South Dakota Notary Bond

In South Dakota, notaries public are required to obtain a $5,000 Notary Bond as part of the commissioning process. This bond serves as a financial safeguard, ensuring notaries adhere to state laws and ethical standards while performing their official duties.

If a notary’s mistake, negligence, or misconduct leads to financial loss, the affected party may file a claim against the bond. Should the surety company compensate the claimant, the notary must reimburse the amount paid.

Although the notary bond protects the public, it does not cover the notary’s personal liability. To safeguard themselves from potential legal claims, many notaries opt for Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

The South Dakota Secretary of State regulates notarial practices and bonding requirements, ensuring notaries operate professionally and in compliance with state laws.

In South Dakota, notaries must secure a $5,000 surety bond to fulfill state requirements. The cost of this bond typically ranges from $35 to $55 for a six-year term (additional processing fees may apply), though prices may vary depending on the surety provider.

To ensure compliance with South Dakota’s notary commission guidelines, notaries must purchase the bond from an authorized provider and submit it to the South Dakota Secretary of State.

In addition to the bond, notaries should budget for other expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $30​
• Notary Commission Filing Fee: $30
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Approximately $20 - $50, depending on the provider​
• Notary Journal: $10 - $50 (optional but recommended for record-keeping)​

Ensuring compliance with South Dakota’s notary bond and licensing requirements allows notaries to operate legally and with confidence. For the most up-to-date information on requirements and pricing, visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website.

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: South Dakota Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $5,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an instant bond quote. Review the details carefully, and if any changes are needed, our team is here to help.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, complete your payment and sign the necessary documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready to submit with your notary application.

In South Dakota, a notary bond remains valid for six years and must be renewed before it expires to continue serving as a commissioned notary. Follow these steps to complete the renewal process smoothly:

1. Secure a New $5,000 Surety Bond – Before your current bond expires, obtain a $5,000 surety bond from an authorized provider to meet state requirements.
2. Submit Your Renewal Bond – File your new bond with the South Dakota Secretary of State to maintain your notary commission without interruption.
3. Pay the Required Fees – Check for any renewal fees and submit them along with your bond. The Notary Commission Filing Fee is $30.
4. Verify Your Commission Status – After submitting the necessary documents, confirm with the South Dakota Secretary of State that your commission has been successfully renewed for another six years.

To avoid any interruptions in your notary status, begin the renewal process well before your bond’s expiration. For the latest updates, visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website.

To become a notary public in South Dakota, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow the commissioning process set by the state. To qualify as a notary in South Dakota, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of South Dakota
• Be able to read and write in English
• Have no felony convictions (or have had civil rights restored)
• Not have had a notary commission revoked in the past 10 years

To obtain a notary commission, follow these steps:

1. Obtain Your Notary Seal
   • Can be rubber, electronic, or embossing stamp, shaped as a circle, square, or rectangle, that reflects your name exactly as you will be commissioned and as you will sign when notarizing.
   • Must include your name, "Notary Public," and "South Dakota." If the seal is a rubber stamp, it must also include the word "seal."
   • Do not include an expiration date inside the border of the seal.
2. Complete the Notary Application
   • Make a legible imprint of your seal in the box. If you have two seals, include both on a separate sheet.
   • Complete your name exactly as it appears on your seal.
   • The residence address must be your physical address. A post office box, business address, or mailing address alone is not acceptable. If your mailing address differs from your residence address, enter the address, city, state, and zip.
   • If you reside at an address in an out-of-state county bordering South Dakota, complete the Employer/Business Name and South Dakota Business Address. This must be a South Dakota address.
   • Complete the questions regarding whether you have been a South Dakota Notary, your date of birth, whether you have ever been convicted of a felony, and if you have been a South Dakota Notary before, enter your commission expiration date. Also, list any name(s) you were previously commissioned under.
     
     Note: Failure to answer any of these questions correctly or leaving them blank will cause your application to be rejected.
      
3. Complete the Oath Portion of the Application
   • Enter the county where the oath is signed.
   • Enter your name exactly as it is on your seal and as it appears in the top section.
   • Date and sign the Oath with your name exactly as it appears on your seal.
4. Complete the Bond
   • Obtain a $5,000 Surety Bond – Purchase a six-year notary bond from a state-approved surety provider.
   • Your insurance company will provide a form with your information pre-filled.
   • Both you and the surety must sign the bond form. The insurance company typically has their signature pre-filled.
   • Do not complete the Personal Surety Form if using an insurance company.
   • If the insurance company has a Power of Attorney, please send it along with the application. You do not need to include a copy of your errors and omissions policy.
   • If you prefer to use a personal surety, do not complete the bond section of the application. Instead, complete the Personal Surety Form on the third page.
5. Enclose the $30.00 Filing Fee
   • Make checks payable to the Secretary of State.
   • Send the completed application with bond and payment to:
      Secretary of State
      500 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 204
      Pierre, SD 57501

With the enactment of Senate Bill 211 (SB 211), South Dakota now allows notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON).

To become a Remote Online Notary, commissioned South Dakota notaries must follow these steps:

• Ensure you hold an active South Dakota Notary Commission and are in compliance with all state regulations.
• Choose a state-authorized RON platform that meets South Dakota’s legal requirements. Notaries may select one or multiple providers from the approved list.
• Apply for RON Authorization
  • Log in to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Notary Portal.
  • Complete the RON authorization application.
  • Pay the required application fee (fees may vary).
• Set Up and Test RON Technology
  • Work with your chosen RON provider to configure your electronic signature, seal, and notarial tools.
  • Ensure your platform supports identity verification, e-signing, and secure document storage in compliance with SB 211.
     

Once your application is approved, your notary record will be updated to reflect your RON authorization. You can then legally perform remote notarizations in South Dakota.

For the latest requirements and official guidance, visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website.