Access to Adoption Records - South Dakota

Date: December 2019

Who May Access Information

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 25-6-15.2; 25-6-15.3

Nonidentifying information may be released to the following:

  • The adoptive parent
  • The adoptee who is age 18 or older

Identifying information may be released to the following:

  • The adoptee
  • The birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Information

Citation: Ann. Code § 25-6-15.2

Nonidentifying information, if known, shall be made available to the adoptive parent or to the adoptee who is age 18 or older upon written request and proper proof of identification. Information may be withheld only if would tend to identify a birth relative. Nonidentifying information includes:

  • The age of the birth parents at the time of the child's birth
  • The heritage of the birth parents, including nationality, ethnic background, and race
  • The number of years of school completed by the birth parents at the time of the child's birth
  • The general physical appearance of the birth parents at the time of the child's birth in terms of height, weight, color of hair, eyes, skin, and other information of a similar nature
  • The talents, hobbies, and special interests of the birth parents
  • The existence of any other children born to either birth parent before the child's birth
  • Whether the termination of parental rights was voluntary or involuntary
  • The religion of the birth parents
  • The occupations of the birth parents in general terms
  • The health history of the birth parents and blood relatives
  • The relationship between the birth parents

Mutual Access to Identifying Information

Citation: Ann. Code § 25-6-15.3

The Department of Social Services shall maintain a voluntary registry of adoptees and birth parents who have presented a consent regarding the release of identifying information about themselves. Any consent shall indicate to whom the information may be released and whether the adoptees desires release of this identifying information after his or her death. A person who uses this voluntary register may revoke his or her consent at any time.

Access to Original Birth Certificate

Citation: Ann. Code § 34-25-16.4

The original birth certificate is available upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

South Dakota Voluntary Adoption Registry

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