Marriage license · Free to use

South Dakota marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What South Dakota's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

South Dakota marriage license at a glance

Fee: $40. Some Registers of Deeds may take only cash or traveler's checks. Waiting period: No waiting period and no blood test. How long it is valid: The marriage must take place within 90 days of buying the license or it becomes void.

South Dakota marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $40. Some Registers of Deeds may take only cash or traveler's checks. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: No waiting period and no blood test. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The marriage must take place within 90 days of buying the license or it becomes void. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Witnesses: Two witnesses; the officiant must confirm their names and residences before the ceremony. (Source: sdlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Supreme Court justices, circuit judges, magistrates, mayors, or any person authorized by a church to solemnize marriages. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Both must be 18, except ages 16 and 17 may marry with a circuit court order or notarized parent or guardian consent (SDCL 25-1-13). (Source: sdlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Passport; federal, state, military or tribal photo ID; or a certified birth certificate with a school or work photo ID or completed Treasury Form 4029. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Any county Register of Deeds in South Dakota. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. Couples can submit the application electronically through the South Dakota Vital Records Services Portal. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: The state Vital Records Office issues certified marriage records; order in person, by mail, by phone or online. (Source: doh.sd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in South Dakota?

$40. Some Registers of Deeds may take only cash or traveler's checks.

Is there a waiting period to get married in South Dakota?

No waiting period and no blood test.

How long is a South Dakota marriage license valid?

The marriage must take place within 90 days of buying the license or it becomes void.

Do you need witnesses to get married in South Dakota?

Two witnesses; the officiant must confirm their names and residences before the ceremony.

Who can officiate a wedding in South Dakota?

Supreme Court justices, circuit judges, magistrates, mayors, or any person authorized by a church to solemnize marriages.

How do you get a certified copy of a South Dakota marriage certificate?

The state Vital Records Office issues certified marriage records; order in person, by mail, by phone or online.

Get new planning guides and checklists by email

Once a week, the planning guides that went live that week, and the printable wedding vendor contract checklist when you confirm. Unsubscribe from any email. Start with the printable wedding vendor contract checklist.