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South Dakota Department of Health
South Dakota Department of Health

Vital Records

Order Vital Records

Certified records may be issued to the registrant, the registrant's spouse, children, parents, guardian, next of kin, or authorized representative. Proof of relationship may be required at the time of request.

South Dakota birth, death, marriage, and divorce records may be requested in person, through the mail, online, or over the phone.

A $15 search fee is applicable for all certificates requested. Online orders and those over the phone include additional expedite fees.

See Additional Fees

Before applying for a record, please note:

  • Copies of records cannot be faxed or e-mailed.
  • The fee is required prior to any search.
  • If no record is located, the fee is non-refundable and you will be issued a Notification of Records Searched.
  • Genealogy requests should be mailed to the State Office. No online or over-the-phone orders.
  • Tribal marriage and divorce can only be obtained directly from the tribe.
  • Divorce certificates can only be obtained from the State Office.
  • Divorce decrees can only be requested from the Clerk of Courts in the county where the divorce was filed.

Ordering Vital Records

For your convenience, you can process phone or online requests through an independent company that we have partnered with to provide you with this service; VitalChek Network, Inc.

VitalChek is the only third-party vendor authorized by the South Dakota Department of Health to accept orders for South Dakota vital records.

Place your order by visiting www.vitalchek.com or by calling 605-773-4961.

All major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. The credit card must be in your name for security purposes.

Charges  
Certificate $15.00
Vital Chek Fee $6.50
Expedite Fee (Regular Mail) $5.00
Optional UPS Next Day $17.50
TOTAL REGULAR MAIL $26.50
TOTAL UPS NEXT DAY $44.00


You are charged one expedite fee per order. Any additional records on the same order will add an extra $15 to your total.

Mail requests to the State Office, 221 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, or any South Dakota Register of Deeds. You must submit a completed application - signed in front of a notary OR with a clear copy of a photo ID, along with the appropriate fee.

Fill out Application

Processing times may vary depending on location. You may submit your request to the State Office in a prepaid priority envelope for expedited processing (optional).

Payments Accepted by Mail:

  • Check
  • Money Order

If you do not provide a clear copy of your valid photo ID (State, Tribal, or Federal) or a notarized application, you will be required to submit two additional forms of identification:

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

Order in person at the State Office, 221 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, or any South Dakota Register of Deeds. You must complete and sign an application, submit the appropriate fee, and provide proof of identity.

Fill out Application

Payments Accepted in Person:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money Order
  • Credit/Debit Card ($2.50 surcharge)

Accepted payment options may vary by location.

If you do not have a valid photo ID (State, Tribal, or Federal), you will be required to submit two additional forms of identification:

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

Content last updated: September 5, 2024. For questions, contact: