How to Get a Real Estate License in South Dakota (2026): Cost & Steps

What a South Dakota real estate license costs

Exam, both parts

$105

Application

$225

Background check

$50

Required fees, total

$380.00

The Commission lists $105 for the exam and PSI’s bulletin lists $98, so we couldn’t confirm the exact checkout charge. The $50 background check goes through the state’s criminal investigation office, and a separate local fingerprint charge may apply.

Build your South Dakota startup budget

Sources: South Dakota Real Estate Commission: license types and requirements (116 hours, 75% passing); South Dakota Real Estate Commission: fees ($225 application, $125 renewal); PSI South Dakota candidate bulletin ($105 exam, question counts). Fees and rules checked October 10, 2026. Exam and background-check prices can change, so confirm the total when you book.

Who can get a South Dakota broker associate license

Most people call it a real estate agent license. In South Dakota the entry-level license is called a broker associate license, and it lets you work under a responsible broker. Opening your own brokerage is a separate responsible broker license that needs two years of experience and more courses.

The South Dakota Real Estate Commission says you need to be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident, finish 116 classroom hours, pass the PSI state and national exams with 75% on each, and apply within 60 days of passing.

Already licensed in another state? You can apply for the equivalent license by sending a certificate of licensure showing good standing with your application.

The steps, in order

1. Take the 116-hour course. Use a course the Commission approves.
2. Pass the PSI exam. The national part has 90 questions and the state part has 52. You need 75% on each.

   Get ready for your South Dakota real estate exam with Colibri Real Estate’s practice tests, flashcards and readiness assessment. Compare exam-prep packages and focus your study time on the topics you need to review.

   See South Dakota real estate exam prep

   Optional exam preparation. We may earn a commission if you enroll through this link.

3. File your application within 60 days of passing. You lose your passing score if you miss that deadline. You also complete a $50 background check.
4. Pay $225.
5. Join a responsible broker.

What South Dakota agents earn

Median pay, South Dakota agents on payroll

$65,170

Middle half earns

$47,960–$77,070

Top 10% earn over

$110,160

South Dakota agents on payroll

640

The bottom 10% of South Dakota payroll agents earn under $45,970. The national median is $52,830. Include both stages of post-license education when planning the early business years. Compare brokerage compensation after mentoring and transaction charges, then subtract your own recurring expenses to estimate what you can retain.

Source: U.S. Labor Department pay survey, May 2025, South Dakota real estate sales agents. Covers agents on a payroll only. Checked October 10, 2026.

Choose a responsible broker before the 60-day filing deadline

South Dakota’s entry credential is the broker associate license. Use the 116-hour course to identify a responsible broker who can help you build client skills as well as pass the exams.

You have 60 days after passing to apply, so settle the affiliation and fee agreement before test day if possible. Ask how the office supports the 30 post-license hours in the first license period and the additional 30 in the second. Look for a clear plan for supervised appointments and contract review alongside those classes.

Set up your South Dakota agent business

Register the business and organize payments

Organize your broker-associate business with the responsible broker’s payment process in view. Confirm the eligible entity and commission-payee name before filing. The South Dakota LLC guide explains the LLC option, and ZenBusiness can prepare its registration while you finish the license application.

Arrange errors and omissions (E&O) insurance

Include E&O in the discussion of your first assignments and operating costs. Request E&O quotes from Simply Business for your real estate work and compare the terms with the office’s arrangement. Confirm the coverage required for your practice, the deductible and who receives a claim notice.

Keep business records from day one

Plan education spending across the first two license periods, with the two 30-hour commitments shown separately. Keep the application, background-check and brokerage payments in your expense ledger so the cost of starting is clear.

See South Dakota business registration and tax requirements for the wider registration and tax checklist.

Build client practice into the post-license years

Ask the responsible broker to connect course topics with actual local transactions. Rehearse a consultation, prepare a sample offer for review and observe how an experienced colleague follows up after an inspection. Use those experiences to define a small service area and a consistent appointment routine.

Resources for preparing client conversations

• what homeowners insurance costs by state
• the cost of renting versus owning
• state comparison of agent and brokerage businesses
• mortgage lock-in study
• Plan your first client conversations and follow-up

Renew every two years

South Dakota broker associate licenses renew every two years for $125.

New broker associates owe 60 hours of post-license courses: 30 hours in the first license period and 30 in the second. We couldn’t confirm the continuing education hours, so ask the Commission.

South Dakota agent questions