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How to Change Your Name in South Dakota
Every South Dakota county handles name changes a little differently — different clerk offices, fees, and processing times. Below are detailed, county-specific guides plus the steps that apply statewide.
Pick your South Dakota county
Every South Dakota county is covered. Pick yours for the offices, fees and forms that apply where you live.
Aurora County
Beadle County
Bennett County
Bon Homme County
Brookings County
Brown County
Brule County
Buffalo County
Butte County
Campbell County
Charles Mix County
Clark County
Clay County
Codington County
Corson County
Custer County
Davison County
Day County
Deuel County
Dewey County
Douglas County
Edmunds County
Fall River County
Faulk County
Grant County
Gregory County
Haakon County
Hamlin County
Hand County
Hanson County
Harding County
Hughes County
Hutchinson County
Hyde County
Jackson County
Jerauld County
Jones County
Kingsbury County
Lake County
Lawrence County
Lincoln County
Lyman County
Marshall County
McCook County
McPherson County
Meade County
Mellette County
Miner County
Minnehaha County
Moody County
Oglala Lakota County
Pennington County
Perkins County
Potter County
Roberts County
Sanborn County
Spink County
Stanley County
Sully County
Todd County
Tripp County
Turner County
Union County
Walworth County
Yankton County
Ziebach County
The South Dakota name-change steps
1. Certified copies. Get them from your county clerk (marriage) or the Clerk of Courts (divorce or court order).
2. Social Security. Update your SSA record first — it's free.
3. South Dakota DPS. Reissue your license with your new name.
4. Passport. Submit the correct form with a certified copy.
Get your exact South Dakota county guide
Personalized to your county and reason — offices, fees, forms, clickable links, and a fillable tracker, emailed straight to you.
Get my guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name in South Dakota?
- Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, then update Social Security, your South Dakota driver's license, and your passport in that order. Exact offices and fees vary by county — pick your county below.
- How long does a name change take in South Dakota?
- A marriage or divorce name change usually takes a few weeks once you have certified copies. A court-order name change takes longer because of the petition and hearing.