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South Dakota Birth Certificates

Learn how to obtain a South Dakota birth certificate from the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records Office (SD DOH). Standard processing time is approximately 2 to 5 weeks, with expedited orders available for 5 to 7 business days. The state fee for each copy is $15.00. Authorized individuals such as the person on record, family members, and legal representatives can request certified copies.

How to Order State of South Dakota Birth Certificates

You can now order South Dakota birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records Office (SD DOH) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the SD DOH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before proceeding, verify the costs,  eligibility,  requirements, and processing times to ensure your application is successful.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a South Dakota birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of South Dakota Birth Certificates?

The South Dakota DOH has specific requirements depending on your method of application submission and your relationship to the individual whose record you are requesting. All applicants must provide proof of identity such as a state-issued driver’s license or U.S. passport as a required document. Refer to the table below for the necessary information and documents to ensure your application is successful.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

State ID
Tribal ID
Driver's License
Passport
Visa
US Military ID

Social Security Card
Utility Bill
Bank Statement
Vehicle Registration
Pay Stub

How to Get a South Dakota Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not possess a primary identification, two secondary forms of documentation are acceptable as a substitute for identity verification. These may include a bank statement, pay stub, social security card, utility bill, or vehicle registration. You can notarize your application instead of submitting ID copies, but you must have an ID when signing in front of a notary public. Alternatively, authorized third parties can request the birth certificate on your behalf. Confirm your secondary ID includes your current address and other vital information.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in South Dakota?

The South Dakota DOH charges $15.00 per certified copy of a birth record. The total costs and fees associated with replacing a South Dakota birth certificate vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus the state fee and an optional Rush Shipping fee of $11.50. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not offered for mail-in orders.


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in South Dakota?

Standard processing time is approximately 2 to 5 weeks, while expedited orders take 5 to 7 business days. The total time to receive a birth certificate in South Dakota will depend on the application method **(**in person, by mail, or online) and the current wait times defined by the South Dakota DOH. Rush processing and delivery may be available through SD DOH’s website. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

2-5 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered for mail-in orders.




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a South Dakota Birth Certificate?

Only the individual listed on the birth certificate and authorized individuals can submit a request or replacement, provided that they provide proof of their identity and relationship. South Dakota birth records are confidential and have restricted access for 100 years after birth. Review the list of authorized people who are eligible to request certified copies.


Authorized People


  • Attorneys
  • Authorized Agent
  • Children
  • Designated Agent
  • Funeral Director
  • Grandchildren
  • Grandparents
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other person of interest (personal and property rights)
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Physician
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

A notarized application is generally not required for South Dakota birth certificate replacements. However, it may be necessary under the following circumstances:

  • When a third party is not listed as an authorized person, such as a genealogist or POA, requests a certified copy.
  • When applying without a copy of a valid, government-issued ID or two secondary forms of identification (this is only applicable for online or mail orders).

In other cases, notarization may be necessary for corrections or amendments to a birth certificate. For further details, please refer to the SD-DOH Vital Records Office website.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the South Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records Office (SD DOH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the health department.

When manually mailing your birth certificate request to the SD DOH, including a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application is optional. Purchasing mail tracking is recommended to guarantee timely handling and secure delivery of your certificate. Once your certificate is mailed from the SD DOH to your address, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a South Dakota Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, your birth would have been recorded with the U.S. Department of State rather than the state of South Dakota. You must request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240) from the U.S. Department of State. The CRBA is equivalent to a South Dakota birth certificate as evidence of U.S. citizenship and can be used for legal purposes such as passport applications and social services.

    If you need original copies of the birth record, contact the hospital in the country where the birth occurred.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My South Dakota Birth Certificate?

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    Certified copies of your South Dakota birth certificate are proof of your legal name, birth details, and parentage. They are essential for verifying identity and citizenship and are widely recognized by government agencies and private organizations. These copies are required for various purposes, including legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a South Dakota Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    Official birth certificates issued by the South Dakota DOH are designed with unique features to ensure authenticity. The appearance of the birth certificates varies depending on the year of issue while adhering to state guidelines stipulating standard features such as the state seal, the individual's name, the registrar's signature, and the use of secure paper.

    It's important to distinguish between official (long-form) birth certificates for legal purposes and informational (short-form) copies for personal or commemorative reasons.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen South Dakota Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the SD DOH.
      a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the SD DOH or a Register of Deeds office during hours of operation.
      b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the SD DOH at:
      SD-DOH - Vital Records Office
      221 West Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The SD DOH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a South Dakota Birth Certificate

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    The process for correcting or amending a South Dakota birth certificate varies depending on the required changes. Addendums are issued as supplements to correct or modify a birth certificate while the original record remains unaltered.

    Typically, amendments to South Dakota birth certificates will require:

    1. A completed amendment application: South Dakota Birth Record Amendment Request form (over a year after the event). Birth Record Amendment Under 1-Year-Old form (if the event occurred within a year).
    2. Supporting documentation: Document types required include one original, certified, or authenticated document to indicate the correct item listing for amendment. All documents will be returned to you.
    3. Appropriate fee(s): Amendment fees are $8.00.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a South Dakota Birth Certificate

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    To obtain an apostille for a South Dakota birth certificate, you can order directly through the South Dakota Secretary of State or submit a request online through VRO's Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are issued by the South Dakota Secretary of State and are generally required to file a birth certificate with a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.


    To manually obtain an apostille for a South Dakota birth certificate, complete the following steps:

    1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: Ensure you have a certified copy of the birth certificate from the South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records Office.
    2. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Complete the apostille request form provided by the South Dakota Secretary of State.
    3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the certified copy of the birth certificate and the completed apostille request form.
    4. Submit Payment: Include the required fee of $25.00 per document for the apostille service. Checks and money orders can be made payable to the SD Secretary of State. Credit cards and cash are accepted, although not advised by mail.
    5. Mail or Deliver the Request: Send your documents and payment to the South Dakota Secretary of State's office at the following address:

    Mailing Address: