How to get your RN license in South Dakota

Getting licensed in South Dakota at a glance

Steps to get licensed in South Dakota

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the South Dakota Board of Nursing and pay the $100 application fee.
3. 3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. 4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. 5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6. 6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.
7. 7The South Dakota Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: South Dakota Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to South Dakota? See licensure by endorsement instead.

South Dakota RN licensing FAQ

Does South Dakota require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Yes. South Dakota requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Every applicant for RN licensure by examination must submit a full set of fingerprints on a board-provided card to obtain a state and federal criminal background check through the SD Division of Criminal Investigation, and a permanent license cannot issue until that check is complete.

How much does the South Dakota RN license application cost?

The initial South Dakota RN license-by-examination application fee is $100. This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the South Dakota Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

Can I work in South Dakota before my RN license is issued?

South Dakota issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. SDCL 36-9-31.1 and ARSD 20:48:03:08 allow the Board to issue a $25 temporary permit (title "R.N. App.") to a graduate of an approved program who is awaiting results of the first NCLEX exam they are eligible to take, valid until exam results are received or 90 days, whichever is first, and practice under it must be supervised by an RN. Confirm the exact conditions with the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

How do I apply for my first RN license in South Dakota?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the South Dakota Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

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