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South Dakota · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your South Dakota Real Estate Agent License

South Dakota real estate agents must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
24 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
November 30, 2026
Exam to renew
Required

Who has to renew

This guide covers South Dakota real estate agents holding a South Dakota Real Estate Commission license. Requirements are set by South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation).

When to renew

South Dakota real estate agents licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is November 30, 2026. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (SDCL 36-21A-61 (Biennial registration) - https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/publications/license_law_book.pdf | Next date note: Applies to licences expiring December 31, 2026 (the cohort that renewed in 2024); the other cohort's next deadline is 2027-11-30. The spring 2025 VIEW newsletter (https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/publications/view/view_spring_2025.pdf) confirms alternating cohorts: '2024 online renewal is still open for those that have not completed theirs' and 'for those of you renewing this year'.)

The continuing education South Dakota requires

South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • 12 hours from required areas: Real Estate Contracts, License Law, Fair Housing, Ethics, Environmental Issues, Antitrust, ADA, Brokerage Services, Property Management

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    South Dakota sets real estate agents requirements by license class (South Dakota Real Estate Commission). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is November 30, 2026.

  2. 2

    Complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) requires 24 hours every 2 years, including 12 hours from required areas: Real Estate Contracts, License Law, Fair Housing, Ethics, Environmental Issues, Antitrust, ADA, Brokerage Services, Property Management. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the South Dakota real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In South Dakota, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation)

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation)

South Dakota real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do South Dakota real estate agents need?
South Dakota real estate agents must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation).
Which license classes does the South Dakota real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 24 hours requirement applies to: South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
What topics are required for South Dakota real estate agents continuing education?
South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) requires coverage of: 12 hours from required areas: Real Estate Contracts, License Law, Fair Housing, Ethics, Environmental Issues, Antitrust, ADA, Brokerage Services, Property Management.
Is an exam required to renew a South Dakota real estate agents license?
Yes — South Dakota Real Estate Commission (Dept. of Labor & Regulation) requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
Can South Dakota real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the South Dakota requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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