Are South Dakota Marriage Records Public?
Marriage records in the State of South Dakota are deemed private and confidential. As such, unauthorized members of the public cannot access them. However, these records are freely available to the couples named on the documents, their adult offspring, and designated legal counsels.
Family court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain the personal information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone involved wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and divorce records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find South Dakota Marriage Records
In South Dakota, marriages are registered and recorded by authorized state and local vital records offices. There are different types of marriage records available in the state, and understanding the differences can help when looking for any of these records.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in South Dakota?
South Dakota marriage records are paper and electronic documents generated while seeking approval for and registering marital unions in the state. These records include marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and other related documents.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in South Dakota
A name change after marriage in South Dakota starts by obtaining a marriage license. After receiving the marriage certificate, the next step is to apply for a new social security card. The party will need to submit an application form to the Social Security Administration (SSA), bring a valid ID, and submit a copy of their marriage certificate. Upon officially changing their name after marriage, the party can visit a Driver's Licensing location to apply for a driver's license name change. They must bring a copy of their marriage certificate, two proofs of South Dakota residency, and a $15 fee.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in South Dakota?
Marriage certificates in the State of South Dakota are vital records issued to married couples as proof of solemnization. While marriage licenses simply authorize marriages to go on, marriage certificates serve as official confirmations that couples are legally married in the government’s eyes. Therefore, marriage certificates are the records required when couples are applying for legal name changes, employment benefits, and changing life insurance beneficiaries. A marriage certificate contains essential information such as the names of the couple, place of marriage, and date of the wedding. These documents are kept and released by the State Department of Health.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in South Dakota?
Purchase certified copies of a marriage certificate from the South Dakota Department of Public Health or the Office of the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage license was issued. This can be done in person or by mail.
In Person:
Visit the Vital Records Division of the State Department of Health and bring along the appropriate fees and required documents. The applicable search/copying fee is $15 for each certificate ordered. Acceptable payment methods are cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Bring these to the office located at:
South Dakota Department of Public Health
Vital Records
207 E Missouri Avenue, Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501
By Mail:
To submit a marriage certificate request by mail, print and carefully complete the marriage section of the Vital Records Application Form provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Health. Include a clear copy of a government-issued photo ID or sign the form in the presence of a public notary. Then send it along with appropriate fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Vital Records
207 E Missouri Avenue, Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501
Each marriage certificate costs $15. Acceptable payment methods are check and money order only
What is Considered a Marriage License in South Dakota?
South Dakota marriage licenses are official documents providing approvals for upcoming marriages in the state. These documents are issued by the Register of Deeds offices located in various counties of the state. Marriage licenses confirm that potential couples are of age, not related by blood, and are willingly choosing to marry. These documents identify prospective couples by name, nationality, and age at the time of registration.
South Dakota Formal Marriage Licenses
Prospective couples must purchase marriage licenses before performing solemnization ceremonies. A formal marriage license is the only one form of marriage license available in the state. Intending couples must meet certain eligibility requirements to be able to apply for a marriage license in the State of South Dakota. This license is valid from the time of issuance and expires after 20 days. South Dakota does not require those applying for marriage licenses to establish residency or health status.
South Dakota Common Law Marriage Licenses
Common-law marriages are not legal in the State of South Dakota. A common law marriage is a type of marriage where cohabiting couples are considered married without solemnization or state-issued marriage certificate. As Dakota does not recognize common-law or informal marriages, it does not issue licenses for such unions.
How Do I Get a Marriage License in South Dakota?
Intending couples must visit a Register of Deeds’ office to sign the marriage license application form in the presence of the county Register. When visiting this office, both parties must bring valid government-issued photo IDs such as driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates, or other photo IDs which clearly state the birth dates of both parties. Both applicants also must provide their social security numbers along.
Most South Dakota Register of Deeds offices maintain downloadable marriage license application forms on their websites. Find the website of a Register of Deeds Office using the County Directory provided on the South Dakota Department of Health website. Navigate to the marriage license order page and then download and print this form. Interested applicants may also contact the office of interest and ask that the form be emailed to them. Save time by completing the form before coming to the office.
Marriage licenses cost $40 across all counties in the state. Acceptable payment methods include cash, check, and money order. Some Register of Deeds offices accept travelers' checks. Contact the office beforehand if unsure of the payment methods accepted by them.
