Aurora County

Aurora County is located in east-central South Dakota, established in 1879 and organized in 1881. Aurora County seat is Plankinton, a community situated along U.S. Highway 281 approximately 45 miles west of Mitchell. Aurora County includes approximately 708 square miles of predominantly agricultural land in the James River valley. According to recent U.S. Census estimates, Aurora County has a population of approximately 2,700 residents, making it one of South Dakota's smaller counties by population. The scene is characterized by gently rolling prairie, fertile farmland, and the White Lake area in the southern portion of Aurora County. White Lake serves as Aurora County's second-largest community. Aurora County was named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora. Major landmarks include Lake Mitchell in White Lake and the surrounding recreational areas. Aurora County Courthouse in Plankinton houses the primary county offices including the Register of Deeds, County Auditor, and Clerk of Courts at 100 2nd Street SW, Plankinton, SD 57368. Aurora County Assessor and County Treasurer also maintain offices in the courthouse, providing property assessment and tax collection services. Agriculture remains the economic foundation of Aurora County, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock production dominating the local economy. Aurora County's location along Highway 281 provides transportation access for agricultural commerce.

• Aurora County Courthouse in Plankinton houses the primary county offices including the Register of Deeds, County Auditor, and Clerk of Courts at 100 2nd Street SW, Plankinton, SD 57368.
• Aurora County's location along Highway 281 provides transportation access for agricultural commerce.

Aurora County Courthouse\nAddress: 500 Main Street, Plankinton, South Dakota 57368\nPhone: 605-942-7737\nFax: 605-942-7738\nHours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Aurora County, South Dakota is located in the northeastern part of the state and is part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The county court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The court also has jurisdiction over probate matters, juvenile matters, and small claims. The Aurora County Courthouse is located at: the county Courthouse 200 East 4th Street Plankinton, SD 57368

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or respective municipal police department.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
• South Dakota law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, though no specific deadline is mandated in statute.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows South Dakota state guidelines, providing options for release pending court appearances.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• A magistrate judge also serves Aurora County, handling misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, small claims up to $12,000, civil protection orders, and initial appearances.
• Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Courts office for a statutory fee of $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus $5.00 for certification.

• Recording fees are established by South Dakota Codified Laws § 7-9-7 and vary by document type.
• While Aurora County does not currently offer a full online search system for land records, interested parties may contact the Register of Deeds office to request specific document searches.
• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees.
• South Dakota law requires all instruments affecting real property to be recorded with Aurora County register of deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates cost the same.
• Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
• Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee.
• Couples must apply in person, provide identification, and pay the license fee.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Aurora County area is served by the Plankinton Area Chamber of Commerce, which provides resources for local businesses and economic development information.