South Dakota electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
South Dakota electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (South Dakota State Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)), how to check one online, the license types, and 312 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in South Dakota?
| Who licenses them | South Dakota State Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation) |
|---|---|
| License types | Electrical Contractor, Class B Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Apprentice Electrician |
| When a license is required | License required for any electrical contracting; Class B electricians may contract only for farm and residential wiring |
In South Dakota only a licensed electrical contractor (or a Class B electrician for farm and residential wiring) may contract for electrical work, and both must be bonded. Electrical work needs a state wiring permit and inspection.
How do you look up an electrician's license in South Dakota?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the South Dakota electrical license lookup run by South Dakota State Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation).
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact South Dakota State Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation).
What electrical licenses does South Dakota issue?
- Electrical Contractor
- Class B Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
How do you get a electrical license in South Dakota?
Licenses are issued by the South Dakota State Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official South Dakota State Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many electricians are there in South Dakota?
The Census Bureau counted 312 electrical contractors with employees in South Dakota in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Minnehaha County | 58 |
|---|---|
| Pennington County | 49 |
| Lincoln County | 28 |
| Brown County | 24 |
| Brookings County | 16 |
| Lawrence County | 14 |
| Yankton County | 13 |
| Meade County | 11 |
What do South Dakota homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in South Dakota was built in 1979, 31% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 47% of homes heat with utility gas and 33% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in South Dakota?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: South Dakota licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.