How to Become a Notary in South Dakota (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your South Dakota notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official South Dakota state sources.
How to Become a Notary in South Dakota — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in South Dakota, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of South Dakota or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $30 application fee. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official South Dakota notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for South Dakota: $40.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in South Dakota. Traditional notary fees in South Dakota: up to $10 per act (state-capped). South Dakota also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $10 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your South Dakota Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for South Dakota. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
South Dakota Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $30 |
| Commission term | 6 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$40 |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $70–$70 |
No bond required. 6-year commission term.
Source: Secretary of State — Official South Dakota Notary Page ↗
What Can a South Dakota Notary Charge?
South Dakota caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $10. $10 per document for all act types including RON.
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a South Dakota Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your South Dakota notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →