South Dakota death certificate: how to get one

South Dakota death certificates are issued by the state Vital Records Office in Pierre and by any county Register of Deeds. This guide covers who qualifies, how to order and what it costs.

Who can order a South Dakota death certificate?

The Department of Health issues certified records to the spouse, children, parents, guardian, next of kin or authorized representative of the person named. Next of kin includes grandparents and siblings. An authorized agent can be an attorney, physician or funeral director, and the state also recognizes people with a personal or property right. Proof of relationship may be required.

By mail, send a clear copy of a photo ID or have the application notarized. Without either, the state asks for two other forms of ID, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill. In person, bring proof of identity.

South Dakota also issues informational copies on plain paper, marked as not valid for legal proof of identification.

Which office holds the record: state, county or city?

You can order from the State Vital Records Office or from any South Dakota Register of Deeds.

How to order online, by mail or in person

• Online or by phone: through VitalChek, the only third-party vendor the state has authorized, at vitalchek.com or 605-773-4961. The credit card must be in your name.
• By mail: send the state application, your ID copy or notarized form and a check or money order to State Vital Records Office, 221 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, or to a Register of Deeds. Fees are payable to the South Dakota Department of Health.
• In person: at the state office or a Register of Deeds. Card payments carry a $2.50 surcharge, and payment options vary by location.

Start from the state's Order Vital Records page.

Cost and processing time

South Dakota's fees, as listed on November 10, 2026:

• $15 for each certified or informational copy, including each additional copy on the same order
• VitalChek: a $6.50 vendor fee and a $5 expedite fee per order, with optional UPS Next Day delivery for $17.50

The fee is required before any search and is non-refundable if no record is found.

The state says processing times vary by location and gives no figures. You can send your request to the state office in a prepaid priority envelope to speed delivery.

How to correct or amend a South Dakota death certificate

The state's fee page lists $8 to amend a death record one year or more after the event, and says an amendment form is required. Its amendments page describes birth and marriage records only, so contact the Vital Records Office for the death record process.

What to do after you receive the certificate

Check the certificate against your records when it arrives. Keep certified copies safe and ask each organization what it requires.

Planning ahead with After

If this has you thinking about your own arrangements, you can explore pre-planning options with After. Plan availability, providers and terms vary by state.

Frequently asked questions

Who is allowed to request a certified copy in South Dakota? A spouse, child, parent, guardian, next of kin or authorized representative.

Should I contact the state or the county? Either. Any Register of Deeds can issue the certificate.

How much does a copy cost? $15 per copy.

What if the death occurred in another state? Order from that state. See our death certificate ordering guide, or the guides for Nebraska, Minnesota and North Dakota (link when live).

Last reviewed: November 2026

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change, so confirm with the state or local office before filing.

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