How to Look Up Eviction Records in South Dakota 2026

Where to Search South Dakota Eviction Records

South Dakota Forcible Entry and Detainer (eviction) cases are filed in the Magistrate Court. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System website (ujs.sd.gov) provides limited case information online. Contact the clerk of courts in the relevant county for full records. Source: SDCL § 21-16-1 et seq.

Step-by-Step: How to Search South Dakota Eviction Records

1. Identify the county court. Find the Magistrate Court or Circuit Court website for the county where the property is located.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Consider how old the record is — most tenant-screening best practices recommend discounting records older than 5–7 years.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the Magistrate Court or Circuit Court clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.25/page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in South Dakota?

South Dakota Forcible Entry and Detainer (eviction) cases are filed in the Magistrate Court. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System website (ujs.sd.gov) provides limited case information online. Contact the clerk of courts in the relevant county for full records. Source: SDCL § 21-16-1 et seq.

Are eviction court records public in South Dakota?

Yes — eviction court records in South Dakota are presumptively public under South Dakota's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public.

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not currently have a general statutory right to expunge or seal eviction court records. The record of an eviction filing remains in the court's public file unless the court orders it impounded in a specific case.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.25/page. Fees are set by the Magistrate Court or Circuit Court and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related South Dakota Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the South Dakota court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published South Dakota statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.