How to Apply for a Marriage License in South Dakota

One of the greatest joys in life is tying the knot with the one you love. Making sure that you have met all of the necessary legal requirements for your big day is very important. Here's how to apply for a marriage license in South Dakota:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cash or traveler's check
• Identification

1. Start the application process for a marriage license by locating the nearest Register of Deeds office by searching online or referring to a phone directory. Apply for your marriage license in person at the office (see Resources below).

2. Get your identification ready. You will need to show either a driver's license or a certified copy of your birth certificate. You must present these when you apply for your marriage license.

3. Know the age requirements. To apply, you must be older than 18. Parental consent is required for those aged 16 and 17. You may not get married legally in South Dakota if you are younger than 16.

4. Find out who can perform your wedding ceremony beforehand and make sure the officiant you choose is available to do it within 20 days. You can get a list of officiants from the Register of Deeds office.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to be a resident of South Dakota to get married there.
• In South Dakota, there’s no need to take a blood test before you apply for a license and there's no waiting period, so you can get your marriage license quickly and conveniently.
• Expect to pay about $40 for your marriage license. Plan to pay with cash or a traveler's check because some offices will not accept any other form of payment.
• Once you get your license, you must get married within 20 days, after which the license becomes void.
• Make sure that the officiant who performs your wedding ceremony returns the marriage certificate to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days. If it is not returned, there will be no record of your being married.