South Dakota requires a state-level bail bondsman license. The licensing authority is State Dept of Insurance. The median salary is $37,259 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
South Dakota requires a bail bondsman to hold a state license. Post bail bonds for defendants to secure their release from jail pending trial. Licensing is administered by the State Dept of Insurance.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Pre-licensing education (varies by state) + surety company appointment |
| Experience Details | Pre-licensing education (varies by state) + surety company appointment |
South Dakota requires passing the South Dakota Bail Bondsman License Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $75.
| Exam Name | South Dakota Bail Bondsman License Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | Bail Bondsman License Exam |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Getting licensed as a bail bondsman in South Dakota takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $75 and renewal fees of $75 every 2 years. Continuing education of 8 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $75 |
| License Renewal | $75 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours |
Bail Bondsmans in South Dakota earn a median salary of $37,259, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in South Dakota |
| National average | $42,340 |
Yes — South Dakota requires a state-level bail bondsman license. Post bail bonds for defendants to secure their release from jail pending trial.
The required exam is the South Dakota Bail Bondsman License Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $75.
The median annual salary for bail bondsmans in South Dakota is $37,259. The national median is $42,340.
South Dakota requires 8 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.