Reactivate Inactive License

It is illegal to practice nursing in South Dakota without an active nursing license. 

To reactivate an inactive South Dakota RN or LPN nursing license, submit the following to the South Dakota Board of Nursing office:

  • Completed Reactivation Application  the application includes the Employment Verification Form to verify active nursing practice.
  • Fee: $115
    • Payment should be in the form of a money order or personal check payable to South Dakota Board of Nursing. 
    • Fees are non-refundable and must accompany form. 
    • A $20 fee will be charged for any insufficient check written.

South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Licensing standards and requirements are aligned in all NLC states and only eligible applicants who meet the standards may be issued a multistate nursing license (MSL).

  • One requirement is declaring that South Dakota is your primary state of residence, where you hold a driver's license, vote, or claim for tax purposes. 
  • Another requirement is submitting to a criminal background check (CBC) at the time of initial licensure. If you were originally licensed prior to July 2006, and did not submit a CBC in South Dakota, you must do so now to be eligible to be issued a MSL.
If you need to complete the CBC for a MSL, request a fingerprint packet be sent to you by calling 605-362-2760 or emailing sdbon@state.sd.us.
Page Updated: 5/21/2024 2:41:24 PM