How to Become a Notary Public in South Dakota
Here’s how you can become a Notary Public in South Dakota:
- First up, make sure you meet all the qualifications your state requires.
- Grab yourself a Notary seal and stamp it on your Notary Public Application.
- Don’t forget to get yourself a $5,000 surety bond.
- Once you’ve got all that sorted, send in your completed application form along with the $30 commission fee to the Secretary of State.
- Consider getting yourself a journal (totally optional, but highly recommended).
- Also, think about getting some Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection (again, optional but a smart move).
And if you want some extra guidance, consider taking Notary education courses from reputable sources like the BlueNotary Academy.
Are You a Business in South Dakota in Need of a Notary?
BlueNotary offers multiple solutions for filling your notarial needs. Whether it’s online using our network, your network, or with one of our BlueMobile Notary teams, you can be sure we’ve got a simple solution for you. Start moving some of that work off your plate; meet with our Solutions Team today! Whether it’s a one-off or a custom enterprise solution, we’ve got you sorted.
Book A Meeting
Are You a Notary Launching Your Own Business?
Suppose you are a notary looking to build your business. We have, but it’s a course just for you to jumpstart and accelerate your business growth. This course is specifically for those who want to know how to build a stream of incoming clients and those who aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty.
- Exclusive membership to the Blue Mastermind Inner Circle
- BlueNotary Pro Hybrid – 1-Year Subscription
- Access to our Leads Generator Database.
- LIFETIME Digital Certificate and Electronic Seal
- Handle Any Document Course
- BlueBrick – We help you build your own notary website.
- Blue Mastermind Training
You can check out more information on taking the plunge into the deep end of the notary pool and learning to swim fastest over here.
Master Your Notary Business
What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in South Dakota?
To become a Notary Public in South Dakota, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- You gotta be at least 18 years old.
- You can’t have had a Notary commission revoked within the past 10 years.
- No felonies or convictions allowed.
- You should be able to read and write in english.
- You gotta be a permanent resident of South Dakota or of a county bordering SD, and if you’re not living in South Dakota, you gotta be working within the state.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in South Dakota?
Becoming a South Dakota Notary will cost you $30 just to apply for your Notary Public commission. But hey, there are some other costs to consider too:
- You gotta get yourself a bond, Notary tools, and maybe even take some education courses. Prices for these can vary depending on where you get them.
- Don’t forget about those county fees for filing your bond, signature, and commission.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Secretary of State estimates 10-19 days to process your Notary Public application. So, you’ll wanna sit tight for a couple of weeks while they do their thing.
What Supplies Do South Dakota Notaries Need?
When it comes to Notary supplies in South Dakota, here’s what you’ll need:
Seal: You gotta have a seal, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It can be a rubber stamp or a physical device that can make an imprint on paper. And hey, it’s gotta be shaped like a circle, square, or rectangle. Make sure it has:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- “South Dakota”
- “Notary Public”
- If you’re using a rubber stamp, throw in the word “seal”
And don’t forget “My commission expires” along with your expiration date, outside the border. You can write it, print it, or stamp it with a separate stamp.
Journal: Now, this one’s optional, but it’s a good idea to have a journal to keep track of all your notarizations. It’ll come in handy if you ever need to look back on a past transaction.
How long does a Notary commission last in South Dakota?
When you become a Notary in South Dakota, your commission lasts for a solid six years. So, once you’re in, you’ve got a good chunk of time to do your thing.
What About Bonds or Insurance for South Dakota Notaries?
When you’re getting set up as a Notary in South Dakota, you’ll need to think about a couple of things to protect yourself and the people you’ll be notarizing for:
Surety Bond: You’re gonna need to grab yourself a $5,000 surety bond. This is like a safety net for the people you’re notarizing for, just in case something goes wrong due to your negligence or misconduct.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Now, this one’s not required by law, but it’s a smart move. E&O insurance basically covers your backside in case you end up facing legal fees or damages. It’s an extra layer of protection for you.
South Dakota Notary Public FAQs
Who Oversees Notaries in South Dakota?
When it comes to Notaries in South Dakota, you’ll be dealing with the South Dakota Secretary of State. They’ve got a Notary Administrator down in Pierre, South Dakota, who’s in charge of issuing those Notary Public commissions. So if you’ve got any questions or need to get your commission sorted out, they’re the ones to reach out to.
Do I need Training to Become a Notary in South Dakota?
No, there’s no official requirement to take a training course or exam, but we highly recommend it, especially for beginners. So, even though it’s not mandatory, it’s a smart move to brush up on your Notary knowledge with the BlueNotary academy before diving into your duties as a publican Notary.
Can I become a South Dakota Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Absolutely! You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to become a Notary Public in South Dakota. As long as you meet all the other requirements for the application, you’re good to go.
Where will I be able to notarize?
As a South Dakota Notary, you’ve got the green light to notarize documents anywhere within the state’s borders. So whether you’re in the bustling city or out in the quiet countryside, you’re good to go!
Who can I notarize for?
As a Notary in South Dakota, you’re authorized to notarize for any member of the public, as long as their request meets all the legal requirements for notarization. Just remember, you can’t notarize your own signature—that’s a big no-no.
How much can I charge for my notary services?
When it comes to charging for your services as a Notary in South Dakota, there’s a limit: you can charge up to $10 per notarial act. So, keep that in mind when you’re helping people out with their documents.
Is Online Notary Legal in South Dakota?
Yes, online notarization, also known as remote notarization, is legal in South Dakota. This has been the case since July 1, 2019. Remote notarization in South Dakota is specifically for documents and is often referred to as Remote Ink-Signed Notarization (RIN).
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
If you’ve got changes coming up like moving or switching up your name, here’s what you need to do:
Address Change: You gotta keep the Secretary of State in the loop. Fill out a Notary Change Form and send it their way to update your address.
Name Change or Seal Update: Now, if you’re changing your name or need to update your seal, you’ve got a few options:
- You can keep using your existing seal with your old name.
- Use your existing seal but add “presently” or “now” with your new name.
If you want to update the name on your commission, grab yourself a new seal with your new name and imprint it on the Notary Change Form. The Secretary of State will issue you a Notary Public Name Change Certificate without any extra filing fee. But remember, you gotta wait for confirmation from the Secretary before you start notarizing with your new info.
How do I renew my South Dakota Notary Public Commission?
When it’s time to renew your Notary Public Commission in South Dakota, you’ll basically go through the same process as when you first applied.
How do I become an Online Notary in South Dakota?
We have already explained how to do this in our How to Become an Online Notary in South Dakota guide. It is an in-depth guide that gives all you need to become a notary in South Dakota for online purposes.
