To become a Notary in South Dakota, applicants must complete the state's process:
- Meet all your state's qualifications.
- Buy a Notary seal and affix an imprint of the seal on the Notary Public Application.
- Submit your application form and $30 commission fee to the Secretary of State.
About the South Dakota Notary Process
The term of a South Dakota Notary commission is six years. Find more information about the SD Notary Public application process below.
Cost to Become an SD Notary
The cost to become a South Dakota Notary is approximately $60 depending on where you purchase your Notary stamp.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$30 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$60 |
Commission Processing Length
The South Dakota Secretary of State recommends allowing a minimum of seven business days for the processing of a Notary Public application.
South Dakota Notary Public Requirements
Wondering how you can qualify to become a Notary in the Mount Rushmore State? Read on below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in South Dakota must meet the following requirements:
- Be a permanent resident of South Dakota, or of a county bordering SD and work within the state
- Have no felony convictions
Notary Supplies
South Dakota Notaries must use a seal. A Notary seal may be a rubber stamp or a physical device capable of affixing to or embossing on a tangible document. The seal must contain a border surrounding the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "South Dakota"
- The words "Notary Public"
- The word "seal," if you use a rubber stamp seal or electronic seal
The words "My commission expires" with your commission expiration date must be displayed outside of the border. This information can be in writing, printed or imprinted using a separate stamp.
While not required for most notarizations, the Secretary of State strongly recommends that Notaries maintain a register or record of all notarial acts in a journal.
Application
Complete the Notary Public Application and add an imprint of your Notary seal. Submit your application and the $30 commission fee to the Secretary of State.
South Dakota Notary Public FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions about Notaries in South Dakota.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The South Dakota Secretary of State, Notary Administrator, located in Pierre, SD, issues Notary Public commissions.
May I become a South Dakota Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a South Dakota Notary Public. You must, however, meet all other application requirements.
Is there required training or an exam to be a South Dakota Notary?
No training course or exam is required, but it is recommended that new Notaries take an education course before beginning their notarial duties.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
No, applicants for a Notary Public commission are not required to secure a surety bond or insurance. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A South Dakota Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
You are licensed to notarize for any member of the public as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You're prohibited from notarizing your own signature.
Can I notarize electronic documents?
How much can SD Notaries charge for their services?
South Dakota no longer specifies the maximum fee a Notary may charge. As a best practice, always inform signers of your fees prior to your appointment.
A Notary may not charge a fee for notarizing a request for an absentee ballot.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address must be reported to the Secretary of State. You can do so by completing and submitting a Notary Change Form.
To update the name on your commission, get a new seal with your new name and imprint it on the Notary Change Form. The Secretary of State will issue a Notary Public Name Change Certificate at no additional filing fee. You must receive confirmation from the Secretary before performing notarial acts with your new information.
How can I renew my Notary Public commission?
The process for renewing as a South Dakota Notary is the same as applying for a new commission in the state. Commission renewal applications may not be submitted more than 60 days prior to your commission expiration date.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in South Dakota?
South Dakota Notaries may register the capability to perform remote online notarization, also known in South Dakota as e-notarization. To become an SD remote online Notary, follow the steps in this guide.
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Last updated: Oct 1, 2025