How to Become a Notary in South Dakota (2026 Guide)
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Key Takeaways
- No exam or training required
- No surety bond required (eliminated July 2025)
- Application fee: $30 | Commission term: 6 years
- Notary stamp required with specific design rules
- Self-administered oath
- Must be 18+, an SD resident
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Becoming a South Dakota notary takes three steps and $55 to $105: buy a compliant stamp, complete the Secretary of State’s application with your seal impression, and mail it in with $30. No exam, no training, and since July 1, 2025, no bond, HB1133 eliminated it. The commission runs six years and the state sets no maximum notary fee.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of South Dakota
Disqualifying Factors
South Dakota evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. Criminal history and providing false information can disqualify you.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Your Official Seal
Get a notary stamp that meets SD requirements. The word ‘Seal’ must appear if using a rubber stamp. ‘My Commission Expires’ must be outside the border, and the expiration date cannot be inside the border.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Fill out the South Dakota Secretary of State application. Include your seal impression in the top left corner, and use the same name on both the seal and the application. The oath is self-administered.
Step 3: Submit by Mail
Mail your application, seal impression, and $30 filing fee to the Secretary of State. No bond is required: the surety bond requirement was eliminated effective July 1, 2025 (HB 1133), and nothing replaced it.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $30 |
| Surety bond | Not required (eliminated July 2025) |
| Notary stamp (required) | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $55-$105 |
Maximum Allowable Fees
South Dakota does not set a maximum fee for notarial acts. Set your own rates and disclose fees before performing notarizations.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications
- Witness signatures
- Certify copies
- Protest negotiable instruments
Notary Stamp Requirements
South Dakota requires a notary stamp. The word ‘Seal’ must appear on rubber stamps. ‘My Commission Expires’ must be outside the border. The expiration date cannot be inside the border.
Notarizing for Family Members
South Dakota does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Penalties and Insurance
The Secretary of State can revoke a commission for misconduct. With no bond now standing behind the public, errors and omissions insurance is the only financial protection in the picture, yours and, practically speaking, your clients’. It is not required, but for a working notary it is cheap coverage.
Renewal
South Dakota commissions run 6 years. The renewal process repeats the original application.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
South Dakota has authorized RON. Check with the Secretary of State for current requirements and registration.
Becoming a Signing Agent
After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program and register with signing services. South Dakota is not an attorney state for real estate closings. Our guide to becoming a signing agent covers the certification options.
How South Dakota Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | South Dakota | North Dakota | Minnesota | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | $7,500 | None | $15,000 |
| Exam | No | No | No | Yes (85%) |
| Training | No | No | No | No |
| Term | 6 years | 4 years | 5 years | 4 years |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes (since 2018) | Yes |
South Dakota and Minnesota are the no-bond states of this group, with South Dakota offering the longest term at 6 years. North Dakota carries a $7,500 bond; Nebraska the region’s heaviest requirements ($15,000 bond, 85% exam). Wyoming, to the west, also requires no bond. Guides: North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota.
Your Commission Belongs to You
A South Dakota commission is personal. If you change jobs, your stamp and commission go with you, and no employer can require you to skip proper procedure or limit your notary work to company business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota requires no exam and no training course.
Do I need a surety bond in South Dakota?
No. The $5,000 bond requirement was eliminated effective July 1, 2025 by HB1133, and it applies to new and renewing notaries alike.
How long does a South Dakota notary commission last?
6 years, among the longest terms in the country.
Is a notary stamp required in South Dakota?
Yes, with design rules: the word Seal must appear on a rubber stamp, and My Commission Expires and the expiration date must sit outside the stamp border.
How much can a South Dakota notary charge?
South Dakota sets no maximum fee. You set your rate and disclose it before the notarization.
Can I use personal surety instead of a bond?
Neither is needed anymore. The bond requirement was eliminated in July 2025, so no commercial bond and no personal surety of any kind.
Updated October 2026. Requirements based on the South Dakota Secretary of State and SDCL 18-1; bond elimination per HB1133, effective July 1, 2025.
