South Dakota Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

South Dakota PT License Overview

South Dakota is a PT Compact member state that is issuing compact privileges.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in South Dakota on a PT Compact privilege instead of a South Dakota license, provided your home-state license is in another PT Compact state that is also issuing privileges. A compact privilege is something you apply for through the compact before you start; it is not automatic.

How to Get a South Dakota PT License by Endorsement

South Dakota uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for Physical Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $120 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Ask each state where you hold or have held a license to send a verification of current and past licensure directly to the board office (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through a verification of current and past licensure sent directly to the board office by each state where you hold or have held a license. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy website for status updates on your application.

South Dakota PT License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

South Dakota Temporary PT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

South Dakota PT License Processing Time

South Dakota Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 4 weeks if notarized application, clean background check, and current verification from Compact state arrive simultaneously.

Common sources of delay:

• The application must be notarized before you submit it
• The board mails your fingerprint card packet only after it receives your application, and you must use the cards it provides
• Background checks are processed by the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), take about 3-4 weeks on average and are outside the board's control; any delay in submitting your fingerprint cards delays the application review

We have not found an expedited processing option on the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

South Dakota PT Continuing Education

South Dakota requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

South Dakota PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring June 30 — $120 via South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners portal
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes inactive, and must pay late fee and reinstate

South Dakota Licensing Board and Resources

South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification