South Dakota is one of the most straightforward states for nursing license renewal — no continuing education hours are required for RNs, LPNs, or APRNs. Instead, the South Dakota Board of Nursing uses a practice hours verification model. Here's your complete guide to renewing your South Dakota nursing license.
South Dakota RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The South Dakota Board of Nursing does not require continuing education hours for RN, LPN, or APRN license renewal. Instead, nurses must verify that they have maintained active nursing practice during the renewal period.
South Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so nurses with a multistate license can practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs and LPNs:
- Practice hours verification — at least 140 hours of nursing employment in any 12-month period, or an accumulated total of at least 480 hours within the preceding 6 years
- No CE hours required — South Dakota does not mandate continuing education for RN or LPN renewal
- Renewal fee: $115
For APRNs:
- National certification — must maintain current national certification in your area of specialty through an approved certifying body
- No state-mandated CE hours — CE requirements are determined by your national certifying organization, not the state board
- Renewal fee: $115
Important Renewal Dates
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- Deadline: Your license expires on your birthday every two years
- Renewal notifications: The Board sends renewal reminders approximately 60 days before expiration
- Grace period: No formal grace period. Practicing on an expired license is prohibited.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your South Dakota Nursing License
- Receive your renewal notification. The Board sends a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your license expires. It is your responsibility to track your renewal date regardless.
- Log in to the SDBON online portal. Visit the South Dakota Board of Nursing website at sdbon.org and access your account.
- Verify your information. Update your personal details, mailing address, and employment information.
- Confirm practice hours. Verify that you have completed at least 140 hours of nursing employment in any 12-month period or 480 hours in the preceding 6 years.
- Answer disclosure questions. Respond to questions about professional conduct and any disciplinary actions.
- Pay the renewal fee. Submit the $115 renewal fee online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting your renewal date. Unlike states with fixed renewal dates, South Dakota licenses expire on your birthday. Mark it on your calendar well in advance.
- Assuming renewal is automatic. Even without CE requirements, you must actively complete the renewal process online before your expiration date.
- Not tracking practice hours. While no CE is required, you must be able to verify that you have met the practice hours threshold if audited.
- Letting your license lapse. There is no grace period in South Dakota. If your license expires, you cannot practice and must go through the reinstatement process.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Set renewal reminders early. Don't rely solely on the Board's 60-day notice. Set your own reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before your birthday.
- Keep employment records. Document your nursing practice hours in case the Board requests verification during an audit.
- Take advantage of NLC benefits. As a compact state, your South Dakota multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses.
- Consider voluntary CE. Even without a requirement, continuing education helps you stay current and advance your career.
- Track your license expiration and get automated reminders with RenewRN. Never miss a deadline again.
Track Your South Dakota License with RenewRN
South Dakota's birthday-based renewal deadline makes it easy to forget — especially when no CE is required and there's no statewide renewal season to remind you. RenewRN sends automated reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires so you never lapse.