South Dakota Public Records
The South Dakota public record system was initiated in 1905. For security, certified copies are issued only to family members, with informational ones to anyone. Birth records over 100 years old are available online. Records can be ordered by mail, phone, or in person at the 64 local Register of Deeds or the Department of Health Vital Records State Office and online through VitalChek. State Genealogical Society members have access to death and marriage record indexes. South Dakota public records relating to court matters are under the auspices of the South Dakota State Court Administrator and can be accessed through the clerk of court.
Lookup Public Records In South Dakota Counties
Minnehaha County
South Dakota's Minnehaha County Register of Deeds maintains and issues all copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. All birth, death and marriage records are not open to the public unless they are over 100 years old. The Register of Deeds also maintains records of all real estate transactions, including mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, etc.
Pennington County
South Dakota's Pennington County Registrar of Deeds, through the Vital Records department, maintains all records relating to births, deaths and marriages in the county. Individuals may order a certified copy of a birth certificate, death certificate or marriage license through the mail or in person. An online form is available that individuals that complete and print.
Lincoln County
South Dakota's Lincoln County vital records are maintained and issued by the South Dakota Department of Health. Individuals may contact the Registrar of Deeds, who works alongside the Department of Health, to obtain copies of vital records, including birth records, death records and marriage records. Records can be requested through the mail, in person or online.
South Dakota County Record Resources
- South Dakota State County Association
Organization promotes the general welfare of SD counties and serves in advisory capacity to the Legislature
- South Dakota Counties
Interactive map of South Dakota Counties with quick facts & hyperlinks to official websites
- South Dakota County Profiles
Access to detailed profiles for each South Dakota county
