How to Get South Dakota Vital Records

In South Dakota, the named individual, his family and legal representative can acquire certified copies of vital records. These copies can be requested from the Vital Records section of the South Dakota Department of Health. Uncertified copies may be obtained by researchers and other interested parties but the record cannot be used for official purposes.


Certified copies of vital records in South Dakota can be requested at the Vital Records section of the South Dakota Department of Health. Only the individual named on the record, his family, and authorized legal representative can request for certified copies. However, the general public can still request information copies of vital records for their research. These copies contain all the information in certified copies except that they cannot be used for any official purpose. A photocopy of the original record can also be requested by anyone.

SD Vital Records - Making Requests

Requests for birth and death records should be addressed to the Vital Records section. The requesters should provide as much details about the birth or death record such as the name of the registrant, the parents, the date, and so on. If the record cannot be located at the Vital Records section, it is most probably located at the county Register of Deeds. It is possible to search for birth records that are over a hundred years old online.

Marriage records can also be requested from the Vital Records section if they were filed after 1905. For marriage records that originated prior to 1905, people must request them from the Register of Deeds from the county where such documents originated. Divorce records can be obtained from the clerk of court in the county where the document originated.

These records can also be ordered via mail. Completed application forms should be sent to the Register of Deeds office at the county where the form originated. When ordering copies through mail, make sure to include a clear copy of a valid photograph ID, preferably a government issued one. People can also order online through the various public and vital record search engine providers.

Researchers are the number one requesters of vital records. For researchers who need to do preliminary research, there are plenty of other sources of information in case you need to ascertain the identity of individuals before requesting copies of their vital records. Public libraries and the state archive are excellent sources of historical material. There are also various genealogical organizations and websites that can help you carry out your research.

Useful South Dakota Vital Records Resource

Vital Records
State Department of Health
600 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-2536

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