South Dakota Apostille: Fees, Processing Time & How to Order (2026)
South Dakota apostilles are issued by the South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office for $25 per document. Mail orders take about 5–10 business days; no counter service — mail only is available — no walk-ins; $50 same-day expedite available in pierre.. Documents headed to a non-Hague country need authentication and embassy legalization instead of an apostille.
| Government fee | $25 per document — $50 same-day expedite option. |
|---|---|
| Competent authority | South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office |
| Mail processing | 5–10 business days |
| Counter option | no counter service — mail only — No walk-ins; $50 same-day expedite available in Pierre. |
| County pre-certification | Not required |
| Payment | check, money order |
| Official page | South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office → |
Check your exact South Dakota steps
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Step-by-step: order a South Dakota apostille by mail
- Get the right certified copy. South Dakota vital records come from the South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records.
- Prepare a cover sheet. Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources.
- Add payment. Pay $25 per document by check or money order, payable to the South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office.
- Include a return envelope. Add a prepaid, trackable return envelope so your apostille comes back safely.
- Mail it to the South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office and keep your tracking number. Mail turnaround is about 5–10 business days.
Walk-in / same-day option
South Dakota does not offer counter service. Mail is the only route, so build the 5–10 business days turnaround into your timeline. If you are in a hurry, ask whether an expedite option exists.
Which documents can South Dakota apostille?
These are state-issued documents. Each guide covers the exact copy type and steps for that document in South Dakota.
| Birth certificate | A certified copy of a birth record, apostilled by the issuing state for use abroad. |
| Diploma / degree certificate | A diploma, typically notarized, apostilled for work or teaching abroad. |
| Marriage certificate | A certified marriage record apostilled by the state that recorded it. |
| Power of attorney | A notarized power of attorney apostilled for property or banking acts abroad. |
| Single status affidavit | A sworn affidavit of no marriage record, apostilled — a near-universal foreign-marriage requirement. |
| Notarized document | Any notarized document (consent letters, copies, statements) apostilled by the state. |
| Academic transcript | A sealed or notarized transcript apostilled for foreign admission or credential evaluation. |
| Death certificate | A certified death record apostilled for foreign probate, insurance, or repatriation. |
| State police / background check | A state criminal-history record apostilled when an FBI check is not demanded. |
| Corporate documents | Articles, good-standing certificates, and resolutions apostilled for foreign business use. |
| Divorce decree / judgment | A court-certified divorce judgment apostilled for remarriage or status proof abroad. |
| Adoption documents / home study | Court-certified or notarized adoption paperwork apostilled for intercountry adoption. |
| Certified translation + affidavit | A translator's notarized affidavit apostilled to accompany a translated document. |
Federal documents are different
Some documents never go to South Dakota. FBI background checks, IRS letters (like Form 6166), and naturalization certificates are federal — they go only to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications, at $20 per document. If you hold one of these, start at the federal channel guide instead.
Going to a non-Hague country?
If your destination is not a Hague Apostille Convention member, an apostille is not enough. You need the South Dakota authority's certification, then US Department of State authentication, then embassy legalization. Use the Country Checker to see your destination's chain, or read apostille vs. authentication.
Common rejection reasons in South Dakota
- Submitting a photocopy or a hospital souvenir certificate instead of a certified copy.
- Wrong or missing payment — South Dakota expects check or money order payable to the authority.
- No return envelope, or an untracked one, which stalls the whole order.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does an apostille cost in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office charges $25 per document. That is the government fee only — you pay separately for the certified copy and return shipping. Federal documents cost $20 at the US Department of State instead.
＋How long does a South Dakota apostille take?
Mail processing runs about 5–10 business days. There is no counter service, so mail is the only option.
＋Can I get a South Dakota apostille in person?
No. The South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office does not offer counter service; you must mail your documents.
＋Does an old birth certificate still work for a South Dakota apostille?
Age is usually fine as long as it is a current certified copy with the registrar's seal. South Dakota vital records come from the South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records.
＋Do notarized documents need extra steps in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota apostilles notarized documents directly — there is no county-clerk pre-certification step.
Neighboring states
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the South Dakota Secretary of State, Apostille Office and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.