Please follow instructions carefully to avoid delays in processing your reactivation. If any information is incorrect, incomplete or illegible, processing may be delayed. You will be notified in writing if additional information is required. Upon receipt of all forms and fees your application will be considered for reactivation.
It is illegal to practice nursing in South Dakota without an active nursing license.
The South Dakota Board of Nursing is a part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) (SDCL 36-9-98). There are new features in the provisions of the legislation of the eNLC. Licensing standards are aligned in eNLC states so all applicants for a multistate nursing license are required to meet the same standards. One of the standards is a criminal background check at the time of initial licensure.
If you were originally licensed prior to July 2006 you did not have a criminal background check completed in South Dakota. In order to be eligible for a multistate license you must complete a criminal background check and declare South Dakota as your primary state of residence. Please request a criminal background check packet from the SD Board of Nursing by calling 605-362-2760 or emailing sdbon@state.sd.us.
To REACTIVATE your inactive South Dakota nursing license, submit the following to the South Dakota Board of Nursing office:
- Completed Application to Reactivate an Inactive Nursing License
- Completed Employment Verification Form
- 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.
- Criminal Background Check if originally licensed in South Dakota prior to July 2006 and declaring South Dakota as your primary state of residence.
Once you have met licensure reactivation requirements, you will be mailed a license card that will be valid from the date of issuance to your second birthday thereafter.