South Dakota Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • South Dakota background checks are processed by the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) under the Attorney General's office. The process requires fingerprinting via a LiveScan machine located in South Dakota.
   • Start online at backgroundcheck.sd.gov — create an account, complete the background check request form, and pay the $30 fee for a personal/state-only check. After paying, print your receipt and take it to a local LiveScan fingerprinting location within 10 days.
   • If you fail to complete fingerprinting within 10 days, your request and payment may be deleted and you will need to resubmit.
   • Contact local LiveScan agencies directly for their availability and any additional fingerprinting fees. You can also call the DCI ID Section at (605) 773-3331 to request a free fingerprint kit if needed.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • DCI processes background checks within approximately 5 business days plus mail time. You will receive either a copy of your criminal history record or a letter confirming no criminal history was found.
   • Results include South Dakota criminal history only — they do not cover federal charges, out-of-state records, sealed records, minor traffic violations, or juvenile offenses (unless the individual was charged as an adult).
   • Whether you also need a separate FBI background check depends on your route and current Ecuador eVISAS guidance — confirm before ordering. The criminal-record certificate must be issued within 180 days of your visa application date.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Once you receive your South Dakota background check results, you must get the document apostilled by the South Dakota Secretary of State.
   • Submit your document to the Secretary of State's office at 500 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501. The fee is $25 per document.
   • Processing times: walk-in/in-person requests can be processed same-day during Expedited Service Appointments (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM). Mail requests take approximately 5–7 business days.
   • Include a self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid return shipping label with mail requests.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • Ecuador requires a certified Spanish translation of your apostilled background check. EcuadorTranslations.com provides certified translation and notarization services specifically for Ecuador visa documents.
   • Cost is $150 per document, or $130 per document when submitting 3 or more documents together. Turnaround is 3 business days.
   • Upload your apostilled document at EcuadorTranslations.com and receive your certified, notarized translation ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• South Dakota requires LiveScan fingerprinting — ink cards are not accepted for personal background checks through DCI.
• The $30 fee is for a personal/state-only check. A combined state + FBI check costs $50 and must be requested through an authorized agency.
• DCI does not offer refunds for background check requests.
• Contact the DCI ID Section at (605) 773-3331 for questions about fingerprint submission or processing status.

Sources and verification