State guide
South Dakota
South Dakota regulates home inspectors through the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. State law uses two credential levels—registered home inspector and licensed home inspector—and Chapter 36-21C was enacted in 2000, with initial licensing provisions keyed to January 1, 2001. ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/consumer_information.aspx))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Licenses home inspectors?
- yes
- Regulator
- South Dakota Real Estate Commission
- License lookup
- Official page →
- Disciplinary actions
- Official page →
- File a complaint
- Official page →
Official resources in South Dakota
Official landing page for home inspector applications, education, experience log, and related materials.
Official page describing registered and licensed home inspector qualification paths.
Official verification page for currently licensed or registered home inspectors and other real estate licensees.
Official complaint process page with the complaint form and description of hearing outcomes.
Official meetings page posting notices, agendas, packets, and minutes that may reflect complaint/hearing actions.
Key facts for South Dakota
- South Dakota regulates home inspectors through the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/consumer_information.aspx))
- State law says no person may provide a paid home inspection unless registered or licensed under Chapter 36-21C. ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/36-21C-3?utm_source=openai))
- Chapter 36-21C was created by Session Law 2000, chapter 194; initial licensing provisions ran during the first 365 days after January 1, 2001. ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/36-21C-1?utm_source=openai))
- A registered home inspector must complete at least 40 hours of approved prelicensing education and pass the exam. ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/36-21C-5?utm_source=openai))
- A licensed home inspector must have been registered at least one year and completed at least 100 compensated inspections. ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/consumer_information.aspx))
- ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/errors_omissions_insurance.aspx))
What to do next
- Check whether the person is a Registered Home Inspector or a Licensed Home Inspector in the verification system before hiring. ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/license_verification_system.aspx))
- If you are filing a complaint, use the Commission’s written complaint form and include a concise fact statement plus supporting documents. ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/complaints.aspx))
- For discipline research, review the complaints page first and then scan meeting packets/minutes for hearing or consent-agreement actions. ([dlr.sd.gov](https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/complaints.aspx))
Helpful guides
- How to check if a home inspector is licensed
- Which states license home inspectors (and which do not)
- How to look up disciplinary actions against a home inspector
- How to file a complaint against a home inspector