Contractor License from South Dakota to Illinois: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Illinois state license to transfer into: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Any licensing for this work is handled below the state level (a city, county or contractor-level authority), so check with the authority where you will work.
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Verdict
No state license to transfer
There is nothing at state level to transfer your South Dakota license into: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Identify the local authority that governs your jobsite and work from its rules; your South Dakota credentials and experience may help there, but no state agreement applies to general contracting.
What changes, South Dakota → Illinois
| South Dakota (current) | Illinois (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee | General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee |
| Processing time | None at state level — set by the local authority | None at state level — set by the local authority |
| Licensing authority | General contracting: licensed locally (city or county); trade licenses: South Dakota Electrical Commission and State Plumbing Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation) | General contracting: licensed locally (city or county); trade licenses: Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing Program (general contractors are licensed municipally) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Illinois sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license, so there is no state license to transfer: confirm with the authority linked on this page who licenses the work where you will practice.
- Contact that city, county or contractor-level authority for its own requirements, exams and fees.
- Keep records of your current license, exams and documented experience — a local authority may credit them, but nothing transfers at state level.
- Obtain any general contractor or electrical license from the local municipality (no state license).
- General contractor fee: none at state level — general contractor licensing is local, so the city or county sets any fee.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Illinois accept a South Dakota contractor license?
There is no Illinois state license to transfer into: Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license. Any licensing for this work is handled below the state level (a city, county or contractor-level authority), so check with the authority where you will work.
What applies in Illinois without a state general contractor license?
The rules of the local authority that governs your jobsite — Illinois issues no statewide general contractor license or exam. Trade licenses Illinois does issue are a separate question for the checker.
What fees apply in Illinois, and how long does processing take?
Illinois issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state license fee: general contracting is licensed locally, and the city or county sets any fee and timeline.
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Not for general contracting: Illinois issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state GC exam for NASCLA to replace.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-08-07.
- Illinois Department of Public Health — Plumbing (licensing, forms; reciprocity form is Chicago-only) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Illinois IDFPR — Roofing Contractors (no reciprocity provision) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- SD Electrical Commission — Reciprocal Licensing Agreements (14 agreement states by license class; NERA states without agreements) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- SD Electrical Commission — Electrical License Application (fee table; 'approximately 30 days') ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- SD State Plumbing Commission — Reciprocity (SDCL 36-25-21 and ARSD 20:53:02:21, case-by-case) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-08-07
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]