How to get a contractor license in South Dakota
The short version: 1) Apply to DOR 2) Subcontractors. (source: SD DOR: License Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab), source: SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax (opens in a new tab))
How: We couldn't confirm a public search. Ask for the contractor's excise tax license number, which appears on prime contractor exemption certificates. (source: SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official South Dakota Department of Revenue sources. See sources.
Step by step
- Apply to DOR Get the license before starting work, one for each business location. (source: SD DOR: License Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab))
- Subcontractors Primes issue project-specific exemption certificates to subs; no blanket certificates. (source: SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contractor's excise tax license No fee. A 2% excise tax applies to gross receipts. | $0 (source: SD DOR: License Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab), source: SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- SD DOR: Contractor's Excise Tax (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- SD DOR: License Requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- SDCL 10-46A-13.1: Violation of chapter as criminal offense (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- SDCL 22-6-2: Misdemeanor classes and penalties (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
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