NCLEX in South Dakota: fingerprint cards from the Board and a $25 temporary permit
South Dakota’s Board of Nursing lists a $100 license application fee and mails you a fingerprint card packet after you apply. A school guide to the process says to register with Pearson VUE at the same time as you apply to the Board, and an optional temporary permit costs $25.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the South Dakota Board of Nursing’s general instructions and international applicant requirements, a college’s step-by-step guide, and a third-party summary for the fingerprint fee. Confirm current amounts on doh.sd.gov.
The path for a new graduate
Complete the online licensure by examination application and pay $100. The Board's paper instructions describe a money order, and note an application becomes null after a year if it is not completed.
The Board mails a fingerprint card packet and instructions to the address on your application. Every initial applicant submits a full set for a state and federal check.
Your program's nursing director provides verification of completed education to the Board.
A college guide says registration should happen at the same time as you apply. Pearson VUE notifies the Board, and you receive a receipt of registration.
Once the Board declares you eligible, you receive your ATT. You must test within its validity dates.
The temporary permit
The Board’s instructions describe a temporary permit application with a $25 fee. They say the permit will not be issued until your completed fingerprint cards are received, and that permanent licensure will not be issued until the Board has your background check results. A guide says failing the NCLEX-RN ends permit eligibility.
Common questions
What if I fail?
A summary reports a retake application with a $100 fee, plus Pearson VUE’s $200 fee again. Check the Board’s page for the current form.
What about internationally educated applicants?
The Board’s international requirements say to have CGFNS send its report directly to the Board before you complete the Board’s application. A paper application is available for applicants without a US Social Security number.