South Dakota Public Records Search

What Records Are Public In South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the public records law is the South Dakota Public Records Law, codified in South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 1-27. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, subject to certain exceptions. Under the South Dakota Public Records Law, all records held by government agencies are presumed to be open to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Some examples of records that are generally considered public in South Dakota include court records, arrest records, property records, and vital records like birth and death certificates. However, there are some exceptions to this general rule. Certain records may be exempt from disclosure, such as records protected by attorney-client privilege, certain law enforcement records, and medical records that are confidential by law. Overall, South Dakota's public records law is designed to promote transparency and accountability in government operations by giving the public access to information relevant to the workings of government agencies.

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the Office of the Secretary of State serves as the main custodian of public records for the state. However, individual state agencies and local governments may also have their own records that are available to the public. To request public records in South Dakota, you can start by visiting the Secretary of State's website and searching their online database of filings and documents. If you are unable to find the information you need online, you can submit a request to the Secretary of State's office in writing, either by mail or email. Additionally, specific state agencies and local governments may have their own procedures for requesting public records. For example, if you are looking for criminal records or court documents, you may need to contact the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. When making a public records request, it is important to be as specific as possible about the information you are seeking. Include relevant dates, names, and other details that will help expedite the search process. It is also worth noting that there may be fees associated with accessing public records, such as copy fees or research fees, depending on the nature of your request.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In South Dakota?

To make changes to public records in South Dakota, you will need to follow the process set out by the state's laws and regulations. The exact process will depend on the type of record you are seeking to change and the agency or office responsible for maintaining the record. For vital records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates, changes can typically only be made by the state's Office of Vital Records. You will need to complete an application and provide documentation that supports the change you are requesting. For example, if you are seeking to change the name on a birth certificate due to a legal name change, you will need to provide a court order that documents the change. For other types of records, such as criminal records or property records, changes may be handled by different state agencies or local government offices. You will need to contact the appropriate agency or office directly to determine the specific process for making changes. It is important to note that not all changes to public records are possible or allowable. For example, criminal records may only be expunged in certain circumstances, and changes to property records may require legal action. It is important to do thorough research and understand the legal requirements and limitations before attempting to make changes to public records in South Dakota.

South Dakota State Resources

• Governor Kristi Noem
• Secretary of State
• Association of Counties
• State Personnel Directory
• Bankruptcy Courts
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Legislative Branch
• Judicial Branch
• Census
• DMV

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