How much do death certificates cost in South Dakota?
Certified copies from the South Dakota Office of Vital Records cost $15 each. County register of deeds fees are generally similar.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Office of Vital Records (state) | $15 per copy |
| County register of deeds | $15 (may vary by county) |
| VitalChek (online) | $15 + $12 to $15 processing fee |
There is no discount for ordering multiple copies at the same time.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Office of Vital Records
The South Dakota Office of Vital Records in Pierre handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "SD Department of Health." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the office in Pierre. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
From your county register of deeds
South Dakota has 66 counties, each with a register of deeds who may issue death certificates for deaths recorded in that county. In-person requests at county offices can be faster than ordering from the state.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| County register of deeds (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Office of Vital Records (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Office of Vital Records (in person) | Same day |
For a large, rural state like South Dakota, online ordering may be the most practical option for residents far from Pierre.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
South Dakota restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about South Dakota specifically
Uniform Probate Code state. South Dakota has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which offers streamlined options for smaller estates. Personal property under $100,000 may qualify for transfer by affidavit after a 30-day waiting period from the date of death.
No state income tax. South Dakota has no state income tax, which can simplify the estate administration process since there are no state income tax returns to file for the deceased.
Probate through Circuit Court. If you are handling the estate, probate is handled through the Circuit Court. You will need certified death certificates for filing. See our guide on how probate works in South Dakota for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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