Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License Types | Apprentice plumber, Plumber, Plumbing contractor (incl. restricted versions) |
Regulating Agency | |
Experience Required | 3,800 hours for 3rd-year apprentice, four years for plumber, six years (with 2 as plumber/contractor) for contractor |
Exam | Required for 3rd-year apprentice, plumber, contractor. Administered by the Commission. |
Renewal Cycle | Annual. Expires December 31 each year. |
Continuing Ed | 4 hours/year (2 hours plumbing code required) |
Application Fees | Apprentice $20, Plumber/Installer $50, Contractor $50, Exam $50–$100, License $20–$275 |
Official Forms & Application | |
CEU Reference | |
Fee Schedule and Rules |
Who Needs a License in South Dakota?
Anyone who performs, supervises, or contracts for plumbing work in South Dakota must hold a state-issued plumbing license. Plumbing license requirements in South Dakota apply regardless of project dollar amount, there are no minimum cost exceptions. Both employees (who must be licensed according to their duties) and independent contractors must comply.
The state defines "plumbing work" broadly. This includes installing, servicing, or modifying any plumbing system, such as water, drainage, or vent pipes, for residential or commercial buildings. Even those who only bid plumbing jobs as subcontractors must personally hold the appropriate license, the prime contractor's license does not cover subcontractors. According to South Dakota law, you cannot legally subcontract plumbing work unless you have your own current license.
There are very limited exceptions to these rules. For example, the restricted license option applies in rural or small communities (under 1,500 residents). However, owner-builder, handyman, or homeowner exceptions do not appear in state law or on official Plumbing Commission pages. Always check the latest rules for any changes. If in doubt about your situation, verify directly with the state Plumbing Commission.
Plumbing License Requirements in South Dakota: License Types
Plumbing license requirements in South Dakota are structured by license type, with each class carrying specific scopes of work and experience requirements. You must apply for the license class that matches your planned work and experience.
Apprentice Plumber: Entry-level. Works under supervision. Must be enrolled in an apprenticeship. After two years (minimum 3,800 hours) as an apprentice and passing the exam, a "third-year apprentice" can work unsupervised, but only on single-family dwellings.
Plumber (Journeyman/Installer): Requires successfully completing four years of apprenticeship (at least 1,900 hours per year). Journeyman plumbers may work independently on most projects and supervise apprentices.
Plumbing Contractor: The highest classification. Permits you to contract plumbing work, supervise plumbers and apprentices, and run a plumbing business. Requires at least six years of plumbing experience, with a minimum of two years as a plumber or contractor (at least 1,900 hours each year).
Restricted Licenses: Available at each level for work in small communities or unincorporated areas (population under 1,500). Restricted licenses allow plumbing work in designated areas only.
The classification you apply for determines what projects you can bid, what level of supervision you can provide, and what obligations you have for insurance, bonding, and continuing education. The Plumbing Commission’s licensing guide explains these classes in greater detail.
How to Get Licensed in South Dakota
To meet plumbing license requirements in South Dakota, you must complete a specific process defined by license class. Follow each step closely to avoid delays or rejections.
Confirm Eligibility. Carefully review experience, hour, and education prerequisites for your selected classification. For example, six years' experience is needed for contractor, four for plumber, etc.
Complete Application Forms. Download the correct PDF application from the Plumbing Commission forms page. There are separate forms for apprentice, plumber, and contractor applicants.
Secure Verified Experience. Have your experience properly documented and signed by a licensed plumbing supervisor. You cannot self-certify your experience. The experience form must include dates, duties, and exact hours worked.
Submit Application and Fee. Mail or deliver your application form, signed experience document, and the required non-refundable application fee to the Commission. The address appears on each application PDF.
Schedule and Take the Exam. After application approval, submit the exam fee and schedule your test slot with the Commission. Most exams are held in Pierre, with some available in Sioux Falls or Rapid City if enough applicants register. Review exam details before your test.
Pay License Issuance Fee. After passing the exam, pay your initial license issuance fee. Your license will be provided digitally or by mail.
If you do not complete the process within 30 days (for most classes), your application may expire. Exams must be scheduled and taken with advance notice; if you fail the exam, a new exam fee and application is required.
Additional Details on the Process
There is no current fingerprint background check required for plumbing licenses in South Dakota.
Missing paperwork or incorrect fees will delay processing or void your application.
Exam appointments fill quickly, plan several weeks ahead for best results.
Application Requirements
To satisfy plumbing license requirements in South Dakota, applicants must submit a detailed package. Each license type requires demonstration of specific qualifications, with documentation signed by your employer or supervising licensed plumber.
Experience and Age
You must list all employment as a plumber or apprentice for the relevant period. Supervisors cannot be relatives and must be currently licensed. No minimum or maximum age requirement is specified on the official forms, but you must provide legal name, address, and Social Security number.
Bond and Insurance
Plumbing contractors must provide proof of a surety bond. Nonetheless, as of this writing, the required bond amount is not specified on official state sources. Contact the Plumbing Commission directly to verify the current required bond level for contractor applicants. Insurance minimums are not mentioned in the public documentation, but may be subject to review at the local municipality level.
Additional Paperwork
Signed certificates of experience (notarized preferred)
Completed application form with all personal information fields filled out
Non-refundable application fee (per fee schedule below)
For specialized or restricted licenses, verify any unique documentation with the Commission
No evidence of a required federal background check or EPA certification appears in current rules. Always double-check with the state before submitting, as requirements may change.
Exams
You must pass an examination to meet plumbing license requirements in South Dakota for most license types. This includes contractor, plumber (journeyman/installer), and third-year apprentice licenses. Exam administration is handled directly by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission, and you cannot substitute another state's exam.
Exam fees (as of July 2, 2025) are $100 for the plumber or contractor exam, and $50 for the third-year apprentice exam.
Exam content covers plumbing code, practical installations, and safety. Exams are open book on code sections.
Sessions require a two-week advance application.
If you fail, you may re-apply for another exam date at the same fee.
Passing scores for water conditioning are 80% (contractor) and 70% (installer). Scores for general plumbing are not specified, but are likely similar. Always verify the minimum passing score directly at the exam information page.
Exams generally occur in Pierre, with sessions organized in Sioux Falls or Rapid City if enough applicants register. Once you pass, the Commission will issue your license upon payment of the applicable fee.
Fees
Plumbing license requirements in South Dakota include multiple fee payments at various stages. Below is a detailed and itemized fee table based on the July 2, 2025 schedule. For the most accurate and current information, always consult the official fee schedule.
Type | Fee (as of July 2, 2025) |
|---|---|
Apprentice application | $20 |
Plumber/Installer application | $50 |
Contractor application | $50 |
Exam fee – Contractor | $100 |
Exam fee – Plumber/Installer | $100 |
Exam fee – 3rd-year apprentice | $50 |
License issuance/renewal – Apprentice (Year 1) | $20 |
License issuance/renewal – Apprentice (Year 2) | $30 |
License issuance/renewal – Apprentice (Year 3) | $40 |
License issuance/renewal – Apprentice (Year 4+) | $50 |
License issuance/renewal – Plumber/Installer | $105 |
License issuance/renewal – Plumbing Contractor | $275 |
License issuance/renewal – Appliance, irrigation, manufactured home, or water conditioning contractor | $200 |
License issuance/renewal – Sewer and Water contractor | $235 |
Temporary license | $50 |
Duplicate license | $10 |
License verification (per request) | $20 |
Bond fee/amount | Not found in public resources. Verify at Plumbing Forms page |
Renewal and Continuing Education
All plumbing licenses in South Dakota expire annually on December 31. You must renew your license each year before that date to continue working legally. Plumbing license requirements in South Dakota also mandate annual continuing education for most license types.
Annual Renewal Process
Renew online or by mail before December 31; renewal fee equals the initial license fee for your license class.
If more than 60 days lapse past expiration and you continue performing work, you may face disciplinary action and must complete the reinstatement form found at the Commission website.
Continuing Education Requirements
Minimum 4 hours per year, with at least 2 hours related directly to plumbing code
Applies to contractors, restricted contractors, plumbers, restricted plumbers, and third-year apprentices
Courses must be from a state-approved provider (see the continuing education page for providers and pre-approved classes)
Proof of CE completion must be submitted via StateReporting.com, as required by the Commission
If you do not complete your CE in time, your license will not be renewed. Consecutive renewal misses may lead to permanent revocation proceedings.
Reciprocity
There are currently no formal plumbing license reciprocity or endorsement agreements listed on South Dakota’s official plumbing licensing pages. This means you must apply as a new applicant, even if you were licensed in another state.
The specialty contractor application published by the Commission mentions a reciprocity option, but provides no further details. If you are moving to South Dakota and already hold a plumbing license elsewhere, you should contact the Plumbing Commission directly to ask whether your qualifications can be credited or if you qualify for streamlined examination or licensing.
