Verified October 10, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What optometrists miss in South Dakota
- The application is typed, printed and notarized before mailing with the fee.
- Missing documents must arrive within 180 days of the board's notice or the application lapses.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a South Dakota license?
All new applicants use the general application, which requires a passed national board exam and no years of practice. SDCL 36-7-13 also allows endorsement for optometrists with 5 consecutive years of practice who met South Dakota's standards when first licensed.
- On NBEO scores
- Board: South Dakota Board of Examiners in Optometry
Citation: SDCL 36-7-11, 36-7-13; board licensing page
Which NBEO exams does South Dakota require?
SDCL 36-7-11 requires all required sections of a board-approved national board exam. Graduates after July 1, 2024 need the LSPE only to add advanced procedures.
What scope does a South Dakota license carry?
Each advanced procedure needs a board-approved course of at least 32 hours and proctored competency on live eyes, ten eyes for YAG capsulotomy.
- Tiers: Advanced procedures certifications: INJ-PA, INJ-S, ST, LAS-T, LAS-YAG (all five: AP)
Citation: SDCL 36-7-1(9), 36-7-1.4
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in South Dakota?
SLT and YAG capsulotomy are in scope since July 1, 2024, only after board certification: approved course, proctored competency, and the NBEO LSPE for graduates after July 1, 2024.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: SDCL 36-7-1(9), 36-7-1.4
Does South Dakota require a controlled substance license?
A South Dakota controlled substance registration, applied for online, is needed alongside DEA.
- State license required on top of DEA
What does a South Dakota optometry license cost?
- Application: $175 application, plus $200 for all five advanced procedures or $100 each (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $300 a year (as of Oct 2026)
- Fingerprints required
Citation: Board licensing page; SDCL 36-7-11
How often does a South Dakota license renew?
- Renews every year
Licensing in South Dakota?
We prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, order your verifications and NBEO scores, and track the file to a decision; you answer, sign, pay the board and sit every exam. A license is $699 per state, or $799 where the state gives its own exam or interview.