Hand County, South Dakota Public Records

Mugshots and booking photos in Hand County, South Dakota, are typically managed by the Hand County Sheriff's Office. You can request these photos directly from the Sheriff's Office. Some mugshots may be available through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's online portal, depending on the case and the individual's status.

To obtain a criminal background check in Hand County, South Dakota, you need to contact the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The DCI provides statewide background checks, which include records from Hand County. You can request a background check by submitting a completed application form and the required fee to the DCI. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Sheriff's Office, may also assist in facilitating these requests.

You can look up sex offenders in Hand County, South Dakota, by accessing the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, location, or proximity to a specific address to find registered sex offenders in Hand County.

Voter registration in Hand County is handled by the Hand County Auditor at the courthouse in Miller, telephone (605) 853-2417. You can register online at sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/Defining.aspx, in person at the Auditor's office, or by mailing a completed registration form, but you must register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election under South Dakota law. The Auditor's office can also assist with absentee ballot applications, which are available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.

Property records in Hand County are maintained by the Register of Deeds and the Director of Equalization (Assessor), both located at the courthouse at 415 West First Avenue, Miller, SD 57362, telephone (605) 853-2417. The Register of Deeds maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments affecting property titles, while the Assessor's office maintains property valuations and tax assessment information. Hand County does not currently offer a online property search system, so most records requests require contacting the office by phone, in person, or by mail, though basic information may be available by inquiry.

Birth and death certificates can be requested from the Hand County Register of Deeds at the courthouse in Miller, (605) 853-2417, or from the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office in Pierre at (605) 773-4961. Certified copies typically cost $15 for the first copy, with processing taking 3-5 business days at the county level or 2-4 weeks when ordered from the state office by mail. You must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by state law, and online ordering is available through VitalChek at South Dakota.gov/vitals with additional service fees.

Business name registrations (DBAs) in Hand County are filed with the Register of Deeds at the courthouse, telephone (605) 853-2417, while formal business entity registrations including corporations and LLCs are filed with the South Dakota Secretary of State. You can search existing business entities free of charge through the Secretary of State's online database at sdsos.gov/Defining. For county-specific business licensing information or local permits, contact the Hand County Auditor's office at the courthouse or the City of Miller for businesses operating within city limits at (605) 853-2044.