What are South Dakota Vital Records?

South Dakota's Department of Health, Office of Vital Records is the government entity responsible for collecting, storing, preserving, and issuing vital records for the state. Vital records in South Dakota include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The state uses a single consolidated form that residents can use to request copies of vital records. Vital records in the state of South Dakota are not public records for 100 years, and they are kept private. Therefore, only certain approved people can request copies. South Dakota has been keeping vital records since 1905. There may be older records, but the system had not been perfected, and there may be gaps or missing records.

South Dakota Birth Records

South Dakota has birth records dating back to 1905. The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of birth records. They supply certified copies of birth records upon request to eligible individuals. For records older than 100 years, they have an online searchable database you can use for genealogy and other purposes. This search engine is open to the public. Birth records are helpful when you apply for a driver's license, passport, government job, or when you sign up for sports or attend a new school. The Office of Vital Records allows you to order them in person, through the mail, and online and by phone using the VitalChek service.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Birth Records

How do I find birth records in South Dakota?

For records that are older than 100 years, you can search the South Dakota online birth registry database. If you require one less than 100 years old, you can fill out an application with the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records allows you to order copies using a single consolidated form, and you can bring it to their offices in person, mail it in, or use the VitalCheck service to get copies.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in South Dakota?

If you order through the mail or walk-in service, the cost is $15. If you use the VitalChek service, you must pay an additional $6.50 fee plus expedited service if you want it quicker.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in South Dakota are not public records. Therefore, only the following list of people can get copies:

  • Registrant - Individual listed on the record.
  • Spouse, Child.
  • Parent, Guardian.
  • Next of Kin - grandparents and siblings.
  • Authorized Agent - attorney, physician, funeral director (documentation may be required).
  • Designated Agent - someone given authority by an individual who has the authority to obtain the vital record to act on their behalf. Must complete the designated agent section of the application.
  • Personal or Property Right - a right to the record not included in the categories above. Individual will be asked to provide information about the right.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my South Dakota birth certificate?

When requesting copies of your birth record, you will need the following information:

  • Full name at birth.
  • Date of birth.
  • City/county of birth.
  • Mother's full name.
  • Father's full name.
  • Gender.
  • Number of copies required.
  • Your relationship to the person listed on the record.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility.

Where can I find historical vital records in South Dakota for genealogy research?

South Dakota has all the birth records older than 100 years old, dating back to 1905 online in a searchable database.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

The state of South Dakota has a process for amending birth records less than one year old. You can fill out a form and pay the fee to change it. If the person is older than one year, you must get a court order to change it. You can find more information here.

Can I get a refund if my South Dakota birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

South Dakota Death Records

South Dakota has been keeping death records since 1905. The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records is the agency in charge of all death records for the state. Death records are not public records, and therefore, only certain people can get copies. Certified copies are needed when you apply for government benefits, claim a life insurance policy, and other times when you need to prove someone's passing. The Office of Vital Records allows eligible parties to get informational and certified copies in person, through the mail, or by phone or online using the VitalChek Network.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Death Records

How do I find death records in South Dakota?

You must contact the The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records to find death records. The cost of a copy includes the search fee.

Are death records public in South Dakota?

No. Death records are not public records, and only close relatives, legal representatives, and other designated parties can get copies.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in South Dakota?

The cost for a death certificate is $15 if you get it in person or through the mail. If you order online or by phone using VitalCheck, you must pay an additional $11.50 and more if you want expedited shipping.

How long does it take to get a copy of a South Dakota death record?

If you visit in person, you can get a copy the same day. If you order by mail, you will wait a few days. Typically, when you order through VitalChek, the wait time is only 5-7 business days, but they do offer expedited shipping for an additional fee.

Who can request death records?

Death records are kept private, and therefore, only the following list of people can get copies:

  • Spouse, Child.
  • Parent, Guardian.
  • Next of Kin - grandparents, and siblings.
  • Authorized Agent -attorney, physician, funeral director(documentation may be required).
  • Designated Agent - someone given authority by an individual who has authority to obtain the vital record to act on their behalf. Must complete the designated agent section of the application.
  • Personal or Property Right - a right to the record not included in the categories above. Individual will be asked to provide information about the right.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's South Dakota death certificate?

When requesting copies of someone's death certificate, you must supply the following information:

  • Full name of the person listed on the certificate.
  • Date of death.
  • City/county of death.
  • Gender.
  • The number of copies requested.
  • Your relationship to the deceased.
  • The type of copy.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility.

Where can I find historical death records in South Dakota?

You must contact the  South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records for records dating back to 1905. They may have even older records, but there is no guarantee.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

You must go through the courts to correct someone's death record. You can find more information here.

Can I get a refund if my South Dakota death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

South Dakota Marriage Records

South Dakota has been keeping track of marriage records since 1905. They have older records, but it may be sketchy to find specific ones. The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of marriage records and providing copies. Marriage records are not public records, and therefore, only certain people like close family and legal representatives can get copies. Marriage records are needed when you change your name, apply for insurance of other instances when you need to validate your marital state. The Office of Vital Records allows you to get unofficial and certified copies by visiting their office in person, through the mail, or online and phone using VitalChek.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Marriage Records

Are South Dakota marriage records public?

No. In South Dakota, marriage records are not public for 100 years. Then they are opened to the public.

What South Dakota marriage records are available?

The  South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records has records dating back to 1905. They have even older ones, but there is no guarantee you can find a specific one.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in South Dakota?

If you visit in person, you can get one the same day. If you order through the mail, it will take a few days (processing times vary). If you order through VitalChek, typical wait times are 5-7 business days, but they do offer expedited shipping.

How much does a South Dakota marriage certificate cost?

A certified copy of your marriage certificate costs $15. However, if you order through VitalChek, you will pay an additional $11.50 plus more for expedited shipping options.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When you request a copy of a marriage certificate, you must have the following information:

  • Full name and gender of spouse A.
  • Full name and gender of spouse B.
  • Date of the marriage.
  • City/county of the marriage.
  • Number of copies requested.
  • Your relationship to the person(s) listed on the certificate.
  • Type of copy.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility to receive the record.

How do I get a copy of a South Dakota marriage record?

South Dakota uses a single, consolidated form for all vital records, including marriage certificates. You can fill it out, bring it to the office, and get a copy. You can also mail it in or use the VitalChek service to order copies.

What if I didn't get married in South Dakota?

If you were not married in South Dakota, you must contact the vital records office or the court in the county/state where your marriage license was filed.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Since marriage records are not public records, only the following people can get a copy:

  • Registrant -Individual listed on the record.
  • Spouse, Child.
  • Parent, Guardian.
  • Next of Kin - grandparents, and siblings.
  • Authorized Agent -attorney, physician, funeral director (documentation may be required).
  • Designated Agent - someone given authority by an individual who has authority to obtain the vital record to act on their behalf. Must complete the designated agent section of the application.
  • Personal or Property Right - a right to the record not included in the categories above. Individual will be asked to provide information about the right.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in South Dakota?

South Dakota has a process for correcting or amending vital records, which includes both the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, and the courts. You can find more information here.

South Dakota Divorce Records

South Dakota has been keeping divorce records since 1905. They may have older records, but there is no guarantee. The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, is the agency in charge of divorce records and issuing certified copies to eligible individuals. South Dakota divorce records are not public records, and only certain people can get copies. The Office of Vital Records office allows you to request copies by walk-in service, through the mail, online, and by phone using the VitalChek service. Divorce records are necessary when you get remarried or need to verify your marital state.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in South Dakota?

Not through state resources. Divorce records in South Dakota are vital records, and vital records are not public. However, you may be able to see divorce summaries elsewhere on the internet.

How do I find old divorce records?

You can contact the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. They have all divorce records going back to 1905.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records allows you to request copies through the mail, via walk-in service at their office, or by phone and online using the VitalChek Network. You must fill out an application, prove your eligibility and pay a fee.

What information is needed to search for a South Dakota divorce record?

When requesting copies of a South Dakota divorce record, you need to provide the following information:

  • Full name and gender of spouse A.
  • Full name and gender of spouse B.
  • Date of divorce.
  • City/county of divorce.
  • Number of copies requested.
  • Your relationship to the person(s) listed on the certificate.
  • The type of copy.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility to receive the record.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of South Dakota?

If you were not divorced in South Dakota, you must contact either the vital records office or the Clerk of the Court in the state/county where your divorce was finalized.