Mellette County Health Clinic

The processing time for a valid copy of a South Dakota birth certificate will normally last 2-6 weeks. 

However, this amount of time may be extended if you commit errors.

By including all the documentation required, such as your photo identification, you can prevent delays to your application. 

Our online Vital Records office database will also make the process simpler by helping you find the nearest location to process your request with ease.

In South Dakota, it is necessary to pay a processing fee to obtain a copy of your birth certificate or a copy of the record of an immediate family member. 

For each copy that you order, 15 dollars must be made payable to the South Dakota Department of Health via personal check or money order. 

If you do not pay the exact amount, it will result in delays or the cancellation of your birth certificate request.

To ensure your vital record application is processed on schedule, you must include a valid photocopy of your identification. 

In South Dakota, you may send a photocopy of just one of the following forms of photo ID: 

• Driver’s license

• State ID card 

• U.S. passport or foreign passport

• School ID

If you are unable to submit these forms of ID, you may present any 2 of the following identification documents:

• Pay stub

• Bank statement

• Vehicle registration

• Tax return (ideally from the present or previous tax year)

• Utility bill

• Signed social security card