South Dakota § 34-25-52.7 - Free birth certificate upon proof of homelessness.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-25-52.7 — Free birth certificate upon proof of homelessness., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-25-52.7. Free birth certificate upon proof of homelessness.
Notwithstanding § 34-25-52, the department must provide, at no cost, a certified copy of an individual's South Dakota birth certificate, limited to one, upon application and proof of that person's homelessness. The individual or the individual's spouse, child, parent, guardian, next of kin, or authorized representative may apply for a certified copy of the individual's birth certificate pursuant to this section.
An affidavit developed by the department attesting to the individual's housing status is proof of homelessness for the purposes of this section. The department may not accept an affidavit as proof of homelessness unless signed by the individual experiencing homelessness and a homeless services provider with knowledge of the individual's housing status.
For the purposes of this section, the term "homeless services provider" means any:
(1) Government or nonprofit agency that provides a food bank, homeless shelter, housing assistance program, homeless outreach or advocacy program, or any similar program;
(2) Human services or social services agency, public or private, providing health services, behavioral health services, substance use disorder services, or employment or public assistance services to homeless individuals;
(3) Law enforcement officer designated as a liaison to the homeless population by a local police department or sheriff's department;
(4) Homeless liaison designated by a school district, as described by 42 U.S.C. § 11432 (January 1, 2025);
(5) School counselor, certified by the Department of Education;
(6) School nurse, licensed in accordance with chapter 36-9; or
(7) Social worker, licensed in accordance with chapter 36-26.
Source: SL 2024, ch 143, § 1; SL 2025, ch 140, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 34-25-52.7
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-25-52.7 cover?
Section 34-25-52.7 ("Free birth certificate upon proof of homelessness.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 34-25-52.7?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-25-52.7" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 34-25-52.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.