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The standard license for most couples. Valid for 20 days after issuance. Both parties must appear in person to apply. Requires proof of identity and age.
To apply for a South Dakota marriage license, visit the Register of Deeds office in any South Dakota county. Both applicants must be present with valid photo IDs and pay the required fee. No blood tests or waiting periods are required.
You must apply for a South Dakota marriage license in person at any South Dakota county Register of Deeds office. You cannot apply from outside the state; at least one party must appear in person to complete the application.
If you're outside the U.S., you can apply for a South Dakota marriage license remotely. Non-residents can apply for a marriage license without being in the state, although specific procedures can vary by county and it's recommended to contact the local Register of Deeds office directly.
Marriage licenses in most states expire within 30–90 days. Make sure to check your state’s rules to avoid last-minute stress.
Processing times can vary. Applying early helps you avoid delays, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak season.
Some states allow same-day issuance, while others require a waiting period. Plan ahead to meet your wedding timeline.
Most offices issue licenses immediately, though some may take a few days. Confirm whether you’ll need to pick it up or if a digital copy is available.
If your license expires before your wedding, you’ll need to reapply—and repay the fees again. Stay on top of the deadline to avoid extra hassle.
Both applicants must provide a valid form of government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. These documents should be current and not expired.
Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number, they must sign an affidavit stating this fact.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old to marry in South Dakota. Those under 18 must provide parental consent or a court order. Birth certificates or other official documents showing date of birth may be required.
If either applicant has been previously married, they must provide proof of how the previous marriage ended. This can be in the form of a divorce decree or a death certificate of the former spouse.
Both applicants must complete and sign the marriage license application form. This form is typically available at the county Register of Deeds office or can sometimes be downloaded from the county website.
While there is no residency requirement to marry in South Dakota, applicants may need to provide their current address and information about where they intend to reside after marriage.
Applicants must pay the required fee for the marriage license. The fee amount may vary by county, so it's best to check with the specific county office for current rates.
Certain cases need more paperwork
Make sure your IDs, forms, and application details are accurate to avoid delays.
Some states offer fee reductions for completing a course—check if it applies to you.
Avoid last-minute stress by applying in advance and consulting a specialist if needed.
Detailed step by step application process
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