How to Get a South Dakota Notary Public Commission 

In South Dakota, individuals must complete several steps to become a notary public according to state law. Notaries public are appointed by the Secretary of State’s office and serve as impartial witnesses to verify the authenticity of signatures on important documents.

Learn how to get your South Dakota notary license with this complete guide.

How Do I Become a Notary Public in South Dakota?

To become a notary public in South Dakota, follow these seven steps. 

Step 1: Verify your eligibility

To qualify for a South Dakota notary public commission, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a resident of South Dakota or work in the state.
• Be proficient in English.
• Not have had a notary commission revoked, suspended or denied in any state.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or crimes involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit in the past five years.
• Not be disqualified under Section 22 of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.

Step 2: Complete a notary course 

Complete a state-approved notary education course and pass the 50-question exam.

Step 3: Purchase your $5,000 notary bond

South Dakota requires notaries to file a $5,000 surety bond. This notary bond ensures that you will fulfill your notarial duties correctly. If you break license regulations, the bond protects your clients from financial harm. 

You can buy your South Dakota notary bond instantly online for just $45. Or, you can bundle errors and omissions insurance with your bond for $50–$130. This is optional, but recommended, to protect yourself from legal damages due to common notarization errors. 

Step 4:  Prepare your notary seal

Your seal must:

• Include your name as it will appear on your commission and signature
• State "Notary Public" and "South Dakota"
• If a rubber stamp, it must include a "seal"
• Avoid including an expiration date within the border

The seal can be rubber, electronic, or embossing and shaped like a circle, square, or rectangle

Step 5: Complete and submit your application

Gather the following materials to complete your application. 

1. Notary Application

Provide your physical address (P.O. boxes are not accepted) and answer all required questions, including commission history, birth date, and felony convictions. Failure to answer accurately or leaving sections blank will result in rejection.

1. Oath of Office

Sign your name exactly as it appears on your seal. Include the date and county where the oath is signed.

1. Bond Requirements

Use a surety bond from an insurance provider or complete the Personal Surety Form. Personal surety cannot be out-of-state or a business entity.

1. Filing Fee 

The filing fee is $30 (payable by check to the Secretary of State).

Submit all documents to:
Secretary of State
500 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 204
Pierre, SD 57501

Step 6: Receive your commission

Once your application is approved, you will receive your Notary Commission Certificate by mail.

Step 7: Register your stamp

Within 45 days of receiving your commission, register your notary seal with the Secretary of State’s office.

Do I Need to Purchase Any Supplies as a Notary Public in South Dakota?

An official notary seal is mandatory for South Dakota notaries. It can be a rubber stamp or a physical device that embosses or affixes to a document. You can purchase your seal from a print shop, stationery store or office supply company.

Notaries are also encouraged to maintain a notary journal for accurate recordkeeping. Both the notary journal and seal should be kept in a secure place to prevent misuse. 

How to Renew Your South Dakota Notary Public License

A notary public commission in South Dakota is valid for four years. To renew your commission, you will need to repeat the original application process minus the exam and education course:

• Complete online renewal
• Register updated stamp within 45 days of renewal 
• Renew notary bond

If your commission has expired for more than a year, you must retake the education course and notary exam. 

South Dakota surety bonds also need to be renewed every six years. A SuretyBonds.com representative will contact you with renewal instructions starting 90 days before expiration. 

How Long Does it Take to Get a South Dakota Notary License?

The processing time for South Dakota notary public applications is typically two to four weeks. After approval, you will receive your commission certificate in the mail, which usually takes another seven to ten business days.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Notary Public License?

The total cost to become a South Dakota notary public generally ranges between $150 and $200. This includes the following expenses:

• Application fee: $30
• Surety bond: $45–$130*
• Notary supplies: $30–$100

*This range reflects SuretyBonds.com notary bond rates plus E&O coverage options. 

How to Become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in South Dakota

Once you are a commissioned notary public in South Dakota, you can also become a remote online notary. Complete the following steps to receive electronic abilities:

To perform remote notarizations, you must:

1. Complete the Remote Online Notary Education course and exam.
2. Submit your application online with a $75 fee.
3. Register your electronic stamp within 45 days.

Your RON commission will expire along with your traditional notary commission. 

More Resources 

• South Dakota Notary Application
• South Dakota Notary Public Application Checklist
• South Dakota Notary Public Handbook
• South Dakota Notary Public Commission Records Database