| Customer verification | Must verify the buyer's license |
|---|---|
| Records to keep | 6 years |
| Separate device or DME distributor license | In some cases |
What South Dakota requires before you ship
Manufacturers and wholesalers may sell prescription drugs only to persons licensed by the right board. Before shipping to a new customer, they must confirm with that board that the customer is legally allowed to receive the drugs. Drugs must be delivered only to the address on the customer's license, and accounts must be opened in the licensee's name.
Who counts as an authorized buyer: Persons or entities licensed by the appropriate board (such as pharmacies, practitioners, hospitals, and licensed distributors).
"shall affirmatively verify that the person or entity is legally authorized to receive the prescription drugs by contacting the appropriate board." SDCL 36-11A-35; SDCL 36-11A-36; SDCL 36-11A-38
Records to keep
Wholesalers must keep inventories and records of all prescription drug receipts and distributions, including outdated drugs, showing the source, the drug and quantity, the dates, and storage conditions. All records must be kept six years after disposition. Off-site records must be produced within two working days.
Source: SDCL 36-11A-17; ARSD 20:67:04:01; ARSD 20:67:04:02
Licenses a distributor needs in South Dakota
Prescription drug wholesale distributor
Each wholesale distributor and outsourcing facility, in state or out of state, that serves outlets in South Dakota must be licensed every year by the Board of Pharmacy. In-state third-party logistics providers must also be licensed. Wholesale distribution without a license is a felony.
Source: SDCL 36-11A-4.1; SDCL 36-11A-7; ARSD 20:67:02
Medical device and DME distributors
The Board says a South Dakota license is needed when a medical device or DME item contains a prescription (legend) drug. We found no state license for devices that do not contain a drug.
Source: South Dakota Board of Pharmacy, 2025 Wholesale FAQ
Controlled substances
Distributors that deal in controlled substances must register with the South Dakota Department of Health and with DEA.
Source: ARSD 20:67:02:05; SDCL 34-20B-29
Where to look up a South Dakota license
- Pharmacies and pharmacy permits: South Dakota Board of Pharmacy (SD Department of Health)
- Physicians and other practitioners: South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
- NPI: NPPES NPI Registry
- DEA registrations: DEA Diversion Control Division
Federal rules that apply in every state
- A prescription device "is to be sold only to or on the prescription or other order of such practitioner," or to a business lawfully distributing it (21 CFR 801.109).
- A prescription drug wholesale distributor's trading partners "may be only authorized trading partners," which for a pharmacy means one licensed under state law (21 U.S.C. 360eee-1(c)(3)).
How WorkdID handles South Dakota accounts
WorkdID by Workd checks every South Dakota customer you sell to against the state's pharmacy and medical boards, the NPI registry, and the DEA, every day. It flags an expiration or a board action within a day of posting, and in Workd order entry it can hold the order until your compliance team clears the account. Every check is saved with the date and the board record, so your South Dakota file is ready when someone asks for it.
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