How to Get Your South Dakota Insurance License in 2026
A complete step-by-step guide to becoming a licensed insurance producer in South Dakota. SD is exam-only — the SD Division of Insurance does not require state-approved pre-licensing education.
SD insurance license — quick facts
| State regulator | SD Division of Insurance (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) |
| Exam vendor | Prometric |
| Pre-licensing education | Not required |
| Exam fee (resident) | ~$60 per attempt |
| License application fee | ~$30-$60 per line |
| Fingerprinting | May be required |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE requirement | 24 hours / 2 years incl. 3 hours ethics |
The six steps
- 1
Complete pre-licensing education
Not required in South Dakota — the SD Division of Insurance does not mandate state-approved pre-licensing for resident producers. Go straight to focused exam prep.
- 2
Schedule your Prometric exam
SD contracts with Prometric for resident producer exams. Register at prometric.com, pick a South Dakota testing center, and pay the current exam fee. {/* TODO: verify current SD exam vendor */}
- 3
Pass the exam at 70%
SD uses a 70% passing standard. Your score is sent directly to the SD Division of Insurance by the exam vendor, typically within 24 hours.
- 4
Submit your application through NIPR
Submit your SD resident producer license application at nipr.com. SD Division of Insurance license fees run roughly $30-$60 per line. {/* TODO: verify SD current fee schedule */}
- 5
Complete fingerprinting if required
SD may require fingerprint-based background checks for new resident producers. {/* TODO: verify current SD fingerprint requirement */}
- 6
Get appointed by an insurance carrier
A producer license alone doesn't authorize you to sell — you need at least one carrier appointment.
What's on the SD P&C exam
The SD Property & Casualty exam covers the standard NAIC framework plus SD-specific statutes from Title 58 of the SD Codified Laws. Typical section weights:
- SD Insurance Code (SDCL Title 58) — ~10-15%
- General insurance — ~10-15%
- Property insurance basics — ~15-20%
- Dwelling and Homeowners policies — ~15-20%
- Auto insurance — ~15-20%
- Commercial Package, BOP, Workers' Comp, Surety — ~20-25%
The Division of Insurance — under Labor & Regulation
South Dakota's insurance regulator is structured as a Division within the Department of Labor and Regulation, rather than a standalone Department of Insurance like most states. This means bulletins, enforcement, and licensing all originate from dlr.sd.gov rather than a dedicated DOI domain.
CE requirements after licensing
SD producer licenses renew every 2 years. Each renewal cycle requires 24 hours of SD-approved continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics.
Cost breakdown
- Exam-prep course: $49.99 with Elite Training Academy
- Prometric exam fee: ~$60 per attempt
- Fingerprinting (if required): ~$40-$60
- SD Division of Insurance license application: ~$30-$60
- Biennial CE: $30-$200 depending on provider
Ready to start studying?
Start your South Dakota insurance license exam prep for $49.99 with lifetime access and 500+ practice questions per course.
See SD exam prep courses →Frequently asked questions
Does South Dakota require pre-licensing education?
No. The SD Division of Insurance does not require state-approved pre-licensing education for resident producer licenses.
Who regulates insurance in South Dakota?
The SD Division of Insurance — unusually, this is a division of the SD Department of Labor and Regulation rather than a standalone Department of Insurance. Most states elevate insurance to its own cabinet-level department; SD groups it with workforce regulation.
What's the passing score on the SD insurance exam?
70% — the standard most states use.
How long does it take to get an SD insurance license?
Most candidates complete the process in 3-6 weeks: 2-4 weeks of focused exam prep, schedule and pass the Prometric exam, then file the NIPR application.
Related guides
- How to get your North Dakota insurance license
- How to get your Nebraska insurance license
- How to get your Wyoming insurance license
Sources cited
This guide is based on SD Division of Insurance and Prometric published procedures current as of 2026. Fees and procedures change — always verify current requirements at dlr.sd.gov/insurance before relying on any specific number.