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Vital Records Online is not affiliated with any government agency. We provide a secure online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. Free application forms are available directly from the South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records.

South Dakota Marriage Certificate

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South Dakota Marriage Certificate Overview

Learn how to order South Dakota marriage certificate from the South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records Office (SD-DOH - VRO). The current processing time for South Dakota marriage certificate requests is 2 to 5 weeks. The state fee for each certified copy is $15.00. Immediate family members and persons (s) of record can request marriage certificate.

Where to Get a South Dakota Marriage Certificate

In South Dakota, certified copies of marriage certificate can be obtained from two sources: the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records and the register of deeds in the county where the marriage license was issued.

South Dakota Department of Health — The state vital records office in Pierre maintains marriage records from 1905 to the present. You can request copies by mail or through an authorized online provider. The fee is $15 for a certified copy. Visit the SD Vital Records website for forms and details.

County Register of Deeds — The register of deeds in the county where the marriage license was issued also maintains records. South Dakota has 66 counties, each with its own office. In-person requests are often processed more quickly at the county level.

For the fastest and most convenient option, you can order your South Dakota marriage certificate online through our guided application service.

Is a South Dakota Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?

South Dakota marriage certificate originate at the county level. Couples obtain their marriage license from the register of deeds in any South Dakota county. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the register of deeds for recording.

The county then forwards the record to the South Dakota Department of Health, which maintains the statewide vital records registry. Both the county register of deeds and the state can issue certified copies.

For marriages before 1905, you'll need to contact the county register of deeds directly, as the state registry began that year. For marriages from 1905 onward, either source can provide a certified copy.

South Dakota as a Quick Marriage Destination

South Dakota has historically been one of the easiest states in the country to get married, earning a reputation as a destination wedding state. The state has no waiting period and no residency requirement, meaning couples can obtain a marriage license and marry on the same day they arrive.

The marriage license process is simple: both parties must appear in person at a county register of deeds office with valid identification. The license fee varies by county but is typically around $40. The license is valid for 20 days from the date of issuance.

South Dakota does not recognize common-law marriages formed within its borders. Couples must obtain a formal marriage license and have an authorized officiant — including judges, magistrates, ministers, or priests — perform the ceremony.

The state's combination of minimal requirements, no waiting period, and scenic destinations like the Black Hills and Badlands National Park make it a popular choice for couples seeking both simplicity and a memorable setting for their wedding.

How to Order State of South Dakota Marriage Certificate

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


Person ordering a marriage certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a South Dakota marriage 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 Marriage Certificate?

The SD-DOH-Vital Records Office requires all applicants to provide proof of identity. If you do not possess a valid form of primary identification, including a state-issued driver’s license or government-issued photo ID, you may submit two secondary forms of identification, such as a social security number and pay stub. If your ID has expired, it will not be accepted, so you must provide two secondary forms of identification. The table below lists the required documents and information to order a certified copy of a South Dakota marriage certificate.

has

Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Driver’s license
State issued photo ID

Applicants who are applying by mail must EITHER:

  • Submit a clear copy of a CURRENT government issued photo ID that contains the applicant's signature
    OR
  • Have a notary public notarize their signature on Section 3 of the application


Driver’s license
State issued photo ID

Applicants who are applying by mail must EITHER:

  • Submit a clear copy of a CURRENT government issued photo ID that contains the applicant's signature
    OR
  • Have a notary public notarize their signature on Section 3 of the application

Social Security Card
Pay stub (must include your name, social security number)
Utility bill with current address and the name and address of the business
Bank statement with current address
Car registration or title with current address

Cost & fees

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

The costs for obtaining a marriage certificate vary depending on the fees defined by the SD-DOH and the preferred application method. The SD-DOH charges a $15.00 fee for each certified copy of the marriage certificate. The rush processing fee is Not Available. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering marriage certificate.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

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

The processing time for replacement marriage certificate in South Dakota typically takes 2 to 5 weeks. Rush service is processed the day the application is received. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

2 to 5 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not Available



Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a South Dakota Marriage Certificate?

The SD-DOH states that marriage records are not open for public inspection. The individuals on record can request a certified copy of their documents with proof of identity. To request a marriage record on behalf of someone else, confirm that you are eligible. The SD-DOH – Vital Records Office defines which third-party individuals can request certificates, including certain family members and attorneys.


Authorized People


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

Do I Need to Notarize My Application for a South Dakota Marriage Application?

You do not need a notarized statement when requesting a marriage certificate in South Dakota, regardless of how the request is made. However, a notarized statement may be necessary if a third-party representative requests a marriage record. A notarized application can also be used as proof of identity when ordering by mail if the applicant cannot provide a photocopy of a valid ID.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your South Dakota Marriage Certificate

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 (SDDOH-VRO) 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 marriage request to the SDDOH-VRO, 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 state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How Much Does a South Dakota Marriage Certificate Cost?

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    The fee for a certified copy of a South Dakota marriage certificate is $15 when ordered through the South Dakota Department of Health. Additional copies requested at the same time may have a reduced fee. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline.com, processing fees apply in addition to the state fee. County offices may charge slightly different fees, so check with your local register of deeds for exact pricing.

  • Can I Order a South Dakota Marriage Certificate Online?

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    Yes, you can order a South Dakota marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, upload required identification documents, and pay securely. You can also order directly through the South Dakota Department of Health website. Online orders are typically processed within a few business days, making it the fastest option for most applicants.

  • Can Someone Else Request My South Dakota Marriage Certificate?

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    In South Dakota, either spouse named on the marriage certificate can request a copy. Immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a tangible interest in the record may also be eligible to order a copy. You may need to provide identification and explain your relationship to the person named on the certificate. For third-party requests, a notarized authorization from one of the parties named on the record may be required.

  • Are South Dakota Marriage Records Public?

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    South Dakota marriage records are generally considered public records. However, access to certified copies may be restricted to the parties named on the certificate, their immediate family members, or individuals with a legal reason to obtain the record. Informational copies without legal standing may be available to the general public for genealogical or research purposes through the Department of Health or the state archives.

  • What Is the Difference Between a South Dakota Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

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    A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding ceremony that authorizes you to get married. It is issued by the register of deeds in any South Dakota county. A marriage certificate is the official record that proves your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the register of deeds, who then files it and it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance enrollment, and immigration applications.

  • Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in South Dakota?

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    You can obtain a certified copy of a South Dakota marriage certificate from the South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records Program in Pierre, or from the county register of deeds where the marriage license was filed. You can also order online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For marriages that took place before July 1905, contact the county register of deeds directly, as the state office may not have older records on file.

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

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    If you lose your marriage certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by telephone, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the SD-DOH.
      1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a health department close to you.
      2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the SD-DOH at:
        South Dakota Department of Health,
        Vital Records Office,
        221 West Capitol Ave,
        Pierre, SD 57501
      3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
      4. For requesting by phone: Contact (605) 773-4961 and follow the specific instructions given
    2. SD-DOH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a South Dakota Marriage Certificate

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    The amendment process can differ based on the changes needed. An amendment is necessary when any information in the marriage record needs to be changed.

    Marriage records can be amended upon request by either of the individuals named in the record, the person who officiated the marriage, the local registrar who filed the marriage, or a legal representative acting on behalf of one of the individuals. The applicant must sign the Marriage Amendment Request form in the presence of a notary public.

    In South Dakota, some amendments require a court order, such as any change to a surname on a marriage record made a year or more after the event, unless the change involves a minor spelling error.

    Correcting or amending marriage records usually will require the following:

    1. A completed, notarized amendment application; Marriage Record Amendment Request
    2. Supporting documentation must be over 7 years old if the record is over 1 year old when requesting a correction.
    3. Appropriate fee(s): the amendment fee is $8.00, and each certified copy of the amended record costs $15.00.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a South Dakota Certificate

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    Apostilles can be requested from the South Dakota Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries.

    An apostille is necessary to certify vital records for use in another country. The South Dakota Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records originally filed with the SD-DOH.

    To request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following information:

    1. A completed Apostille/Authentication Request Form.
    2. Certified marriage record certificate
    3. Processing fee of $25.00 per document via check or money order payable to the Secretary of State (cash and all major credit cards also accepted)
    4. Self-addressed envelope only if expedited delivery is needed (DHL not accepted)

    For standard or express shipping (UPS or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address below: