Under SDCL 34-25-63, the South Dakota Department of Health must provide, at no cost, a certified copy of a person’s South Dakota birth certificate, limited to one, upon application and proof of homelessness.
Requests for a fee-exempt copy of a birth certificate are still subject to standard application requirements and each applicant must complete the South Dakota Vital Records Request form and provide applicable identification as stated on the application.
The Affidavit of Homeless Status for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate must be completed and submitted along with the completed application.
The Affidavit of Homeless Status for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate must be signed in front of a notary public by both the individual experiencing homelessness and the homeless services provider with knowledge of the individual’s housing status. An affidavit may not be accepted as proof of homelessness unless completely filled out and signed by both required parties.
View the Affidavit of Homeless Status for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
The following individuals are eligible to complete the South Dakota Vital Records Request form and apply for a fee-waived birth certificate by submitting the completed Affidavit of Homeless Status for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate signed by the individual experiencing homelessness and the homeless services provider:
- The registrant (the person listed on the birth certificate)
- The registrant’s current spouse
- The registrant’s children
- The registrant’s parents
- The registrant’s guardian
- Proof of guardianship required
- The registrant’s next of kin
- The registrant’s authorized representative
- Designated Agent portion of the South Dakota Vital Records Request form must be completed by registrant; OR
- Documentation showing proof of representation required
The term “homeless service provider” means:
- Any government or nonprofit agency that provides a food bank
- Homeless shelter
- Housing assistance program
- Homeless outreach or advocacy program (or another similar program)
- Any Human Services or Social Services agency, public or private, that provides health services, behavioral health services, substance abuse disorder services, or employment/public assistance services
- Any law enforcement officer designated as a liaison to the homeless population by a local police department of sheriff’s office
Birth certificates can be obtained in person at any Register of Deeds Office in South Dakota or the Office of Vital Records. Requests can also be mailed to:
Vital Records
221 W Capitol Ave
Pierre SD 57501