How to Register to Vote in South Dakota Right Now

New voter registration rules are in effect. Check what you need before you register.

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Find Out What You Need to Vote

What changed in South Dakota

South Dakota now requires proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.

  • This requirement applies to new voter registrations.
  • If proof of citizenship is not provided, your registration may still be processed, but you may only be eligible to vote in federal elections.
  • Because this law was implemented quickly, how it is applied may vary by county.
  • Before registering, contact your county auditor to confirm what is required in your area.

Important:

Because this law went into effect immediately, counties are still determining how to implement it. Registration requirements may vary depending on where you live.

Before registering, it’s a good idea to contact your county auditor to confirm what is required in your area.

If you are registering to vote:

You will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when submitting your voter registration form.

If you do not have documents available:

Contact your county auditor before registering. They can help you understand what options may be available and how to proceed.

If cost or access is a barrier, contact your county auditor or local assistance organizations to ask about available support.


What if I don’t have proof of citizenship?:

You may still be able to submit a voter registration form, but your registration may be limited depending on how the law is applied in your county.

In some cases, voters who do not provide proof of citizenship may only be eligible to vote in federal elections.

If you do not have documentation available, contact your county auditor before registering. They can help you understand your options and what steps to take.

Find Out What You Need to Vote

Common Documents You Can Use

You may be asked to provide one of the following:
  • U.S. Birth Certificate
  • U.S. Passport 
  • Naturalization Certificate 
  • Certificate of Citizenship  

If you are unsure what qualifies, contact your county auditor before submitting your registration.

If you need replacement documentation, here are common ways to get it:

You can request a certified copy through the South Dakota Department of Health or from your County’s Register of Deeds Office.

  • In person or by mail: typically around $15; Processing time Same Day (Register of Deeds) or 1 -5 weeks (online and standard mail)
  • Online orders may include additional processing fees  

If you were born in another state

  • Request a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born: Cost varied by state; Processing times between 2 weeks and 6 months
  • Most states allow online requests through their health department or authorized services.

U.S. Passport  


You can apply or request a replacement through the U.S. Department of State. 

  • Available through the U.S. Department of State: Cost $165.00 – $245.00; Processing times: 4 – 6 weeks (routine), 2 – 3 weeks (expedited $)
These times represent processing only; mailing times can add up to 4 weeks

Naturalization or Citizenship Documents

  • Replacement copies can be requested through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Cost $505.00 – $555.00; Processing time 5 – 12 months