South Dakotanotary public requirements & rules
No examSouth Dakota notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- No exam
- Administered by
- n/a
- Commission term
- 6 years
- Surety bond
- none
- Notes
- No education or exam required. Notable recent change: SD eliminated the $5,000 surety bond/personal surety requirement effective July 1, 2025, per bonding-industry sources; verify current SDCL 18-1-2 text on sdsos.gov.
Some South Dakota details were ambiguous on the official site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check specifics with the commissioning authority before you rely on them.
Preparing to be a South Dakota notary
South Dakota doesn't require a written exam, but the responsibility is real. PrepTempo's Notary course confirms you understand notarial acts, identifying signers, and how to avoid unauthorized practice of law before you take on the liability.
Free notary practice questions →South Dakota notary public FAQ
Does South Dakota require a notary exam?
No. South Dakota does not require a written notary exam.
What are the South Dakota notary public rules for term and bond?
A South Dakota notary commission is typically 6 years. Surety bond requirement: none. Confirm current amounts with the official South Dakota authority.
How do I become a notary public in South Dakota?
Follow South Dakota commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (No exam), obtain the required bond if applicable (none), and apply through the official South Dakota commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the South Dakota commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.