South Dakota residents can order a certified birth certificate online through VitalChek, the only third-party vendor authorized by the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) to process online and phone orders. The service submits your request directly to the state’s Vital Records Office in Pierre, which issues certified copies for births recorded in South Dakota. Standard processing typically takes a few weeks, with faster paid options available for both processing and shipping.
Who Can Order a Certificate
South Dakota restricts access to birth records — they are not open to the public. You’re eligible to request a certified copy if you are:
- The person named on the certificate
- The registrant’s spouse, children, or parents
- A legal guardian or authorized representative
You may need to provide proof of your relationship to the person named on the certificate when you apply.
How to Apply Online
- Go to VitalChek’s website (www.vitalchek.com), the only vendor South Dakota DOH authorizes for online orders — third-party sites unaffiliated with VitalChek aren’t recognized.
- Select South Dakota and choose the birth certificate you need.
- Enter the registrant’s information, including full name, date of birth, and parents’ names.
- Provide proof of eligibility and identification as prompted, confirming your relationship to the person named on the certificate.
- Pay by major credit card — American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa — using a card in your own name, since VitalChek requires this for security.
- Choose a shipping option. Standard mail or expedited UPS Next Day delivery is available for an added fee.
Online Ordering Fees
South Dakota applies a flat search fee to every request, plus VitalChek’s service charge and an expedite fee for online or phone orders:
- Certificate search fee: $15.00
- VitalChek service fee: $6.50
- Expedite fee (regular mail): $5.00
- Total for regular mail: $26.50
- Optional UPS Next Day upgrade: $17.50 (total $44.00)
You’re charged one expedite fee per order, regardless of how many copies you request.
Processing and Delivery Times
Standard processing through the state office generally takes 2 to 5 weeks, while expedited online or phone orders through VitalChek are typically completed in 5 to 7 business days before shipping. If you don’t receive your certificate within the expected window, you can follow up directly with the Vital Records Office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unauthorized third-party website. Only VitalChek is authorized by South Dakota DOH for online orders — other “expediting” services aren’t affiliated with the state.
- Paying with someone else’s credit card. The card used must be in the applicant’s own name.
- Applying too soon after a birth. Birthing facilities generally submit birth records within about 7 business days, and the state recommends waiting at least 14 days after the birth before requesting a copy.
- Expecting email or fax delivery. South Dakota does not fax or email copies of vital records — certificates are mailed only.
- Mailing a genealogy request instead of using the correct channel. Genealogy-related requests must go to the state office by mail and cannot be placed online or by phone.
Other Ways to Apply
If online ordering isn’t the right fit, South Dakota also allows:
- By phone through VitalChek at 605-773-4961, using the same fee structure as online orders.
- By mail to the state Vital Records Office, with a $15 search fee (excludes VitalChek and expedite charges).
- In person at the state office in Pierre or at a South Dakota Register of Deeds office in counties such as Pennington, Lincoln, and Brown.
Official Contacts
South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records Office
Website:
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Online/Phone Ordering (Authorized Vendor):
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Phone:
605-773-4961
Fax:
605-773-2680
Email:
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Mailing Address:
Vital Records
South Dakota Department of Health
221 West Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
United States
Join The Discussion
Ordering vital records online can be convenient, but state-specific rules — like South Dakota limiting online orders to a single authorized vendor — sometimes catch people off guard. Have you applied for a South Dakota birth certificate recently? Share your experience with processing times, tips for avoiding delays, or questions about eligibility if you’re requesting a copy for a family member.
