South Dakota Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber · Issued by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.

🔧 PlumberSD ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In South Dakota, plumbers must hold the Plumber, issued by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in South Dakota

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber. Every figure is verified against the South Dakota Plumbing Commission; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Plumber: 4 years apprenticeship (1,900 hours/year minimum). Plumbing Contractor: 6 years total experience with 2+ years as contractor/plumber (1,900 hours/year minimum). Third-Year Apprentice Plumber: 2 years apprenticeship (1,900 hours/year minimum).
Pass the Plumbing Contractor Exam and Plumber Exam and Third-Year Apprentice Plumber Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. South Dakota requires —.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
Clear the background check. —
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the South Dakota Plumbing Commission — $50 (plumber and plumbing contractor); $20 (apprentice levels) application fee, plus a $105 license fee. Processing time: Not published by the board.
Keep the license active. Renew 1 year (annual renewal required by December 31), completing 4 hours annually (minimum 2 hours Uniform Plumbing Code, 2 hours plumbing trade or additional code).

South Dakota plumber license lookup

There is no single statewide search database for this license — to confirm a plumber is properly licensed in South Dakota, verify license status directly with the issuing authority: dlr.sd.gov/plumbing/default.aspx.

License types

Plumbing Contractor — 6 years total experience (2+ as contractor/plumber); 1,900 hours/year minimum
Plumber — 4 years apprenticeship; 1,900 hours/year minimum
Third-Year Apprentice Plumber — 2 years apprenticeship; 1,900 hours/year minimum

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Plumber: 4 years apprenticeship (1,900 hours/year minimum). Plumbing Contractor: 6 years total experience with 2+ years as contractor/plumber (1,900 hours/year minimum). Third-Year Apprentice Plumber: 2 years apprenticeship (1,900 hours/year minimum).
Application fee	$50 (plumber and plumbing contractor); $20 (apprentice levels)
License fee	$105
Renewal fee	$105
Renewal period	1 year (annual renewal required by December 31)
Continuing education	4 hours annually (minimum 2 hours Uniform Plumbing Code, 2 hours plumbing trade or additional code)
Bond required	—
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	—
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	Not published by the board

Exams

Plumbing Contractor Exam	Provider: South Dakota Plumbing Commission · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $100
Plumber Exam	Provider: South Dakota Plumbing Commission · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $100
Third-Year Apprentice Plumber Exam	Provider: South Dakota Plumbing Commission · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $50

Preparing for the Plumber exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a South Dakota plumber license cost?

Application: $50 (plumber and plumbing contractor); $20 (apprentice levels). License: $105. Renewal: $105.

Do plumbers in South Dakota need a surety bond?

—

What experience is required for a South Dakota plumber license?

Plumber: 4 years apprenticeship (1,900 hours/year minimum). Plumbing Contractor: 6 years total experience with 2+ years as contractor/plumber (1,900 hours/year minimum). Third-Year Apprentice Plumber: 2 years apprenticeship (1,900 hours/year minimum).

Is insurance required for plumbers in South Dakota?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: —

How often must a South Dakota plumber license be renewed?

1 year (annual renewal required by December 31). Continuing education: 4 hours annually (minimum 2 hours Uniform Plumbing Code, 2 hours plumbing trade or additional code)

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the South Dakota Plumbing Commission before applying. This is not legal advice.