Who needs a food service establishment license in South Dakota?

Issued by South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Protection, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in South Dakota

The state licenses food service everywhere in South Dakota; the application, the floor plan and the menu go to the Department before the build-out, then the pre-opening inspection, and the license is posted. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries and ice cream shops are all food service establishments under the rules. Operating without the license is a misdemeanor. Office of Health Protection: 605-773-4945.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Protection.

Sources and dates

Department of Health food service license application (SDCL 34-18-9 and 34-18-11); ARSD 44:02. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.