Your general contractors licensing requirements in South Dakota will be established at the local county and city level. A general contractor looking to get their license in Sioux City, SD will have a different set of requirements and application process than that of contractors who want a license in Rapid City, SD, though all contractor licenses will likely require the contractor to obtain liability insurance or a compliance bond. South Dakota does manage three trade licenses at the state level for electrical, plumbing, and asbestos abatement contractors.
For all general contracting companies operating in South Dakota, you will have to obtain a business and occupational license and register for tax identification numbers. You may also have to adhere to South Dakota’s 2% Excise Tax on the gross receipts of your contracting services. Corporations will also be required to register with the South Dakota Secretary of State. Getting a general contractors license and performing general contractors services as a business in South Dakota will involve respecting local and statewide regulations.
General Contractor License Requirements in Sioux Falls, SD
All building permits and contractors licenses in Sioux Falls, SD will be sanctioned through the Building Division of the City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services. A general contractor will need to apply as a Residential Building contractor to perform “work on residential 1- & 2-family dwellings and townhomes within the city limits. Any construction work done on residential homes that would require a building permit, would require the contractor obtain this license. This work includes, but is not limited to: building of sheds and decks, shingles, sheetrock replacement, replacing of exterior doors or windows, basement finishing, new construction, etc.”
Your application for a Residential Building Contractor must also include the successful completion of the following tasks:
- Take and passing the Construction Supervisor Examination.
- Secure an Excise Tax Number.
- Maintain a $20,000 Compliance Bond.
- Provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with a minimum of $300,000.
- If you work out of your home as a residential building contractor, you must obtain a Home Occupation Permit through the City of Sioux Falls Zoning Division.
- If you plan to operate as a business, you must register through the South Dakota Secretary of State.
- Construction Supervisors need to complete one hour of continuing education for and acquire a Continuing Education Certificate each license cycle.
- Pay all licensing and exam fees.
Your license will expire on March 1st of every year, at which point you will need to apply for renewal. Each residential project may each require a bond, and the cost of the bond may vary. It is important to choose a bonding company that is approved by the local municipality.
Licensing and Registration Fee Summary
Sioux Falls, SD will require a licensing fee as well as a construction supervisor examination fee. Your residential building contractors fee will be prorated if applying in your second or third year of licensing. Expect to pay the following for your residential building contractors license:
- Residential Building Contractor Licensing Fee – $300 for the first year, $200 for the second year, $100 for the third year.
- Construction Supervisor Examination Fee – $75
General Contractor License Requirements in Rapid City, SD
The licensing of contractor work in Rapid City, SD will be under the supervision of the City of Rapid City Building Inspection Division, and you will have to fulfill the requirements set by the department. Contractors may also have to participate in six hours of continued education per license period. Rapid City applicants will also be required to take an ICC Contractor exam, or a university center exam in accordance with their license type. For more on exams including testing locations, materials covered, and fees, visit the Rapid City, South Dakota Building Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin.
Your application will also need the following documents and information attached:
- Certificate of Excise Tax.
- Proof of General Liability Insurance.
- Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
- Passing Exam Scores
- Payment of licensing and exam fees.
Who Needs a Contractors License in Rapid City, SD?
The City of Rapid City Building Inspection Division offers several licenses, but a general contractor will mostly be interested in a Commercial and Residential Contractor (A) or Residential Contractor (B) license. Your application will be the same form for any contractors license in Rapid City. Depending on your scope of work, you may need to apply for one, or both, licenses.
Commercial and Residential Contractors License – A: For the construction of any type of structure.
Residential Contractors License – B: For the construction of attached and detached single-family dwellings, as well as two-family houses.
Licensing and Registration Fee Summary
The City of Rapid City Building Inspection Division will require an initial licensing fee for each of the above licenses. Make sure the following fees are paid on your contractors license application:
- Commercial and Residential Contractors License (Class A) – $200 initial fee for a three-year license.
- Residential Contractors License (Class B) – $200 initial fee for a three-year license.
SD Electrical, Plumbing, and Asbestos Abatement Contractors Licenses
The state of South Dakota regulates these specialty trade licenses. Contact the following agencies for information on their corresponding trade license:
- SD Electrical License: South Dakota Electrical Commission.
- SD Plumbers License: South Dakota Plumbing Commission.
- SD Asbestos Abatement License: South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
South Dakota State Business Licenses and Registration
Business registration and licensing in South Dakota will be handled through the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Here, you can find all the information necessary to start, register, and license a business in South Dakota.
Sales and Contractors’ Excise Tax License Application
Contractors providing construction services must obtain an excise tax number. Visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue for more information on Excise Taxation and to register.
South Dakota Tax Identification Numbers and Registration
Businesses that operate within South Dakota are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller’s permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue for more information about business registration and your tax obligations.
South Dakota Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements and Forms
Businesses with employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, on a self-insured basis, or through the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
South Dakota Contractor License Lookup and Verification
To look up and verify a contractor’s building permit validity in Sioux Falls, SD, visit the City of Sioux Falls, SD Building Services’ Building Permit Database.
For a list of license holders in Rapid City, SD, download the Building Services and Public Works License Report on the City of Rapid City Government website.
See General Contractor Licensing Information in Nearby States
- North Dakota contractors license
- Wyoming contractors license
- Nebraska contractors license
- Iowa contractors license
- Minnesota contractors license
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a General Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in South Dakota, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements: