South Dakota Genealogy Records

To begin, add a genealogy record or view a list of locations and resources for South Dakota genealogy records.

The Department of Health is responsible for keeping a record of all births, deaths, fetal deaths, burials, marriages, and divorces in the state of South Dakota. Genealogy records since 1905 are available from the state Department of Health, although more recent records are also available from the Register of Deeds in the county in which the event occurred. The Department of Health is required to keep all records according to state statute 34-25-1 of the South Dakota codified laws.

When searching for genealogy records, South Dakota has birth records more than 100 years old available online. Genealogical requests for records may be fulfilled in the form of an informational copy as opposed to a certified copy. This informational copy contains less personally identifiable information, but enough information to meet the needs of the family researcher. Members of the South Dakota Genealogical Society can perform searches of county vital records databases instead of requesting the information at the state level.