Vital Records Online (VRO) is a secure and user-friendly platform based in the US that allows you to order South Dakota vital records online with guaranteed safe delivery to your address while ensuring your private information remains confidential throughout the process.
Summary:
The South Dakota Department of Health is dedicated to the health and welfare of all residents of South Dakota. The first hospital in what is now South Dakota was founded in Lead, SD, in 1877. In 1885, the State of South Dakota held a Legislative Assembly, which passed a law establishing state and county health boards.
Currently, the South Dakota Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains state birth, death, marriage, and divorce records and issues certified copies.
Learn how to obtain official South Dakota vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, where to request them, what information they contain, and why they are essential.
Start your application online for SD vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential documents that are required for various life events, such as getting married, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. Vital records are necessary for proving your identity, citizenship, and family relationships, as well as for resolving legal disputes, claiming an inheritance, and investigating family history. They also provide valuable information about your ancestors, including their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations.
If you have lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. You can find more information about the importance of vital records in the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in South Dakota, they are freely available from various public archives.
In South Dakota, you can obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates online, by mail, or in person at the state’s Vital Records Office or your nearest South Dakota Register of Deeds office.
Each county in South Dakota maintains and issues vital records that occur within its jurisdiction, certifying their authenticity. You can search for the issuing agency of your county in the complete list of South Dakota’s county vital record issuing agencies. This list includes all the locations, contact information, and online applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in South Dakota, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Residents of South Dakota can obtain vital records through various methods such as online, in-person walk-ins, by phone, or by mail. Online requests are often the most reliable and, in some cases, the only option. Vital records can be requested from the state health department or any South Dakota Register of Deeds office. However, the fees and processes at the county offices may vary. Birth, death, and marriage certificates have unique requirements, so it’s essential to understand the requirements for each type of vital record to ensure a straightforward process.
The type of certificate you need and the request method will impact the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Review the necessary steps and conditions to ensure your application, documents, and fees are submitted to the correct state health department or the Register of Deeds office.
Ordering South Dakota vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you are an authorized person who meets the eligibility requirements to apply online for a South Dakota birth, death, or marriage certificate, it is important to confirm that you have all the required documents beforehand.
VRO is a streamlined system that helps compile the necessary documents, generate the correct application, and submit your packet to the health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record. You will be prompted to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process. The application is easy to complete from any device with an internet connection, and you can finish the entire process in as little as five minutes. VRO also helps avoid application rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents. Additionally, if required by the SD-DOH – Vital Records Office, the notary of your application can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ VRO’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a South Dakota birth, death, or marriage certificate online if you are authorized to request it and can provide an accepted form of ID.
Applying for vital records in person is reasonable if you live close to the state health department office that issues certified copies of the original documents. Confirm if the office is open for walk-ins and be prepared for long queues.
Applying via mail or online is an efficient approach to avoid difficulties when applying in person, if the local vital records office is closed, or if you want to avoid long queues. Mail is a suitable option for those living out of state, while online ordering is also convenient for residents living out of state or abroad. The steps are generally the same whether you apply for vital records in person or by mail.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Learn more about our services for replacing birth, death, or marriage certificates for you or a family member. VRO simplifies the process, reducing mistakes and handling documentation and shipping, leading to quicker processing time.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
It’s important to understand the conditions and requirements of the vital record application process before gathering the documents you need.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
You must provide proper identification to obtain a record from the SD-DOH Vital Records Office. A driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is usually sufficient. The table below lists the information, documents, and IDs required to obtain certified copies of South Dakota’s vital records. You can check other acceptable IDs for each certificate type in the same table.
If you do not possess a valid form of identification, you may submit two secondary forms of identification. Please note that if your ID is expired, it will not be accepted, so you must provide two secondary forms of identification.
Depending on the circumstance, two separate sections of the application can be notarized. If you are a third party who is not authorized, then an authorized individual must complete and sign the “designated agent” section of the application in front of a public notary. If you don’t have a copy of your ID when applying by mail, you must sign your application in front of a notary to verify your identity.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Father's Name, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, Visa |
Bank Statement, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Place of Death, Sex, State File Number, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, Visa |
Bank Statement, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Place of Marriage, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, Visa |
Bank Statement, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
Who can request vital records in South Dakota?
As the individual on record, you can request a certified copy of your own vital records with proof of identity.
If you need to request a vital record on behalf of someone else, confirm that you are eligible for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. The SD-DOH – Vital Records Office defines which third-party individuals are eligible to request certificates, including certain family members, attorneys, and funeral directors. You may be required to provide additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant.
If your relationship with the individual on record does not qualify you as an eligible individual, it may still be possible to obtain the certificate. You must have the record holder or an authorized individual (such as a parent or spouse of the record holder) complete and sign the “designated agents” section of the application form in front of a public notary.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Designated Agent, Funeral Director, Heir, Legal Guardian, Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Parents, Person on Record, Physician, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Designated Agent, Funeral Director, Heir, Legal Guardian, Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Parents, Person on Record, Physician, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Designated Agent, Funeral Director, Heir, Legal Guardian, Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Parents, Person on Record, Physician, Spouse |
❗️ Third-party requests for South Dakota vital record certificates that are not authorized agents, such as immediate family members or attorneys, must complete the designated agent section of the application, which must be notarized and signed by the record holder or another eligible individual.
✔︎ All requests ordered through VRO include an online notarization service if necessary, which can be added as an extra step during checkout.
Do I need a notary with my application?
You do not need a notarized statement when requesting your own birth or marriage certificate or your immediate family member’s birth, death, or marriage certificate, regardless of how the request is made. However, a notarized statement may be necessary if a third-party representative requests a vital record. A notarized application can also be used as proof of identity when ordering by mail if the applicant is unable to provide a photocopy of a valid ID.
Only those with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, may obtain certified vital record certificates. In some cases, a notarized sworn statement is required. Any third party whom the SD DOH does not designate as an eligible applicant must have a signed and notarized statement of authorization from the record holder or an eligible individual as defined in the “designated agents” section of the application form.
When ordering through VRO, an online notary is included with your order; otherwise, you must bring your ID to create the document if you decide to use a local public notary.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
Notaries may also be necessary for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records under certain conditions. You can find more information regarding these conditions in other FAQs below. Visit the SD-DOH – Vital Records Office website for more details.
✔︎ VRO includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of South Dakota vital records as long as the applicant can provide an accepted form of ID.
The total cost for obtaining certified copies of your vital records will depend on the SD-DOH – Vital Records Office’s fees for each type of certificate, how you submit your application, and whether a notary is needed.
When you order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through VRO, the online Application Assistant fee starts at $29. The SD-DOH – Vital Records Office charges a fee of $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
❗️ If no record is located, the $15.00 fee is non-refundable, and you will be issued a “Notification of Records Searched.”
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from South Dakota?
Processing times for requesting birth, death, or marriage certificates can vary. Refer to the table below for current processing and delivery times. Be mindful that the method you choose to submit your application can affect the total time to receive your vital record in the mail.
VRO can reduce the total time to receive your vital record by simplifying the process of gathering documents, submitting your application packet, and expediting service.
Please note that the processing times are subject to change based on the volume of requests received by the SD-DOH – Vital Records Office.
If you need a notary for your order, a notarization is available during the checkout process with VRO. Otherwise, account for extra time to obtain a notary from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
✔︎ All orders with VRO include an online notarization to reduce processing time.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process if you choose to procure a notary from a local entity (if required).
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the SD-DOH – Vital Records Office may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
Once you’ve submitted your application through VRO, you can monitor your application and order processing status. Prepaid mail postage is included with every order to track your application packet to the SD-DOH – Vital Records Office.
If you prefer to manually send your application packet to the vital records health department, be sure to purchase first-class mail tracking to confirm the successful delivery of your application. The SD-DOH – Vital Records Office ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail for added security. However, they are not liable for any misplaced or lost certificates. Be sure to review your application, as a simple error or typo could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address. If your birth certificate is lost, it is urgent to report it immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the South Dakota counties office locations directory.
You may need an apostille when a vital record is filed with a foreign government. In South Dakota, apostilles are issued by the South Dakota Secretary of State for vital records initially issued by the SD-DOH Vital Records Office.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
To acquire an apostille for a vital record in South Dakota, you can contact the Secretary of State or use Vital Records Online. VRO offers reliable apostille services for vital records in all 50 US states and is acknowledged by governments with legal validity in over 100 countries.
The service covers apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates and provides professional assistance throughout the process. The service starts at $149 (plus government fees), and you can complete the entire process online in just three steps.
In most cases, there is no need for physical copies of documents as the whole process can be completed online. Once the apostille documentation is completed, it will be sent to you using FedEx or DHL. We rely on trusted courier services for worldwide delivery, and the delivery will be made to your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or abroad.
You will need to provide the following information:
For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
South Dakota Secretary of State,
Attn: Apostille Office,
500 E. Capitol Ave.,
Pierre, SD 57501
You can reach the office at (605) 773-5008 or at https://sdsos.gov/general-services/apostilles-authentications.aspx.
An amendment is necessary when any information in the vital record needs to be changed. The Vital Records Office of SD-DOH provides a list of scenarios to amend birth, marriage, or death certificates. Any additional information to be added becomes an addendum to the original document. However, the original document cannot be altered by any entity.
The requirements and forms vary depending on the record type and the nature of the requested amendment. In South Dakota, some amendments require a court order, necessitating an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Many vital records in South Dakota are freely and readily available to the public but can demand personal time and effort. After 100 years, South Dakota birth certificates become accessible to the public. You can browse through the South Dakota birth, marriage, and divorce record archives, but be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time reviewing records.
Are South Dakota Vital Records Open to the Public?
Access to South Dakota vital records will depend on the record type and the year the birth, death, or marriage occurred. Third-party websites can make it easier to research specific types of vital records as they are not limited to a particular geographic location. While they can be a helpful reference point when researching records, the data on third-party sites may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, you must provide the following information:
Each state, county, and municipality creates and issues unique vital records. To confirm whether your certificate is a certified or informational copy, you can compare your birth, death, or marriage certificate with official certified copies. The appearance of certificates can vary depending on the county in which they were issued. Informational copies of vital records can be recognized by a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Unlike informational copies, authorized (certified) copies of vital records can be used for identification purposes. These legal documents are only issued to people with a direct and tangible interest in the document.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates are unofficial and not intended for official purposes like establishing identity or obtaining a passport. Instead, they are typically used for personal record-keeping, genealogical research, or display purposes. These copies may also be referred to as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates. To request an uncertified informational copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate in South Dakota, you must provide the fee, an accepted form of identification, and a completed application form. However, you do not need to provide a sworn statement.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official South Dakota government website at https://doh.sd.gov/licensing-and-records/vital-records/
