Cosmetology / Barber License from Illinois to South Dakota: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission ↗
A cosmetology license transfers from Illinois to South Dakota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission, verify your Illinois license, and meet South Dakota's endorsement requirements. All reciprocity applicants must pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination; the NIC written theory examination is waived if your certification of licensure documents that you already passed a state-approved theory examination.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Illinois and South Dakota require identical training hours (1,500), which removes the usual friction from a cosmetology transfer. What remains is South Dakota's administrative checklist below.
What changes, Illinois → South Dakota
| Illinois (current) | South Dakota (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| CLC status | Licensure by endorsement | Licensure by endorsement |
| Training hours | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Application fee | $45 (endorsement fee per 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175.100(a)(7)) | $120 (examination or reciprocity fee; includes the first license) |
| Processing time | IDFPR does not publish a processing time for cosmetologist endorsement | 3–4 weeks (board lists 15-20 business days for reciprocity applications once all required documentation and payment are received) |
| Licensing authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) | South Dakota Cosmetology Commission |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — South Dakota sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm South Dakota's current requirements on the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Hold an active cosmetology license in good standing in another state.
- Submit the Commission's online reciprocity application with the $120 fee.
- Have the issuing state board send a Certification of Licensure directly to the Commission documenting education hours, theory-exam passage, license status, disciplinary history, and initial issue date.
- Be at least 18 years old (government-issued ID or equivalent).
- Official school transcript sent by your school is optional but strongly recommended.
- Pay the fees ($120 (examination or reciprocity fee; includes the first license)) and allow 3–4 weeks (board lists 15-20 business days for reciprocity applications once all required documentation and payment are received).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does South Dakota accept a Illinois cosmetology license?
A cosmetology license transfers from Illinois to South Dakota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission, verify your Illinois license, and meet South Dakota's endorsement requirements. All reciprocity applicants must pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination; the NIC written theory examination is waived if your certification of licensure documents that you already passed a state-approved theory examination.
Will South Dakota make me retake the cosmetology exams?
All reciprocity applicants must pass the South Dakota Cosmetology State Laws and Rules examination; the NIC written theory examination is waived if your certification of licensure documents that you already passed a state-approved theory examination.
What does the Illinois-to-South Dakota transfer cost and how long does it take?
$120 (examination or reciprocity fee; includes the first license); processing 3–4 weeks (board lists 15-20 business days for reciprocity applications once all required documentation and payment are received).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- SD Cosmetology Commission — Licensing and Examinations (hours, fees, reciprocity application) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- SD Cosmetology Commission — Examinations (reciprocity exam waiver) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- SD Cosmetology Commission — Frequently Asked Questions (PDF), Reciprocity Licensing section ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — Qualifications for Licensure: Cosmetologist (011), rev. 9/2025 ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — Cosmetology profession page ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175.100 — Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]