Quick Facts
Commission Term
6 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$30
Issuing Authority
South Dakota Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes South Dakota distinctive
- South Dakota permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- South Dakota's 6-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
- South Dakota does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
South Dakota authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- SB 211 (2024) signed March 14, 2024 - amended notary laws for RON and electronic documents
- RON effective July 1, 2024
- Bond requirement ELIMINATED effective July 1, 2025 (was $5,000)
- 6-year commission term (longer than most states)
- NO exam or education required
Regulatory Authority
South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 18-1
Notaries Public
Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: No. Effective: SB 211 (2024) amended notary laws, effective June 23, 2024 (some provisions July 1, 2024). Bond requirement eliminated effective July 1, 2025.
SDCL 18-1
SDCL 18-1
Referenced in state compliance data
SDCL 18-1
SD HB 1068 - Notary Modernization
Eliminates notary bond requirement and fee caps, effective July 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in South Dakota?
A South Dakota notary public commission is valid for 6 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in South Dakota?
South Dakota charges $30 as the application fee to the South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does South Dakota require a notary bond?
No. South Dakota does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can South Dakota notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. South Dakota authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can South Dakota notaries use?
South Dakota notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does South Dakota cap notary fees?
Yes. South Dakota sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fee is $10.00 per notarial act. No fee may be charged for notarizing absentee ballot documents.
Who regulates notaries in South Dakota?
South Dakota notaries are commissioned and regulated by the South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does South Dakota authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. South Dakota authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can South Dakota notaries perform?
South Dakota notaries are authorized to perform 10 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in South Dakota?
Start your application through the South Dakota Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
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