Application for Licensure by Endorsement
Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Instructions for Endorsement Application
Print this page for reference.
Read the following instructions carefully before proceeding with the online application process.
Requirements
This application is for license by endorsement in South Dakota for RN or LPN licensees. Advanced Practice nurses will need to apply by using the Initial Advanced Practice licensure link on our Home page. This process is for individuals who have never been licensed in the state of South Dakota.
South Dakota (SD) joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) 01/01/2001. See www.ncsbn.org for a list of compact states.
An application is null one year following the date that it was accepted by the Board. Fees are non-refundable.
You must complete the following:
- Online application and submit $100 payment (by clicking “continue” at the bottom of page)
- Criminal Background Check
You must use fingerprint cards that are provided to you by the SD Board of Nursing office. The fingerprint card packet and instructions will be mailed to the address provided on your application.
Completed fingerprint cards must be returned to the Board of Nursing office accompanied with fee in the form of money order. - Verification of Original State of Licensure
Verification of licensure is required from your original state of licensure (examination state). To obtain this verification, please go on-line at www.nursys.com to complete the electronic verification process and fee payment. We will check this website for your verification upon receipt of your application.
Exception: For states that do not participate in NURSYS, you will need to use the Verification of Licensure form. Complete the top section of the “Verification of License” form and forward the form to your original state of licensure. Most states charge a fee for completing a verification form. Please contact the appropriate state for proper fee information. - Verification of Employment
To obtain or retain an active nursing license, you must provide verification of nursing employment or volunteer work of at least 140 hours in any 12-month period, or an accumulated total of at least 480 hours, within the preceding 6 years.
Please have previous or current employer complete the employment verification form and return to the SD Board of Nursing, you may also email the document to sdbon@state.sd.us.
If you are a new graduate please indicate "new graduate" on the online application, you do not need to complete this form.
If you are unable to provide verification, contact the SD Board of Nursing concerning a Nurse Refresher Course.
South Dakota law regulating nursing is mandatory. It is illegal to practice as a nurse without a current license or a valid Temporary Permit. A Temporary Permit is issued for a period of 90 days and is not renewable.
Temporary Permit
A Temporary Permit will be issued when the following documents have been received at the SD Board of Nursing office:
- Online application for licensure by endorsement
- Completed Criminal Background Check cards and fee
- Completed application for a Temporary Permit and $25 fee (within the licensure by endorsement application you will be asked if you would like to also apply for a Temporary Permit, if yes, $25 will be added)
- You will not receive a paper copy of the Temporary Permit. Verification of your Temporary Permit can be found on the SD Board of Nursing website
To track the progress of your application, you may check our website here. Those items without dates next to them have not been received or processed at the Board of Nursing office.
A receipt with a confirmation number will display once your application and payment have been submitted. Please print this receipt as proof of payment, receipts are not emailed.