hold a current New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) EE-98J journeyman electrician certificate obtained by examination (PSI-administered; not grandfathered or waived)
be in good standing with no disciplinary action or open complaints in New Mexico
hold the New Mexico journeyman certificate for at least one year before applying
have earned the sending-state license by examination and held it for at least one year in active status
pay the required fee and furnish proof that the qualifications are equal to South Dakota's similar-license holders (SDCL 36-16-23)
apply through the Commission's forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx)

Limits:

journeyman tier only: the New Mexico row names no EC/contractor tier, and New Mexico's business-level EE-98 contractor licensing is not covered
reciprocating states 'may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota'
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source 1 · Official source 2 · Checked 2026-09-22.

New Mexico licensing →

Oklahoma Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Oklahoma Electrical Contractor license, unlimited (Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, CIB; Okla. Stat. tit. 59, Section 1701 et seq.), exam-based (PSI)
You can apply for: South Dakota Electrical Contractor (EC) license by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation; SDCL Chapter 36-16, including SDCL 36-16-23)

To apply:

hold the unlimited Oklahoma Electrical Contractor license, earned by examination, and have held it for at least one year unless otherwise specified
have the license in an active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
use the standard electrical contractor application on the DLR Forms page with verification from the issuing Oklahoma CIB

Limits:

unlimited EC tier only: the SD row names 'unlimited electrical contractor (EC)'; the restricted Oklahoma contractor tiers (unlimited residential, limited) are not named by the agreement and have no reciprocal mapping (SD's Class B/limited credentials are not referenced for Oklahoma)
'reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota'
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the reciprocal agreement is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-28.

If you hold: Oklahoma Journeyman Electrician license (Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, CIB; Okla. Stat. tit. 59, Section 1701 et seq.), exam-based (PSI)
You can apply for: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician (JM) license by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation; SDCL Chapter 36-16, including SDCL 36-16-23)

To apply:

have earned the Oklahoma journeyman license by examination and have held it for at least one year unless otherwise specified
have the license in an active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
use the standard journeyman application on the DLR Forms page with verification from the issuing Oklahoma CIB

Limits:

'reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota'
Oklahoma has no master electrician license tier (journeyman + contractor only), so no master-class mapping applies

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-28.

Oklahoma licensing →

Wyoming Reciprocity · 2 routes

If you hold: Wyoming electrical contractor license (Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office / Electrical Board), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota electrical contractor license by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Wyoming electrical contractor license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx)

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the contractor row rests on the table's Wyoming entry alone; the WY master-to-EC mapping noted in the route research is not explicitly stated for Wyoming and is not asserted
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-17.

If you hold: Wyoming journeyman electrician license (Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office / Electrical Board), earned by examination
You can apply for: South Dakota journeyman electrician license by reciprocity (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR)

To apply:

earned the Wyoming journeyman license by examination
held the license for at least one year and kept it in active status for one year in order to reciprocate it to South Dakota
apply through South Dakota Electrical Commission forms (dlr.sd.gov/electrical/forms.aspx)

Limits:

reciprocating states may require additional education/supervision and score levels differing from South Dakota
the WY master-to-EC mapping is the Commission's convention for some partner states and is not explicitly stated for Wyoming; not asserted here
the South Dakota license must be issued before work; the examination waiver is not authority to work

Reciprocity. Official source · Checked 2026-09-17.

Wyoming licensing →

Reviewed and found no reciprocity or exam-waiver agreement for licenses from these states. You can still apply through the standard route:

Utah (source 1, source 2, checked 2026-09-17)

Taking your South Dakota license elsewhere

Reviewed routes for South Dakota licensees, with requirements on each receiving state's page:

Alaska: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned under SDCL 36-16 → Alaska Electrical Journeyman Certificate of Fitness by reciprocity (Alaska DOLWD Mechanical Inspection Section; AS 08.18 / 12 AAC 12) (reciprocity)
Arkansas: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Arkansas Journeyman Electrician license (reciprocity)
Colorado: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned under SDCL 36-16 (a SD master electrician certificate also qualifies toward the journeyman lane) → Colorado journeyman electrician certificate by reciprocity (NERA) (Colorado State Electrical Board, DPO/DORA) (reciprocity)
Idaho: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned under SDCL 36-16 → Idaho journeyman electrician license by reciprocity (Idaho Electrical Board, DOPL; Idaho Code Title 54, Ch. 50 / IDAPA 07.03.01) (reciprocity)
Iowa: South Dakota Electrical Contractor license → Iowa Class A Journeyman Electrician license (reciprocity)
Iowa: South Dakota Electrical Contractor license → Iowa Class A Master Electrician license (reciprocity)
Iowa: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Iowa Class A Journeyman Electrician license (reciprocity)
Minnesota: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned at the state level under SDCL 36-16 → Minnesota Class A journeyworker electrician license without examination by reciprocity (Minnesota DLI, Construction Codes and Licensing; Minn. Stat. 326B) (reciprocity)
Minnesota: South Dakota master electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned at the state level under SDCL 36-16 → Minnesota Class A master electrician license without examination by reciprocity (Minnesota DLI, Construction Codes and Licensing; Minn. Stat. 326B) (reciprocity)
Montana: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Montana Journeyman Electrician license (endorsement)
Nebraska: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), state examination with a score of 75% or greater, exam record retained by the issuing state → Nebraska journeyman electrician license by reciprocity (Nebraska State Electrical Division / State Electrical Board) (reciprocity)
Nebraska: South Dakota master electrician / electrical contractor (EC) credential (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned under SDCL 36-16 with the exam record retained by the issuing state → Nebraska electrical contractor license by reciprocity (Nebraska State Electrical Division / State Electrical Board) (reciprocity)
New Mexico: South Dakota journeyman electrician license (South Dakota Electrical Commission, DLR), exam-earned under SDCL 36-16 → New Mexico EE-98J journeyman certificate by reciprocity (NM RLD Construction Industries Division, Electrical Bureau) (reciprocity)
North Dakota: South Dakota Electrical Contractor license held by the individual qualifying electrician → North Dakota Master Electrician license (reciprocity)
North Dakota: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → North Dakota Journeyman Electrician license (reciprocity)
Oklahoma: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Oklahoma reciprocal Electrical Journeyman license; final category determined by CIB (reciprocity)
Texas: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Texas Journeyman Electrician license (reciprocity)
Utah: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Utah Journeyman Electrician license (endorsement)
Utah: South Dakota responsible individual holding the Electrical Contractor license → Utah Master Electrician license (endorsement)
Wyoming: South Dakota Journeyman Electrician license → Wyoming Journeyman Electrician license (exam waiver)

Which statewide credential applies

An Electrical Contractor may enter a contract with another to plan, lay out, supervise, and install electrical work. A Class B electrician may contract only for farm and residential wiring. A Journeyman electrician is a licensed individual worker. A 501(d) electrician may wire only on 501(d) properties in South Dakota. An apprentice must register and work under personal supervision. A Maintenance electrician license is issued to a public or private entity, one county at a time, and is limited to repair or replacement of existing equipment. An Electrical inspector license is valid only for inspections and may not be used in place of an electrician license.

Eligibility years, commercial-versus-residential experience, examination scores, bonds, and fees differ by class. Confirm the current commission application for the class you need.

Statewide license and local inspection

Licensing is statewide. SDCL 36-16-35 still allows more stringent local and utility requirements. The commission may approve local inspection systems and issues wiring permits that are work authorizations, not occupational licenses. A person installing wiring on the person's own residence or farmstead is exempt from licensure under SDCL 36-16-15, but inspection and reporting rules still apply. This page does not inventory every local inspection system.

Reciprocity, fees, and other conflicts

The current Reciprocal Agreements page lists existing partner states for Journeyman and, where an equivalent exists, Electrical Contractor. It also lists NERA states without an existing agreement and other comparison states. Reciprocity is a pathway, not a license class. Statute authorizes a reciprocal license of the same grade after proof of equal qualifications; it does not publish that roster.

Legal and operational fee wordings differ. SDCL 36-16-17 states biennial fee caps. Current ARSD 20:44:16:15 and the October 2025 general application list class fees that are at or below those caps. The March 2026 maintenance renewal form states a $120 renewal application fee, while current ARSD 20:44:16:24 states an $80 maintenance renewal fee. Use the statute for the legal cap and confirm the current commission filing before paying.

Continuing-education wording also differs. The current licensing page says anyone who holds a license or registration must have 16 hours, including at least eight code hours, by renewal or June 30. ARSD 20:44:17:01 names inspectors, contractors, journeymen, Class B electricians, and apprentices. It does not name 501(d) or maintenance licensees.

Apply, renew, and verify

Apply with the current Apprentice application, general electrician application, or Maintenance application from the commission Forms page. Electrical Contractor and Class B applicants must also file the undertaking form. After the commission approves an examination application, it sends exam-site details; applicants may not sit without prior written approval. Renew through the current biennial Adobe Sign form linked from the licensing page, except Maintenance renewals, which use a separate entity form. The commission does not publish an online license lookup. Verify a license by contacting the commission at 605.773.3573 or [email protected]. This page was re-verified against dlr.sd.gov on October 1, 2026.

View Application Information → License Lookup →

Cite this page

Title: Electrician Licensing in South Dakota
URL: https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/south-dakota
Information checked: 2026-10-01

Suggested citation: Electrician Licensing in South Dakota. Trades Directory. https://tradesdir.com/electrical/licensing/south-dakota (information checked 2026-10-01).

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Electrician Licensing in South Dakota

How electrical licensing works in South Dakota

Credential-specific requirements

Licensed in another state?

Taking your South Dakota license elsewhere

Which statewide credential applies

Statewide license and local inspection

Reciprocity, fees, and other conflicts

Apply, renew, and verify

Related Resources for South Dakota