How to become a notary in South Dakota
Notaries in South Dakota are commissioned by the South Dakota Secretary of State. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in South Dakota?
- Of legal age (at least 18)
- South Dakota resident, or live in a bordering out-of-state county and work for a South Dakota employer with a South Dakota business address
- Not disqualified under SDCL 18-1 (application asks about felony convictions)
What are the South Dakota notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | South Dakota Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. No training is listed in the Secretary of State's application steps or handbook. |
| Exam required | No. No exam is listed in the Secretary of State's application steps or handbook. |
| Surety bond | None stated by the state |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Commission term | 6 years |
| Remote online notarization | Only in limited form; since 2019 a South Dakota notary may notarize a tangible paper document for a person seen over video only if the notary personally knows the signer (SDCL 18-1-11.1), and full online notarization is not described by the Secretary of State. |
Steps to become a notary in South Dakota
- Buy a notary seal showing your name exactly as you will sign, plus Notary Public and South Dakota
- Fill out the Notary Public Application and Oath, including a seal imprint
- Sign the oath portion
- Mail the original application with the $30 filing fee to the Secretary of State, 500 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre
- Wait for your commission certificate before notarizing
How do you find a notary in South Dakota?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official South Dakota notary lookup.