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South Dakota Physical Therapist License

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — PT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Notarized Application — The official South Dakota Physical Therapy License Application, signed and notarized.
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts showing evidence of degree completion from a CAPTE-accredited program, sent directly from the school.
  • NPTE Scores — Official exam scores requested through FSBPT and sent directly to the Board. Request Score Transfer
  • Fingerprint Cards — Completed fingerprint cards using the specific packet provided by the Board office.
  • License Verifications — Verification of current and past licensure from every state where you have held a license.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education ▾
    Graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  2. Submit Application ▾
    Complete and notarize the Physical Therapy License Application. Mail it to the Board office in Spearfish with the $120 application fee.
  3. Request Transcripts ▾
    Contact your educational institution to have official transcripts sent directly to the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy.
  4. Register for NPTE ▾
    Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
    Register for NPTE
  5. Complete Background Check ▾
    After the Board receives your application, they will mail you a fingerprint packet. Complete the fingerprints and mail them back to the Board for processing by the DCI.
    Background Check Info
  6. Verify Other Licenses ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in any other state, request that a verification of licensure be sent directly from those states to the South Dakota Board.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the standard Physical Therapy License Application, ensuring you indicate you are applying by endorsement.
  2. Pay Endorsement Fee ▾
    Submit the $120 application fee payable to the SD Board of Physical Therapy.
  3. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from all jurisdictions where you are or were previously licensed.
  4. Transfer NPTE Scores ▾
    Request an official score transfer from FSBPT to be sent to the South Dakota Board.
    Transfer Scores
  5. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprinting process using the cards provided by the Board after application submission.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — PT

Keeping Your License Active

South Dakota Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — PT 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
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) can take 3-4 weeks to process fingerprints. Delays in mailing cards to the Board will stall the entire application.
Missing Verifications ▾
Waiting for other state boards to send license verifications is a frequent cause of delay. Request these as early as possible.
Non-Notarized Application ▾
Applications that are not notarized will be returned, requiring the applicant to re-submit and potentially re-notarize.
Transcript Delays ▾
Transcripts must come directly from the institution. Ensure your school has the correct Board address in Spearfish.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Physical Therapists in South Dakota must complete 30 continuing education hours every two-year licensing cycle.
When does my PT license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on December 31st of odd-numbered years.
What is the application fee for a PT license? ▾
The application fee is $120, payable to the SD Board of Physical Therapy.
Does South Dakota participate in the PT Compact? ▾
Yes, South Dakota is a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact and is actively issuing and accepting compact privileges.
Where do I mail my application and documents? ▾
Mail all materials to: South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy, 810 N. Main St., Suite 298, Spearfish, SD 57783.

Board Info

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