License Required

How to Get a Barber License in South Dakota

South Dakota requires a barber license to offer barbering and hair cutting services. State fees are $150, which is below the $167 national average.

Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3

Quick Facts

License Required
Yes
Licensing Fees
$150(below the $167 national average)
Exams Required
2
Minimum Age
18 years old

What This Means for Your Home Barber Business

South Dakota makes it possible to run a home barber business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. Every state requires a barber license, so this is standard nationwide.

At $150, the licensing cost is close to the $167 national average. The real investment is time, not money.

Once licensed, South Dakota offers advantages: no sales tax on services, reducing complexity. Plus, LLC formation is just $150. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.

Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the South Dakota licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal barber license and is something many first-time home-based barbers overlook.

How to Start Your Home Barber Business

Follow these steps to legally launch your business in South Dakota. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.

1

Complete Barber Training

Enroll in a South Dakota-approved barber school.

Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.

2

Pass the Required Exams ($150)

Once you've finished training, register for the required exam through the South Dakota licensing board. You must pass all 2 exams.

3

Form Your South Dakota LLC ($150 state fee)

Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.

Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your South Dakota LLC online for $0 + the $150 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.

4

Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License

You need two things to legally operate from home:

  • Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
  • Shop license — from the South Dakota licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
5

Get Business Insurance

General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based barbers cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in South Dakota, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.

6

Register for State & Federal Taxes

South Dakota does not charge sales tax on personal services. So you won't need to collect sales tax from clients. However, you still need to:

  • Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
  • Register with the South Dakota Department of Revenue for state income tax
  • If you sell products (shampoo, styling products), you will need to collect South Dakota's 4.2% sales tax on those product sales
7

Book Your First Clients

You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:

  • Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based barbers)
  • Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
  • Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home barbers attract clients
  • Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility

Total Estimated Startup Costs

Exam fees + license$150
South Dakota LLC formation$150
Home occupation permit$25 - $100
Business insurance (first year)$180 - $480
Total (excluding training/school)$505 - $880

* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.

South Dakota Business Setup Costs & Details

Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in South Dakota — beyond the barber license itself.

LLC Formation Cost
$150
File with South Dakota SOS
Sales Tax on Services
NoBarber services are exempt
Sales Tax on Products
4.2% state rate+ county/city tax if you sell retail products
Minimum Wage
$11.5/hr
As a business owner, you set your own rates
Home Occupation Permit
Required in most South Dakota counties
Check with your county zoning office

Compare Barber Requirements in Nearby States

See how South Dakota's requirements compare to neighboring states.

StateLicense?FeesTraining
South Dakota(you)Yes$150350 days
IowaYes$135490 days
MinnesotaYes$160350 days
MontanaYes$129257 days
NebraskaYes$200420 days
North DakotaYes$100362 days

Key takeaway: All of South Dakota's neighbors require a barber license. If cost is your main concern, North Dakota has the lowest fees at $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a barber license in South Dakota?
The total cost in state fees is $150, which includes exam registration and license issuance fees. This does not include the cost of barber school tuition, which varies by program. At $150, South Dakota is below the $167 national average.
What exams do I need to pass for a South Dakota barber license?
You must pass 2 exams: the required examination(s) through the South Dakota licensing board. You must apply for exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — check with the Board for current deadlines and fees.
Can I run a barber business from my home in South Dakota?
Yes, you can operate a barber business from home in South Dakota, but you must: (1) hold a valid barber license, (2) obtain a shop/salon license from the South Dakota licensing board — your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards, and (3) get a home occupation permit from your local county. The shop/workspace license is a step many first-time home-based barbers overlook.
Do I need to collect sales tax as a barber in South Dakota?
No — not on services. South Dakota does not charge sales tax on personal care services like barber work. However, if you also sell retail products to clients (shampoo, styling products, etc.), you will need to collect South Dakota's 4.2% state sales tax plus any applicable county and city taxes on those product sales.
How much does an LLC cost in South Dakota?
The state filing fee is $150. You can file online through the South Dakota Secretary of State or use services like ZenBusiness ($0 + state fee). An LLC protects your personal assets from business liabilities — critical when working with clients in your home.

More Barber Resources for South Dakota

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Barber Salary in South Dakota

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No-License Jobs in South Dakota

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Pricing Calculator

Figure out how much to charge clients

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Startup Cost Calculator

Personalized budget for your home business

Sources & Disclaimer

Data Sources

  • License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
  • LLC and tax data: South Dakota Secretary of State and South Dakota Department of Revenue.

Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the South Dakota licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.