Licensing Cost: $175.00 for a new license
Renewal Cost: $100.00
Duration: 2 years
Expires: 7/1 every two years
Continuing Education: 32 hours every 2 years
Tempory License for Relief Work? No
Pay $175 - $125 to the State Board.
Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript & diploma directly to the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
NAVLE: New vets applying for a license in South Dakota will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the South Dakota Board.
Jurisprudence Exam: Applicants in South Dakota will also need to complete a South Dakota State Jurisprudence Exam covering South Dakota's veterinary practice act, which is taken online.
Veterinarians who are already licensed in another state, US territory, Canadian province, or Washington D.C. must submit a verification of licensure for any licenses currently or previously held, including any disciplinary action taken against any of your licenses by a state veterinary board.
AAVSB Vault Service: You can have the AAVSB transfer your NAVLE test results, verification of licensure for any other veterinary licenses, and letters of good standing for a fee of $99.
The South Dakota Board does not specify how long it takes to process license applications. Ensure your application is not missing any documents to avoid delays.
Please print the South Dakota Veterinary License Application and mail with all supporting to:
State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
411 South Fort St.
Street Pierre, South Dakota 57501-4503
Pay $100 to the South Dakota Board.
Renewal Date: 7/1 every 2 years from date of licensure
South Dakota veterinary licenses are valid for 2 years.
South Dakota defines CE as “courses relating to veterinary science and technology, including clinical techniques, diagnostics, therapeutics, animal care, and record keeping as approved by the Examining Board.” Source
South Dakota does not verify your CE annually, but it is recommended you keep a record of your CE as the South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medicine may randomly audit you.
South Dakota does not provide clear information on updating your address. We recommend emailing the Board directly at aibmail@state.sd.us.
Unfortunately, South Dakota does not offer temporary veterinary licenses that allow relief veterinarians to practice in state for a limited duration.
Phone: (605)773-3321
Email: aibmail@state.sd.us
State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
411 South Fort St.
Street Pierre, South Dakota 57501-4503
Please check your local requirements as state and national guidelines may have changed since last updated on Dec 09, 2025.
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