How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in South Dakota?
From Everendium · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
This guide covers South Dakota. For the general overview, see Getting Death Certificates: How Many You'll Need and Why.
Quick answer
South Dakota sets no required number of death certificates; the right count depends on how many banks, insurers, and agencies each need an original certified copy. What South Dakota does set is the price: South Dakota charges $15 for each certified or informational copy, and the fee is required before any search. If no record is found, the fee is kept and you receive a Notification of Records Searched. Online and phone orders through VitalChek add a $6.50 VitalChek fee and a $5 expedite fee for regular mail, $11.50 in all.
This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. South Dakota sets no required number, but it does set the price, which makes the count worth deciding before you order.
Is there a set number required by South Dakota?
No. The right number depends on how many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies in your situation each need their own certified copy, not on South Dakota law.
What will the copies cost in South Dakota?
South Dakota charges $15 for each certified or informational copy, and the fee is required before any search. If no record is found, the fee is kept and you receive a Notification of Records Searched. Online and phone orders through VitalChek add a $6.50 VitalChek fee and a $5 expedite fee for regular mail, $11.50 in all. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $150 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.
Does it matter when I order in South Dakota?
Every copy costs $15, so there is no price break for ordering together, but VitalChek charges one expedite fee per order, not per copy.
Which institutions typically require one?
Banks and credit unions, life insurers, retirement account administrators, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) are common examples, though your own list depends on your accounts and assets. See our general guide on getting death certificates.
Can I use photocopies instead?
Generally no. Most institutions require an original certified copy, though it’s worth asking each one, since policies occasionally vary.
Where can I order more in South Dakota?
Any South Dakota Register of Deeds can issue copies in person, so you can use the one nearest you. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in South Dakota.
Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the South Dakota Department of Health or a Register of Deeds before you send payment.
Sources
- South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records Fees ($15 per copy; expedite fee; waivers)(Government)
- South Dakota Department of Health - Order Vital Records (who may receive certified copies; VitalChek fees; mail and in-person)(Government)
- South Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records Request application (certified vs informational copy)(Government)
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed October 17, 2026.
Fees, eligibility rules, and ordering options were checked on October 17, 2026 against the state's own published fee information, application forms, and county government pages listed in the sources. Death certificate fees change often, and some official pages were read only as search extracts, so the current fee should be confirmed on the agency's page before paying. Recommended for periodic re-verification. This is general information, not legal advice
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