South Dakota Codified Laws pertaining to residents

If you receive an application or associated forms from a source other than directly from this office or its official web site, the documents may be outdated or not official versions. Application forms will be rejected if not on the current version.

Please note that an initial certificate will vary in duration dependant upon its issuance date. This initial license will expire on June 30. It is the responsibility of all certificate holders to renew their certificate before June 30. Failure to renew by June 30 shall result in automatic forfeiture of the certificate by operation of law. Certificates which have forfeited are not automatically entitled to renew. See blow.

Renewal Process — go back to the Board of Medicine Home these applications are only available in the spring of each year and will be listed under Renewal Link when available.

Reinstatement Process — send written explanation of why your certificate was allowed to forfeit with your original signature to the Board office.  Once your statement is evaluated, you will receive written instructions as to whether your previous certificate can be reinstated. At that time, you will also receive written instructions as to what is required to reinstate and renew your certificate.

NOTE: Avoid common problems & understand requirements: 

Applicant Threshold Requirements:

• To reduce the possibility of a need to withdraw or have an application denied, determine if you meet the following statutory South Dakota eligibility requirements by answering the following questions:

1. Did you successfully complete at least one year of an at least three year training program which is in the United States or Canada and ACGME accredited?

   • If no, then you are not eligible for a South Dakota resident certificate.
2. If you are an international or foreign graduate, are you ECFMG certified?
   • If no, then you are not eligible for South Dakota resident certificate.
3. Examination requirements:
   1. Did you have a 75% or greater score on all sections of one of the following licensing examinations:   USMLE, FLEX, NBME, NBOME/COMLEX, LMCC or state exam?
   2. Have you passed each part of your licensing examination in three attempts or less?
   3. Are there less than seven years from the initial examination to the final examination?
   • If you answered NO to any of the above questions regarding examinations, you are not eligible for South Dakota resident certificate unless you are board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Applicant Instructions:

• Read and complete interactive application and mail with $50 non-refundable fee to Board office (PDF download) 
• Additional Applicant Requirements: once the application is reviewed, the applicant will receive instructions in writing.

The Board accepts FCVS Credential Service (through FSMB). Personal Appearance at Board Discretion
Certificate will not be issued until background investigation successfully completed