Yankton residents often need vital records for employment with healthcare systems like Avera, college enrollment at Mount Marty University, military service documentation, and various state and federal benefit programs. As a regional center for southeastern South Dakota, proper documentation supports both local needs and services for surrounding rural communities throughout the Missouri River valley.
Vital Records & Certificates in Yankton, South DakotaYankton County Register-Deeds
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Yankton County Register-Deeds. We also offer expedited passport services for Yankton residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Yankton residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Yankton
As Yankton County’s seat, Yankton residents access birth certificates directly through the Yankton County Register-Deeds office at 321 W 3rd Street. Most local births occur at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital or the Yankton Medical Clinic, with records maintained efficiently by county staff. Since Yankton serves as a regional center for southeastern South Dakota, the office processes requests for many surrounding rural communities as well. Parents often need birth certificates for school district enrollment, youth sports registration, and healthcare program applications. The convenient downtown location makes it easy for Yankton families to obtain same-day service when visiting during business hours.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Yankton
Yankton offers beautiful wedding venues including Riverside Park pavilions overlooking the Missouri River, the historic Yankton County Courthouse, and various local churches throughout the community. Marriage licenses are obtained from the Register-Deeds office in the courthouse at 321 W 3rd Street. South Dakota has no waiting period for marriage licenses, making Yankton convenient for couples planning quick ceremonies or destination weddings along the scenic Missouri River.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Yankton
Death certificates for Yankton County residents are issued by the Register-Deeds office in the courthouse. Whether deaths occur at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, local nursing facilities, or at home, family members can obtain certified copies for estate proceedings, insurance settlements, and Social Security administration. The office maintains comprehensive records for all county deaths and provides compassionate service during difficult times.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Yankton
Since Yankton serves as the county seat, divorce proceedings typically occur at the Yankton County Courthouse, with records maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Certified copies of divorce decrees are essential for remarriage, child custody matters, and financial account changes. The courthouse staff can provide information about accessing these important legal documents.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Yankton
Visit the Yankton County Register-Deeds office on the second floor of the courthouse at 321 W 3rd Street, Suite 205. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Downtown parking is available on nearby streets and in municipal lots. The courthouse is easily accessible from Broadway Avenue and is within walking distance of most downtown businesses and restaurants.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Yankton County Register-Deeds
Address
321 W 3rd St # 205, Yankton, SD 57078, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The courthouse is located at 321 W 3rd Street in downtown Yankton, easily accessible from Broadway Avenue or Highway 50.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Yankton County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Yankton residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Yankton, South Dakota
Is the Register-Deeds office in the main courthouse building?
▼Where can I park when visiting the courthouse?
▼Can rural Yankton County residents get certificates in town?
▼What are the exact hours for the Register-Deeds office?
▼How long does it take to get certificates in Yankton?
▼Can I mail my request to Yankton County?
▼What forms of payment does Yankton County accept?
▼Is there an elevator in the courthouse?
▼Can I get certificates for people born in other South Dakota counties?
▼Are there any discounts for multiple copies?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Yankton residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Yankton County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs