South Dakota public records refer to information that is maintained by the state government and made available to the public for inspection and use. These records can include a wide range of documents and data, including court records, criminal records, property records, and more. In South Dakota, the state government has established laws and policies that outline how public records can be accessed and used.
One of the main laws that governs access to public records in South Dakota is the South Dakota Open Records Act. This act, also known as the Sunshine Law, was enacted in 1976 to ensure that the public has access to information about the workings of their government. Under this law, most government records are considered to be public records and are available for inspection and copying by anyone who requests them. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as records that contain personal or confidential information, but these exceptions are narrowly defined and limited.
Birth records in South Dakota are managed by the South Dakota Department of Health. These records contain information about an individual's date of birth, place of birth, and parent's names. Birth records are generally considered confidential and are not available to the public unless the individual is over 18 years of age or the request is made by the individual, a legal representative, or a close relative. Certified copies of birth records may be requested online through an independent company that the state has partnered with called VitalChek. They may also be requested in person or by mail through any Register of Deeds or at the Department of Health at:
South Dakota Department of Health
207 E Missouri Ave Suite 1A
Pierre, SD 57501
Death records in South Dakota are also managed by the South Dakota Department of Health. These records contain information about an individual's date of death, place of death, and cause of death. Death records are generally available to the public, although certain information may be restricted to close relatives or legal representatives. Death records may be requested in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Department of Health's Vital Records Request System.
Marriage records in South Dakota are managed by the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage took place. These records contain information about the date and place of the marriage, as well as the names of the bride and groom. Marriage records are generally available to the public, although certain information may be restricted to close relatives or legal representatives. Marriage records may be requested in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's eServices Portal.
Divorce records in South Dakota are also managed by the county clerk's office in the county where the divorce took place. These records contain information about the date and place of the divorce, as well as the names of the parties involved. Divorce records are generally available to the public, although certain information may be restricted to close relatives or legal representatives. Divorce records may be requested in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's eServices Portal.
Criminal records in South Dakota are managed by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. These records contain information about an individual's criminal history, including arrests, charges, and convictions. Criminal records are generally available to the public, although certain information may be restricted to law enforcement agencies or authorized individuals. Criminal records may be requested in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation's Record Check System.
Court records in South Dakota are managed by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. These records contain information about legal proceedings, including court cases, hearings, and judgments. Court records are generally available to the public, although certain information may be restricted to parties involved in the case or authorized individuals. Court records may be requested in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's eServices Portal.
Property records in South Dakota are managed by the county assessor's office in the county where the property is located. These records contain information about a property, including the owner's name, the property's location and value, and any liens or encumbrances on the property. Property records are generally available to the public, although certain information may be restricted to authorized individuals. Property records may be requested in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Department of Revenue's Property Tax Information Portal.
South Dakota public records are an important source of information about the people, businesses, and organizations that live and operate in the state. They provide transparency and accountability in government, and allow individuals to access information about a wide range of topics, including criminal records, court records, property records, and records related to government agencies and officials.