Nursing License from South Dakota to Michigan: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Michigan Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from South Dakota to Michigan by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Michigan Board of Nursing, verify your South Dakota license, and meet Michigan's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Moving from South Dakota into Michigan means leaving the compact's coverage: Michigan does not participate, so the multistate privilege that made South Dakota easy stops at the border. File Michigan's endorsement application as early as the board allows — this direction of the move is paperwork-first, and starting after you arrive is the classic way to lose weeks of income. Note that while your primary residence remains in South Dakota, your multistate license keeps working in the compact states; you only lose it when you establish residence in Michigan.
What changes, South Dakota → Michigan
| South Dakota (current) | Michigan (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $100 (endorsement application (ARSD 20:48:06:01); optional temporary permit $25; fingerprint background check fee paid separately) | $212.9 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately) |
| Processing time | board does not publish an endorsement processing timeframe; temporary permit available while the background check and endorsement are pending | board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline |
| Licensing authority | South Dakota Board of Nursing | Michigan Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Michigan sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Michigan's current requirements on the Michigan Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Michigan Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (instructions emailed after applying via MiPLUS).
- Complete a one-time human trafficking victim identification training.
- Complete 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years before licensure.
- Submit verification of licensure from every state where you hold or ever held a license.
- Have final official transcripts sent directly from your nursing program to the Bureau.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Pay the fees ($212.9 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately)) and allow board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Michigan accept a South Dakota nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from South Dakota to Michigan by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Michigan Board of Nursing, verify your South Dakota license, and meet Michigan's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from South Dakota to Michigan?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$212.9 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately) ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately).
How long will it take?
board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline — board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Michigan LARA/BPL — Michigan Nursing Licensing Guide ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA — Board of Nursing ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- SD Board of Nursing — New LPN/RN License Application ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ARSD 20:48:06:01 — Fees required of registered nurses ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ARSD 20:48:03:07 — Application for license by endorsement ↗ (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]