How to become a notary in South Dakota
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the South Dakota Secretary of State (Notary Division).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, South Dakota resident (SDCL 12-1-4), OR lives in a county of a neighboring state that borders South Dakota and works or does business in South Dakota (give the SD business address on the application); No felony conviction; must be of legal age (the oath states this).
- Apply to the South Dakota Secretary of State (Notary Division) — Pay the $30 state fee. Other fees: Cost of the notary seal (bought from an office supply or stamp vendor before applying).
- Take the oath and file it — The oath is part of the paper Notary Public Application & Oath. Sign it in front of a notary, include your seal imprint, and mail it with the $30 fee to SOS in Pierre. You may notarize only after you receive the commission certificate. No county filing.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required, bought before applying and imprinted on the application: rubber stamp, embosser or electronic seal (circle, square or rectangle) with your name exactly as commissioned, "Notary Public", "South Dakota" and a border; rubber or electronic seals must also say "Seal". The expiration date must be OUTSIDE the border (or written separately). Journal: Not required for in-person notarizations (recommended); remote online notarizations must be recorded on audio-video.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches South Dakota's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
South Dakota notary requirements
| Commissioned by | South Dakota Secretary of State (Notary Division) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · South Dakota resident (SDCL 12-1-4), OR lives in a county of a neighboring state that borders South Dakota and works or does business in South Dakota (give the SD business address on the application) |
| Course | Not required No education requirement; SOS publishes a Notary Public Handbook (July 2025) that notaries are expected to know |
| Exam | Not required No exam |
| State fee | $30 |
| Other fees | Cost of the notary seal (bought from an office supply or stamp vendor before applying) |
| Surety bond | None No bond since July 1, 2025 (2025 law removed it for new and renewal applicants); an optional bond does not need to be filed |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | None |
| Term | 6 years |
| Oath / filing | The oath is part of the paper Notary Public Application & Oath. Sign it in front of a notary, include your seal imprint, and mail it with the $30 fee to SOS in Pierre. You may notarize only after you receive the commission certificate. No county filing |
| Seal | Required, bought before applying and imprinted on the application: rubber stamp, embosser or electronic seal (circle, square or rectangle) with your name exactly as commissioned, "Notary Public", "South Dakota" and a border; rubber or electronic seals must also say "Seal". The expiration date must be OUTSIDE the border (or written separately) |
| Journal | Not required for in-person notarizations (recommended); remote online notarizations must be recorded on audio-video |
| Max fee per notarization | No set maximum: a notary may charge a fee per instrument, but nothing for absentee-ballot requests |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Since 2024 (SDCL 18-1-11.2): an existing notary files a Notary Change Form naming the tamper-evident platform(s) and attaching the electronic seal image; SOS then issues an e-notary certificate. No separate commission or extra fee; the notary must be physically in South Dakota |
| Renewal | Same paper application, oath and $30 fee as a new notary; submit no more than 60 days before expiration to keep the same dates |
Surprise for 2025–2026: South Dakota dropped its notary bond requirement on July 1, 2025, so older guides that list a bond are out of date. Application is by mail (paper form revised 2026-05-22), and credit cards are accepted by phone. Your residence address on the application is a public record. You must file a Notary Change Form before using a new name or seal
Sources: SD SOS – Becoming a Notary Public · SD SOS – Notary Public FAQs (bond removed 2025) · SD SOS – Notary Commission Renewal · SD SOS – E-Notary · SD SOS – About the Notary Seal. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a South Dakota notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other South Dakota licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All South Dakota insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in South Dakota?
The state fee is $30, plus Cost of the notary seal (bought from an office supply or stamp vendor before applying). Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in South Dakota?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in South Dakota?
No set maximum: a notary may charge a fee per instrument, but nothing for absentee-ballot requests.
Can I be an online notary in South Dakota?
Yes. Since 2024 (SDCL 18-1-11.2): an existing notary files a Notary Change Form naming the tamper-evident platform(s) and attaching the electronic seal image; SOS then issues an e-notary certificate. No separate commission or extra fee; the notary must be physically in South Dakota