South Dakota public records
South Dakota's UJS court searches and DCI fingerprint checks are different records. County Directors of Equalization hold assessments, treasurers hold tax bills and registers of deeds hold instruments. Use the correct county office rather than treating an assessment notice as proof of title.
By DeepSearch · Updated
Agency records law
Public Records Open to Inspection and Copying
SDCL § 1-27-1
Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsSouth Dakota Unified Judicial System | Choose the appropriate criminal or civil record-search service. | Search and certified-record charges differ by service. A statewide court search has defined case scope and exclusions; it is not the DCI fingerprint repository. |
| Property and land recordsSouth Dakota Department of Revenue | Contact the County Director of Equalization for assessments and register of deeds for instruments. | County copy and certification fees vary. Assessment notices, tax bills and recorded deeds are different records with different county custodians. |
| Business recordsSouth Dakota Secretary of State | Search business filings by name or business ID. | Search and certified-document services differ. Entity status does not establish professional licensing or current financial condition. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceSouth Dakota Department of Health | Choose birth, death, marriage or divorce record ordering. | Record searches and copies carry fees. Eligibility and record-age rules apply; the complete divorce judgment comes from the court. |
| Criminal-history checksSouth Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation | Follow the fingerprint-based criminal-history request instructions. | State and authorized federal checks have separate charges. Fingerprint repository checks are distinct from UJS public court-record searches. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in South Dakota
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Any person may inspect non-exempt public records. A written request creates the record needed for the formal denial and appeal process.
- How to submit
- Identify the South Dakota agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- The custodian generally must respond within 10 business days. A response may explain a permitted delay rather than immediately deliver all requested material.
- Fees and estimates
- Inspection and copies have different fee rules. Actual retrieval and reproduction costs may apply; ask for an estimate before authorizing work.
- If access is denied
- A written denial can be taken to the Office of Hearing Examiners or circuit court, following the statutory appeal procedure and deadline.
South Dakota records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: South Dakota public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Public Records Open to Inspection and Copying (SDCL § 1-27-1), I request electronic copies of the county's approved budget allocation and final contract for [project] during [dates]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
South Dakota public records FAQ
Where can I find South Dakota court records?
Choose the appropriate criminal or civil record-search service. A statewide court search has defined case scope and exclusions; it is not the DCI fingerprint repository.
Sources: South Dakota Unified Judicial SystemAre South Dakota public records free?
Inspection and copies have different fee rules. Actual retrieval and reproduction costs may apply; ask for an estimate before authorizing work. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: South Dakota official public-records guidance; South Dakota Unified Judicial System; South Dakota Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in South Dakota?
Choose birth, death, marriage or divorce record ordering. Eligibility and record-age rules apply; the complete divorce judgment comes from the court.
Sources: South Dakota Department of Health; South Dakota Unified Judicial SystemIs a South Dakota court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. Fingerprint repository checks are distinct from UJS public court-record searches. Follow the fingerprint-based criminal-history request instructions.
Sources: South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; South Dakota Unified Judicial SystemSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- South Dakota official public-records guidance — checked
- South Dakota Unified Judicial System — checked
- South Dakota Department of Revenue — checked
- South Dakota Secretary of State — checked
- South Dakota Department of Health — checked
- South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions