OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
South Dakota Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in South Dakota. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 66 counties across 7 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of South Dakota)
  • Background checks: South Dakota DCI — Criminal Record Check
  • Records law: South Dakota Open Records Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through SD DCI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

South Dakota has 66 counties across 7 judicial circuits. You can search court cases through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System online case search.

County-level court records include circuit courts handling all trial-level cases.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in South Dakota are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of South Dakota — Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, Aberdeen

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ South Dakota UJS — Case Search 🏛️ South Dakota Unified Judicial System

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in South Dakota are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) provides criminal record checks.

🔍 SD DCI — Criminal Record Checks 📋 South Dakota Attorney General

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

South Dakota operates under South Dakota Open Records Law (SDCL 1-27-1). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond promptly.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in South Dakota

Court records are maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System across 7 judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through the DCI. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in South Dakota

South Dakota has 66 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from South Dakota state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in South Dakota for free?
Use the SD UJS case search.
Are arrest records public in South Dakota?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the South Dakota Open Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in South Dakota?
The SD DCI provides criminal record checks. Visit the SD AG website for details.
What is the South Dakota Open Records Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records.
How many court systems does South Dakota have?
South Dakota has a unified court system with 7 judicial circuits: magistrate courts, circuit courts, and the South Dakota Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026