# How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in South Dakota

_Licensing_

Canonical: https://www.claimspages.com/learn/licensing/south-dakota/

South Dakota does not issue any type of insurance adjuster license. The state has no licensing requirements for independent adjusters, public adjusters, or staff adjusters. Despite this, South Dakota's exposure to hailstorms, tornadoes, and severe weather creates real demand for claims professionals. If you are a South Dakota resident who wants to work as an insurance adjuster, obtaining a Designated Home State (DHS) license from Florida or Texas is the standard path to establishing your credentials and gaining access to multistate work.



South Dakota does not license insurance adjusters of any type. The state does not issue licenses for independent adjusters, public adjusters, or staff adjusters. There is no state-level adjuster credential required to handle claims in South Dakota.

However, most independent adjusting firms and insurance carriers require adjusters to hold a license from a Designated Home State (DHS). Obtaining a DHS license from a state like Florida or Texas is essential for career advancement, access to employer rosters, and the ability to obtain non-resident licenses in other states that do require licensing.



Choose a Designated Home State for your license (Florida and Texas are the most common choices)Complete that state's licensing requirements (pre-licensing course, exam, and application)Obtain your DHS licenseUse your DHS license to apply for non-resident licenses in states where you want to workRegister with independent adjusting firms using your DHS license credentials

South Dakota has no continuing education requirements for adjusters since it does not issue the license. Your CE obligations are determined entirely by your DHS state. For example, Florida and Texas both require 24 CE hours every 2 years.



South Dakota is one of the few states that does not license adjusters of any type — not even public adjusters. Despite the lack of state licensing, the state experiences significant severe weather exposure, including hailstorms, tornadoes, and agricultural losses. The state's low population density means fewer adjusters are based locally, which can create opportunities during catastrophe events. Obtaining a Florida DHS license is the most popular path for South Dakota residents entering the adjusting profession.