South Dakota notary public
No examWhat it takes to become a notary public in South Dakota, from the state's 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.
Start the Notary course →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.