How to Become a Notary in South Dakota

Feb 25

3 min read

Becoming a notary public in South Dakota is a great way to offer important services in your community while building a profitable business. Notaries in South Dakota are responsible for notarizing documents, administering oaths, and certifying copies. Whether you're looking for a flexible side hustle or a full-time career, becoming a notary is a smart and low-cost way to start earning income.

Why Become a Notary in South Dakota?

Becoming a notary public in South Dakota offers several key advantages:

Low Startup Costs – Getting started as a notary in South Dakota requires minimal investment, especially compared to other business ventures.
Flexible Work Schedule – As a notary, you have the freedom to set your own hours, which makes it a great side business or full-time career.
Multiple Ways to Earn – Notaries can increase their earnings by providing additional services such as mobile notary services, loan signings, and apostille services.
Constant Demand – Whether it’s for real estate, legal documents, or financial paperwork, the demand for notaries in South Dakota is steady.
Serving the Community – As a notary, you play a vital role in ensuring the legitimacy of documents and preventing fraud in your community.

How to Become a Notary in South Dakota, The Notary Business Blueprint, The Notary Blueprint

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a notary public in South Dakota, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of South Dakota
Have no felony convictions

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Notary in South Dakota

Complete and Submit a Notary Application
- Applications must be submitted to the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Obtain a Notary Bond
- South Dakota requires a $5,000 surety bond.
Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee is $30.
Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
- Once approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate.
Purchase Notary Supplies
- To begin notarizing documents, you’ll need a notary seal/stamp and a notary journal. These are required for performing your official duties.

Fees for Becoming a Notary in South Dakota

Expense	Cost
Application Fee	$30
Surety Bond	$50–$100
Notary Supplies	$50–$150

Total estimated cost: $130–$280

Additional Startup Costs:

Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance – Optional, costs $30–$100/year.
Business Registration Fees – $25–$150 (if forming an LLC or registering a trade name)
Website & Marketing Costs – $50–$300 for a website and promotional materials.

Renewal Process

South Dakota notary commissions are valid for six years. To renew your commission:

✔️ Submit a renewal application to the Secretary of State

✔️ Obtain a new surety bond (must be renewed with each commission renewal)

✔️ Pay the renewal fee (same as the application fee)

Renewals are straightforward, but a new bond is required each time you renew.

How Much Can a Notary Charge in South Dakota?

The maximum fee is $10 per notarization.

Other Ways to Increase Your Earnings as a Notary:

While the base fee for notarization is capped, there are many ways to boost your income:

Mobile notary services (charge travel fees in addition to notarization fees)
Document preparation and printing
Apostille services
Loan signings
After-hours services

These additional services can boost your earnings to $25–$75 per appointment or more, depending on the service provided and your location.