South Dakota Contractor License Fee Estimator
Estimate your South Dakota contractor license fees based on license type, classification, and whether exam fees apply. Fees are based on the South Dakota Codified Laws Title 36 and the South Dakota Contractor Licensing Board schedule.
Exams are administered by PSI Exams. Fee is $85 per attempt.
Late renewals incur a 50% penalty on the base license fee.
Formula
Total Estimated Fee = Base License Fee + Late Renewal Penalty + Exam Fee(s) + Insurance Filing Fee
- Base License Fee: Determined by license type, classification (Class A/B/C for general contractors), and whether the application is new or a renewal.
- Late Renewal Penalty: 50% × Base License Fee (applies only to renewals submitted after December 31 expiration).
- Exam Fee: $85 per attempt × number of attempts (PSI Exams; applies to new applicants who have not yet passed the required exam).
- Insurance Filing Fee: $25 flat fee if a certificate of insurance is not already on file with the Board.
Example: A new Class A General Commercial Contractor requiring one exam attempt and an insurance filing: $300 + $0 + $85 + $25 = $410
Assumptions & References
- Fee schedule based on the South Dakota Contractor Licensing Board published fee schedule (SDCL Title 36, Chapter 36-2B).
- General contractor classifications (Class A, B, C) reflect project value thresholds: Class A = $500,000+, Class B = $100,000–$499,999, Class C = under $100,000.
- Exam fees of $85 per attempt are charged by PSI Exams on behalf of the Board; fees are paid directly to PSI and are non-refundable.
- All contractor licenses expire on December 31 of each year regardless of issue date.
- Late renewal penalty of 50% of the base fee applies when renewing after the December 31 expiration date.
- Applicants must maintain minimum general liability insurance ($300,000 per occurrence for residential; $500,000 for commercial) and workers' compensation coverage.
- Specialty, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors may have additional trade-specific exam and bond requirements not reflected here.
- This estimator does not include local municipality licensing fees, which may apply in addition to state fees.
- Reference: South Dakota DLR Contractor Licensing | Phone: (605) 773-3429