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South Dakota · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH), Vital Records (state level - Pierre) / County Register of Deeds (county level - for records in that county)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: SD birth records are restricted (not fully public). Eligible: the registrant (if adult), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, spouse, children, next of kin, or authorized representative. Proof of relationship may be required.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON - County Register of Deeds (FASTEST): Visit the Register of Deeds in the county where the birth occurred; bring valid photo ID; cash preferred or required at most county offices; $15 per copy; same-day service typically; cash payment required at many offices (or money order by mail)
  4. IN PERSON or BY MAIL - SDDOH Vital Records (Pierre): SD Vital Records, Foss Building, 523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501; by mail: complete Vital Records Request form (from doh.sd.gov/vital); include money order payable to "South Dakota Department of Health"; $15 fee (nonrefundable whether or not record found)
  5. ONLINE/PHONE - VitalChek (SDDOH-authorized vendor): vitalchek.com or call (605) 773-4961; VitalChek fee: $15 + $6.50 VitalChek fee + $5 expedite fee = $26.50 total (by regular mail); next-day UPS available for additional fee
  6. NOTE: Genealogy requests must be mailed to the State Office (no online/phone for genealogy); copies of records cannot be faxed or emailed
  7. Submit with valid photo ID copy and proof of qualifying relationship
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed SD Vital Records Request Form
  • Clear photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting for another person
  • Payment: money order (mail); cash at most county offices; card via VitalChek
Fee
$15 + $6.50 VitalChek fee + $5 expedite fee = $26.50 total (by regular mail); next-day UPS available for additional fee NOTE: Genealogy requests must be mailed to the State Office (no online/phone for genealogy); copies of records cannot be faxed or emailed Step 3 - Submit with valid photo ID copy and proof of qualifying relationship Step 4 - Pay the fee
Processing Time
County in-person: same day; state mail: varies; VitalChek: faster processing
Online Option
VitalChek (only authorized third-party vendor for SD); state also accepts orders directly by phone via (605) 773-4961
Where to Go
County Register of Deeds in county where birth occurred (fastest); SD Vital Records, Pierre (state office by mail or in-person); VitalChek online
County-specific variations apply

SD's 66 county Registers of Deeds can issue vital record copies for events in their county. Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls) and Pennington County (Rapid City) are the largest and most accessible. Tribal records: marriage and divorce from tribal courts can ONLY be obtained from the tribe directly - the state office does not have these.

South Dakota Notes

Important state-specific details

  • State has birth records since approximately 1905.
  • $15 fee is nonrefundable regardless of whether record is found.
  • VitalChek is the ONLY authorized third-party online vendor for SD vital records.
  • Copies cannot be faxed or emailed - physical mail or in-person only.
  • Genealogy requests must go to state office by mail (cannot use VitalChek/phone for genealogy).
  • Tribal marriage and divorce: contact the tribe directly - not available through state or county offices.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
SD Department of Health, Vital Records - doh.sd.gov/vital | (605) 773-4961 | Foss Building, 523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501; VitalChek (authorized): vitalchek.com