South Dakota’s governor signed HB 1231 into law on 23 March 2023.[1] The law allows an adult adopted person (age 18) to obtain their original birth certificate upon written request and proof of identification.[2]
According to Adoptees United, the state previously required a court process for the release of adoption records.[3]
- To read House Bill 1231, click here.
- To see House Bill 1231’s progress, click here.
- For information about sealed adoption records access and non-identifying information in South Dakota, click here.
- For information on ordering South Dakota vital records, click here.
- “Gov. Noem Signs Bills into Law,” News.SD.gov, press release, 23 March 2023.
- House Bill 1231, Enrolled, 2023 South Dakota Legislature (https://sdlegislature.gov/ : accessed 27 March 2023).
- “Adoptee Rights Legislation: States, South Dakota,” Adoptees United (https://adopteesunited.org/legislation/state/#sd : accessed 27 March 2023.
How wonderful for the adoptees! I have my original certificate from Missouri, which was possible through a similar fight and process.