Marriage License Fees

South Dakota · 2026

South Dakota Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in South Dakota costs $40. The license is good for 90 days.

South Dakota marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 2 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Minnehaha County$40$15—No waiting period
Hughes County$40$15——

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

South Dakota marriage license rules

License fee

$40 (SDCL 25-1-10)

State law sets one $40 fee everywhere; $30 of it goes to the county domestic abuse program fund.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

How long the license is valid

90 days

Hughes County (Pierre) says a license is good for 90 days. No expiration rule was found in the statutes fetched.

Source: hughescounty.org

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

A 2026 law set 18 as the marriage age. Ages 16 and 17 can marry only under SDCL 25-1-13 (circuit court order and/or notarized parent or guardian consent), and only if the couple is no more than four years apart.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

What to bring

Accepted ID is a passport, a government, military or tribal photo ID, or a certified birth certificate with a school or work photo ID.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Both applicants must sign the application in person at the register of deeds office.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

Who can officiate

Judges, magistrates, mayors and anyone authorized by a church may officiate. The statute does not list self-uniting ceremonies.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

Witnesses

2 required

The officiant must record two witnesses.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples marrying in South Dakota need a South Dakota license, which any county register of deeds can issue.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

Who issues the license

County register of deeds

The county register of deeds issues licenses, and couples may use any county in the state.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, waiting period, blood test, applying online, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in South Dakota?

$40. State law sets one $40 fee everywhere; $30 of it goes to the county domestic abuse program fund.

How long is a South Dakota marriage license valid?

90 days. Hughes County (Pierre) says a license is good for 90 days. No expiration rule was found in the statutes fetched.

How old do you have to be to get married in South Dakota?

A 2026 law set 18 as the marriage age. Ages 16 and 17 can marry only under SDCL 25-1-13 (circuit court order and/or notarized parent or guardian consent), and only if the couple is no more than four years apart.

Do you need witnesses to get married in South Dakota?

The officiant must record two witnesses.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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