South Dakota plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
South Dakota plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (South Dakota State Plumbing Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation)), how to check one online, the license types, and 364 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in South Dakota?
| Who licenses them | South Dakota State Plumbing Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation) |
|---|---|
| License types | Plumbing Contractor, Plumber, Third-year Apprentice Plumber, Water Conditioning Contractor, Sewer and Water Contractor |
| When a license is required | License required for plumbing work on property connected to a public water or sewer system, with statutory exceptions |
South Dakota requires state plumbing licenses, and only a licensed plumbing contractor may contract and run the business; plumbers work under a contractor. The Plumbing Commission publishes PDF lists of licensed plumbers and specialty licensees rather than a search tool.
How do you look up a plumber's license in South Dakota?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the South Dakota plumbing license lookup run by South Dakota State Plumbing 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 plumber about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact South Dakota State Plumbing Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation).
What plumbing licenses does South Dakota issue?
- Plumbing Contractor
- Plumber
- Third-year Apprentice Plumber
- Water Conditioning Contractor
- Sewer and Water Contractor
How do you get a plumbing license in South Dakota?
Licenses are issued by the South Dakota State Plumbing 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 Plumbing 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 plumbers are there in South Dakota?
The Census Bureau counted 364 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in South Dakota in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Minnehaha County | 81 |
|---|---|
| Pennington County | 52 |
| Lincoln County | 30 |
| Brown County | 22 |
| Meade County | 20 |
| Codington County | 16 |
| Brookings County | 15 |
| Hughes County | 13 |
What do South Dakota homes mean for plumbing 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 a plumber in South Dakota?
- Ask for the license number and look it up yourself on the state or city license search. Licensing is set by the state in some places and by the city or county in others.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit. Water heater swaps, gas work and moving fixtures often do, and the licensed plumber pulls it.
- Get the price in writing: a flat rate for the job, or the hourly rate, the trip fee and how parts are billed.
- For emergencies, ask what the after-hours rate is before the plumber drives out.
- Ask who does the work. A licensed master can send helpers, but the license holder is responsible for the job.
Plumbers in other states
Sources: South Dakota licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.