The register of deeds shall be the local registrar of vital records for each registration district in this state. If there is no register of deeds, the department shall designate the local registrar who shall assume the responsibilities of local registrar of vital records. No fee shall be charged by a local registrar for filing an original or amended birth record or a death or burial record or for certified copies to persons entitled thereto under § 34-25-54.

Each local registrar shall appoint a deputy whose duty it shall be to act in his stead in case of the absence or disability of such local registrar.

Source: SL 1931, ch 267, § 3; SDC 1939, § 27.0203; SDCL, § 34-25-4; SL 1972, ch 194, § 4; SL 1974, ch 55, § 33.