New Jersey

New Jersey has a universal license recognition law. As a South Dakota-licensed professional, your license is generally recognized in New Jersey, subject to meeting basic eligibility requirements. This is the strongest form of license portability available. Pioneer of universal recognition (2013); requires state residency for recognition.

New Jersey is a member of 5 compacts: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, Counseling Compact. You share 5 of these with South Dakota: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, Counseling Compact.

Both South Dakota and New Jersey are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate nursing license from South Dakota, you can practice in New Jersey without obtaining a separate license.

Teaching license portability from South Dakota to New Jersey: NASDTEC member; reciprocal certification with endorsement review. Most states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but specific requirements vary by state and endorsement area.

New Jersey supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from South Dakota can apply for licensure by comity, which is a streamlined process using your NCEES Record. This typically requires verifying your education, exam passage, and experience meet New Jersey's requirements.

Universal recognition covers military spouses; requires residency. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), updated December 2024, all states are now required to recognize valid professional licenses from other states for military personnel and their spouses.

Joined NLC; expanded compact memberships.

For the most current licensing requirements and compact participation details, visit the official New Jersey licensing page at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/. Requirements and compact memberships may change as new legislation is enacted.