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South Dakota Occupational Therapist License

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — OT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited educational institution to the Board.
  • NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam, sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Portal
  • Fingerprint Cards — Completed fingerprint cards provided by the Board for the state and federal background check.
  • License Verifications — Official verification from every state where you have ever held a professional license.

How to Apply

  1. Create a MySD Account ▾
    Register for an account on the official South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) portal to begin the application process.
    Create Account
  2. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Log in to your MySD account and select 'Start a New Application' for the Occupational Therapist license. Complete all required fields and pay the $50 application fee.
    Start Application
  3. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    As of July 1, 2024, all new applicants must undergo a criminal background check. The Board will mail a fingerprint packet and instructions to you after your application is received.
  4. Request NBCOT Certification ▾
    Request that the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) send your official score report directly to the SDBMOE.
    Request Scores
  5. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Contact your educational institution to have official transcripts sent directly to the Board office.
  6. Verify Other State Licenses ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in another state, request official verification from each state board to be sent directly to the SDBMOE.
    Request Verification
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Apply via Reciprocity ▾
    Log in to the MySD portal and select the application for licensure by reciprocity.
    Apply Online
  2. Submit Current License Copy ▾
    Provide a certified copy of your current valid license from another state or territory.
  3. Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprinting process as required for all new South Dakota applicants.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — OT

Keeping Your License Active

South Dakota Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — OT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Criminal background checks can take 4-6 weeks to process. Start this step as soon as you receive the packet from the Board.
Third-Party Document Delays ▾
Waiting for transcripts or NBCOT scores to arrive can delay the review process. Request these early.
Incomplete Applications ▾
Missing signatures or unanswered questions on the application will result in the application being returned or held.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Occupational Therapists in South Dakota must complete 12 continuing competency points (hours) annually.
When does my South Dakota OT license expire? ▾
Licenses expire annually on January 1st. Renewals typically open 90 days prior to expiration.
What is the initial application fee for an OT license? ▾
The initial application fee for an Occupational Therapist is $50.
Is fingerprinting required for all applicants? ▾
Yes, as of July 1, 2024, all new applicants for initial licensure must undergo a state and federal criminal background check via fingerprinting.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
You may apply for a limited permit ($25 fee) if you have completed education requirements and are waiting to take or receive results from the NBCOT exam.

Board Info

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — OT
Phone(605) 367-7781
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25