Clay County, SD Public Records
Clay County has an estimated population of 15,245 (2024) across 412 square miles of land. In South Dakota, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. Court cases are handled by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System; use the official links below to find the courthouse and clerk for Clay County.
📍 Clay County at a Glance
| Population (2024 est.) | 15,245 Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Land area | 412 sq mi Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Largest community | VermillionPopulation 11,877 (2024 est.) |
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🏛️ Courthouse & Records Offices in Clay County, SD
These are the main offices to visit in person in Clay County: the Circuit Court clerk for court case files. Details come from official state and court directories; hours and services can change, so call or check the official website before you go. Anything the official source does not list is marked “Not stated”.
⚖️ Clay County Clerk of Court
| Address | 211 West Main Street, Suite #300, Vermillion, SD 57069-0377 |
| Directions | Get directions ↗ |
| Phone | (605) 677-6756 |
| Hours | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Records available | South Dakota Circuit Court and magistrate court case records for the county (civil, criminal, divorce, probate, small claims) |
| Official website | Not stated |
| Sources | ujs.sd.gov/…/clay-county ↗ |
| Last verified | October 17, 2026 |
⚖️ Criminal Records in Clay County, SD
Criminal case records for Clay County are kept by the court that heard each case. In South Dakota, all criminal cases are heard by the Circuit Court; magistrate courts within the Circuit Court handle misdemeanors and preliminary hearings. Many court records are public and can be viewed or copied at the clerk's office of the court that heard the case. Source: ujs.sd.gov ↗
⚖️ Where to get criminal records for Clay County
| State court system | South Dakota Unified Judicial System |
🔍 Background Check in Clay County, SD
A people search for Clay County pulls together public records such as court cases, property records and address history. It is for personal use only: under the FCRA it may not be used to screen tenants, employees, or for credit or insurance decisions. The official record sources for Clay County are listed below.
🔍 Where to get background check for Clay County
| Sex offender registry | South Dakota Sex Offender Registry Source: sor.sd.gov ↗ |
| State court system | South Dakota Unified Judicial System |
📋 Arrest Records in Clay County, SD
Arrest and booking records for Clay County are created by the arresting agency — usually the local police department, the county sheriff's office or the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Once someone is charged, the case becomes a court record at the court that handles criminal cases for the area.
📋 Where to get arrest records for Clay County
| State court system | South Dakota Unified Judicial System |
🏛️ Court Records in Clay County, SD
Court records for Clay County include civil suits, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, criminal cases, family matters and probate (estates). Below are the courts that serve Clay County, with addresses from the official South Dakota Unified Judicial System directory.
🏛️ Where to get court records for Clay County
| State court system | South Dakota Unified Judicial System |
🏠 Property Records in Clay County, SD
In South Dakota, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. Property tax assessments are kept by the county Director of Equalization.
🏠 Where to get property records for Clay County
| Land records | In South Dakota, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. |
📜 Vital Records in Clay County, SD
Certified birth and death certificates for South Dakota are issued by the state vital records office; in some places a county or local office can also issue copies. Statewide records can also be ordered from the South Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records.
📜 Where to get vital records for Clay County
| State vital records office | South Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records Source: doh.sd.gov ↗ |
🔒 Sex Offender Registry in Clay County, SD
The official sex offender registry for Clay County is maintained by the state. Search it directly — it is free and updated by law enforcement. Registry information may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass anyone.
🔒 Where to get sex offender registry for Clay County
| Official registry | South Dakota Sex Offender Registry Source: sor.sd.gov ↗ |
📄 Divorce Records in Clay County, SD
Divorce cases in South Dakota are heard by the Circuit Court in each county. The full divorce case file, including the final decree, is kept by the clerk of that court. Some state vital records offices also issue divorce certificates or verifications; check with the South Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records.
📄 Where to get divorce records for Clay County
| Divorce court | Divorce cases in South Dakota are heard by the Circuit Court in each county. |
| State vital records office | South Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records Source: doh.sd.gov ↗ |
| State court system | South Dakota Unified Judicial System |
Largest Communities in Clay County
Vermillion (11,877), Wakonda (343), Irene (194) 2024 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau.