Getting a Marriage License in South Dakota
Where to apply for a marriage license in South Dakota, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Get a license from the register of deeds of any county. Each applicant must sign the application in person and show valid ID and proof of age: a passport; a federal, state, military or tribal photo ID; S.D. Codified Laws §§ 25-1-10, 25-1-10.1, 25-1-24
| Getting a marriage license | Get a license from the register of deeds of any county. Each applicant must sign the application in person and show valid ID and proof of age: a passport; a federal, state, military or tribal photo ID; or a certified birth certificate plus a current school or employment photo ID (or a completed IRS Form 4029). A power of attorney cannot be used. The fee is $40. The license becomes void unless the marriage is solemnized within 90 days after it is issued. The statutes reviewed set no waiting period for adults. |
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| Minimum marriage age | Both applicants must generally be 18 when the license is issued. A 16- or 17-year-old may marry only with either a circuit court order (after an in-person hearing, private meetings with each applicant, and written findings that the marriage is voluntary and in the minor's best interest; the license then cannot issue until 30 days after approval) or notarized written consent of both parents or the legal guardian of each minor applicant. No license may be issued under these exceptions if the applicants' ages differ by more than four years. |
Where to get help in South Dakota
More South Dakota divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in South Dakota
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in South Dakota
- Establishing Paternity in South Dakota
- Changing Your Name in South Dakota
- Child Custody Laws in South Dakota
- How Child Support Is Calculated in South Dakota
- Divorce Records in South Dakota
- Alimony and Spousal Support in South Dakota
- How to File for Divorce in South Dakota
- Legal Separation and Annulment in South Dakota
- All South Dakota divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in South Dakota?
Get a license from the register of deeds of any county. Each applicant must sign the application in person and show valid ID and proof of age: a passport; a federal, state, military or tribal photo ID; or a certified birth certificate plus a current school or employment photo ID (or a completed IRS Form 4029). A power of attorney cannot be used. The fee is $40. The license becomes void unless the marriage is solemnized within 90 days after it is issued. The statutes reviewed set no waiting period for adults.
What is the legal age to get married in South Dakota?
Both applicants must generally be 18 when the license is issued. A 16- or 17-year-old may marry only with either a circuit court order (after an in-person hearing, private meetings with each applicant, and written findings that the marriage is voluntary and in the minor's best interest; the license then cannot issue until 30 days after approval) or notarized written consent of both parents or the legal guardian of each minor applicant. No license may be issued under these exceptions if the applicants' ages differ by more than four years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.