South Dakota, county records

Yankton County, South Dakota Public Records

Find the right office in Yankton County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly
Sponsored

Start here

Most requested Yankton County records

Every card below goes to the government office responsible for that record. Use the category buttons to narrow the list.

Filter by type

Showing 12 official sources

Local record guide

About public records in Yankton County

Useful local context without burying the official record links above.

County profile

Yankton County at a glance

State
South Dakota
County seat
Yankton
Population
22,800
Area
533 sq mi
Founded
1862
Cities and towns
5

Yankton County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Yankton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Yankton County.

Police Departments. Yankton County is served by Yankton County Sheriff's Office and the Yankton Police Department, which operates within the city of Yankton.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Yankton County Sheriff's Office, located at 415 West 15th Street, Yankton, SD 57078, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Yankton County. Arrest records and booking information are public records under South Dakota Codified Law 1-27-1, which establishes the state's open records policy. Citizens can request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or Police Department, though certain investigative records may be exempt during active investigations pursuant to SDCL 1-27-1.5.

Criminal Records. Yankton residents can access criminal records by contacting the Sheriff's Office or using state resources for detailed background checks.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Yankton County are maintained by Yankton County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the South Dakota Sunshine Law.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Yankton County are taken and retained by Yankton County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request.

Straight answers

Yankton County public-records FAQs

Open only the answer you need.

Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Yankton County, South Dakota?

Mugshots and booking photos in Yankton County are typically managed by the Yankton County Sheriff's Office. You can request these photos by visiting the Sheriff's Office at 410 Walnut Street, Yankton, SD 57078. Some booking photos may be available through online portals associated with the Sheriff's Office or the county's official website.

How do I get a criminal background check in Yankton County, South Dakota?

To obtain a criminal background check in Yankton County, you should contact the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The DCI provides background check services, and you can initiate the process by submitting a request form available on their website. Local requests can also be processed through the Yankton County Sheriff's Office, which may require fingerprinting and additional documentation.

How can I look up sex offenders in Yankton County, South Dakota?

To look up sex offenders in Yankton County, you can use the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and provides an online search tool to locate registered sex offenders by name, address, or geographic location. The registry is accessible to the public and is updated regularly to ensure accurate information.

How do I register to vote in Yankton County, South Dakota?

You can register to vote in Yankton County by visiting the Yankton County Auditor's office at 321 West Third Street, Yankton, or by registering online at sdsos.gov/City. The registration deadline is 15 days before any election, though South Dakota allows same-day registration at your polling place on Election Day with valid identification. You'll need a South Dakota driver's license or state ID card to complete registration, and once registered, you can request absentee ballots through the County Auditor for any election.

How do I look up property records in Yankton County, South Dakota?

Property records in Yankton County can be searched through the Register of Deeds office at yankton.net, which offers free online access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens searchable by name, date, or legal description. For property tax assessments, ownership information, and parcel maps, visit the Yankton Director of Equalization's GIS online parcel viewer available through the county website. The Register of Deeds office is located at 321 West Third Street, Yankton, SD 57078, phone (605) 668-3080, and provides certified copies for $5.00 for the first page plus $2.00 per additional page.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Yankton County, South Dakota?

Birth and death certificates can be requested from the Yankton County Register of Deeds at 321 West Third Street, Yankton, SD 57078, phone (605) 668-3080, or from the South Dakota Department of State Vital Records Office in Pierre at (605) 773-4961. The cost is $15.00 for the first certified copy and $10.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks by mail, though in-person requests at the county office may be expedited. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at sdvitalrecords.com with additional service fees, and you'll need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility to request records.

How do I find business license records in Yankton County, South Dakota?

Business entity records for corporations and LLCs are maintained by the South Dakota Secretary of State and can be searched free online at sdsos.gov/business-services by company name or registered agent. For local DBA (doing business as) and fictitious name filings in Yankton County, contact the Register of Deeds office at 321 West Third Street, Yankton, SD 57078, phone (605) 668-3080. Building permits and zoning records are available through Yankton County Planning and Zoning at the same Government Center address. Professional licenses are regulated by respective South Dakota licensing boards, not county offices.

Same county

Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.