SD Electrical Contractor License Cost

The electrical contractor license cost in South Dakota typically includes a $60 state application fee, a $200 biennial license fee, a $10,000 undertaking plus required liability insurance, and a $50 deposit to the Commission’s undertaking fund. Exams may add up to $150 per attempt. Processing averages about 30 days.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-27

How to get a South Dakota electrical contractor license (and what it costs)

1. Confirm eligibility and experience. Document 8,000 apprentice hours and 4,000 journeyman hours (≥2,000 commercial) before applying for the contractor exam (SDEC Licensing).
2. Submit the Electrical License Application. File the Commission’s Electrical License Application with the $60 application fee (separate check/money order for license fee).
3. Provide the undertaking and insurance. File the Commission’s bond/undertaking form and proof of required liability limits; include the $50 deposit to the undertaking fund (Undertaking & Insurance).
4. Get exam approval and test. After approval, sit for the contractor exam; exam fees can be charged up to $150 per attempt under statute (SDCL 36-16-13; Exams).
5. Pay the $200 license fee. Upon passing, remit the $200 biennial license fee to activate your contractor license (SDCL 36-16-17; SDEC renewal fee schedule).
6. Maintain CE and renew on time. Complete 16 hours of CE each cycle (≥8 code; only 8 hours may be online) and renew by June 30 of even-numbered years (SDEC Licensing).

Electrical contractor license cost in South Dakota: full breakdown

Plan for these state-level costs to become and stay licensed:

• $60 nonrefundable application fee (ARSD 20:44:16:04).
• Up to $150 per contractor exam attempt (cap) (SDCL 36-16-13).
• $10,000 undertaking and required liability insurance limits, plus a $50 deposit at licensure and renewal (SDEC Undertaking & Insurance).
• $200 biennial license fee (initial and renewal) (SDCL 36-16-17; Commission form).

Local jurisdictions may add separate business or electrical contractor licensing. For example, Sioux Falls requires its own electrical contractor license and charges a city exam fee for that local credential (City of Sioux Falls Electrical Contractor).

South Dakota electrical contractor requirements and forms

Use the Commission’s official forms and pages as you budget and apply:

• Electrical License Application (General) — includes fee table, 30‑day processing note.
• Undertaking & Insurance Requirement — $10,000 undertaking, liability minimums, and $50 fund deposit.
• Exams for Licensure — approval and testing overview; 2023 NEC in effect.
• Licensing & Renewals — experience ladder, CE rules, renewal window.

Cost-saving tips for South Dakota electrical contractors

Because the application fee is nonrefundable, confirm your hours and eligibility first using the Commission’s guidance and your employment records (SDEC Licensing). If you work statewide across trades, compare requirements with nearby specialties. For instance, HVAC contractors follow separate cost and step structures; see our breakdown of the South Dakota HVAC contractor license costs and our guide to getting an HVAC contractor license in South Dakota.

FAQs about South Dakota electrical contractor license costs

What is the total state cost to obtain the initial license?

Expect $60 for the application, up to $150 for the state contractor exam (cap), $200 for the initial biennial license, the $10,000 undertaking with required liability insurance, and a $50 deposit to the Commission’s fund (SDCL 36-16-13; SDCL 36-16-17; SDEC Undertaking & Insurance).

How often do I renew, and what will it cost?

Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years; the renewal fee is $200. You must also complete 16 hours of CE (≥8 code; only 8 hours may be online) before renewing (SDEC Renewal Fee Form; Licensing).

Is a separate bond or insurance policy required beyond the $10,000 undertaking?

The Commission requires a $10,000 undertaking and minimum liability insurance limits (≥$100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate or $300,000 CSL), plus a $50 deposit at licensure and renewal (waived when the fund exceeds the statutory threshold) (SDEC Undertaking & Insurance).

Are local city licensing or exam fees added on top of state costs?

Some cities impose separate electrical contractor licensing and fees. For example, Sioux Falls requires a city electrical contractor license and charges a local exam fee distinct from state costs (Sioux Falls Electrical Contractor).

What experience is required before I can pay to take the contractor exam?

A typical path is 8,000 licensed apprentice hours plus 4,000 licensed journeyman hours (at least 2,000 commercial) before you can sit for the contractor exam (SDEC Licensing).

If you also work in investigative services, compare rules and pricing using our guides to PI license costs in South Dakota and the step-by-step on how to get a South Dakota Private Investigator license.

Need a personalized, line‑item cost checklist for your situation? License Navigator can assemble your total South Dakota electrical contractor licensing budget, forms, and deadlines in minutes.