South Dakota Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in South Dakota: $40 license fee, None waiting period, 20 days validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses witnesses required. Apply at the Register of Deeds.
South Dakota Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in South Dakota?
A marriage license in South Dakota costs $40. This is the standard fee charged by the Register of Deeds when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, South Dakota's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in South Dakota
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. South Dakota does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Register of Deeds
Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Deeds in any South Dakota county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $40 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
South Dakota issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 20 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in South Dakota: Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of the Supreme Court, circuit court, and magistrate court. Justices of the peace and tribal officials.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Register of Deeds (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by South Dakota law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in South Dakota
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some South Dakota counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Register of Deeds.
Out-of-state couples
South Dakota has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Register of Deeds with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in South Dakota following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in South Dakota on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important South Dakota Notes
Who Can Officiate in South Dakota
Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of the Supreme Court, circuit court, and magistrate court. Justices of the peace and tribal officials.
Good to Know
South Dakota has a relatively short 20-day license validity period, so plan your ceremony soon after obtaining the license. No waiting period or residency requirement applies.
South Dakota Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, South Dakota drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Register of Deeds
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $40 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses for the ceremony, each at least 18
After the South Dakota ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
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South Dakota Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A South Dakota marriage license costs $40. The fee is paid at the Register of Deeds when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. South Dakota has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A South Dakota marriage license is valid for 20 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
South Dakota accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Register of Deeds.
Yes. South Dakota requires 2 witnesses for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. South Dakota does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Register of Deeds as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes South Dakota a popular destination wedding state.
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