South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records
South Dakota · Vital Records
doh.sd.gov/licensing-and-records/vital-records/order-vital-recordsState Vital Records in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in South Dakota. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •Online: Order through VitalChek with additional expedite fees
- •By phone: Call 605-773-4961 with a credit card in your name (orders are processed through VitalChek)
- •By mail: Mail the application (notarized, or with a photo ID copy) and fee to the State Office or any Register of Deeds; a prepaid priority envelope is optional for faster return
- •In person: Visit State Office in Pierre or any SD Register of Deeds
- •Completed application
- •Government-issued photo ID (State, Tribal, or Federal); by mail, a clear copy of it OR a notarized signature
- •Without photo ID: copies of two of Social Security card, utility bill, bank statement, car registration or title, or pay stub
- •Proof of relationship may be required
State Vital Records in South Dakota: key facts
What South Dakota says8
- Administering office
South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records.1
- Office location and hours
221 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday - Friday.1
- Mail orders
Vital Records, South Dakota Department of Health, 221 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.1
- Certificate fee
$15 for the first certified copy; $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $5.1
- Who may order
Registrant; Spouse, children, parents, guardian (with documentation of guardianship); Next of kin: grandparents and siblings (the application form also lists grandchildren over 18); Authorized agent (attorney, physician, funeral director) or designated agent (notarized designation on the application).1
Others on a demonstration that the record is needed for the determination or protection of a personal or property right (SDCL 34-25-52); Informational (non-certified) copies: any applicant (SDCL 34-25-52).1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2
- Public record
Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1
- Records available from
1905. Some county Register of Deeds offices hold records filed before 1905; genealogy requests go to the State Office by mail.1
Governing law: SDCL 34-25-24
South Dakota vital records offices
South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in South Dakota
Free tools for settling an estate in South Dakota: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In South Dakota, certified death certificates come from the South Dakota Department of Health - Vital RecordsSouth Dakota Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15South Dakota Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in South Dakota: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 180 daysSDCL 29A-3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsSDCL §§ 29A-3-801, 29A-3-803, 29A-3-805Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
Hire a Probate Attorney
Browse vetted attorneys handling probate matters across all 50 states.