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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the South Dakota Secretary of State using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
South Dakota commissions notaries public for a six-year term. Remote online notarization of electronic records is authorized under SDCL 18-1-11.2. A current notary files a Notary Change Form naming the tamper-evident platform and an electronic seal image; the SOS then issues an e-notary certificate. South Dakota does not approve or list vendors. A separate statute, SDCL 18-1-11.1, addresses remote notarization of tangible (paper) records—confirm that process in the statutes if you will offer it.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the South Dakota Secretary of State’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a South Dakota notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Six-Year Commission, Then E-Notary Change Form
Obtain the seal, file the $30 application and oath, and wait for the commission certificate before you notarize. Then file the change form to add e-notary services.
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Read the official notary and e-notary pages Open How to Become a Notary Public, Remote Electronic Notarization, Notary FAQs, and Notary Public Change Form. |
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File the traditional commission Mail the application, oath, and $30 fee to the Secretary of State, 500 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 204, Pierre, SD 57501. |
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If you already hold a South Dakota commission, file the change form before the first electronic remote session Name the tamper-evident vendor and include the electronic seal image as Remote Electronic Notarization instructs. |
Part 1: Traditional South Dakota Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired South Dakota notary public commission. You cannot add e-notary services until you are commissioned.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to |
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Complete traditional notary education Not listed on the official how-to page as a required pre-commission course or exam. |
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Obtain a surety bond Not applicable as an SOS filing as of July 1, 2025. A bond is optional for your own records and is not filed with the SOS. |
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Submit the traditional application Obtain the seal first, complete the application and oath with the name exactly as on the seal, and enclose the $30 filing fee payable to Secretary of State. You are not authorized to notarize until you receive the commission certificate. |
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Receive the six-year commission The expiration date is exactly six years from the commission date (Notary FAQs). Renew no more than 60 days before expiration. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
The notary must be physically in South Dakota. The signer may be anywhere. The SOS does not keep an approved-vendor list; research whether the provider meets SDCL 18-1-11.2 before you file.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Remote Electronic Notarization, Notary Public Change Form, and SDCL 18-1 and 18-4. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed on the official e-notary page as a required SOS RON course. Complete any training your provider requires. |
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Start the online commission application File Notary Public Change Form and check that you want to add e-notary services. List the tamper-evident vendor name(s). |
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Sign with a digital certificate Complete certificate and platform setup with the vendor you name. The SOS filing is the change form, not a separate digital-certificate portal. |
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Upload your electronic seal Include an electronic image of the e-seal with the change form. If the image is not yet available, record it on a later change form when the vendor provides it. |
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Pay and submit A separate SOS dollar amount for the e-notary change form is not listed on Remote Electronic Notarization or How to Become a Notary Public. Confirm with the Notary office before you mail the form. Wait for the e-notary certificate before offering electronic remote services. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not provide electronic notarization services until the Secretary of State has issued the certificate showing you are listed as an e-notary.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
The $30 commission fee is from How to Become a Notary Public. A separate e-notary change-form dollar amount is not printed on Remote Electronic Notarization. Platform fees are extra.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary education | Not listed on the official how-to page |
| Online notary education | Not listed on the official e-notary page |
| Traditional application (new or renewal) | $30.00 |
| E-notary change form | Not listed as a separate SOS dollar amount |
| Surety bond | Not required to be filed with the SOS as of July 1, 2025 |
Official South Dakota Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| How to become a notary | sdsos.gov/general-services/notary-public/how-become-notary.aspx |
| Remote electronic notarization | sdsos.gov/general-services/notary-public/enotary.aspx |
| Notary Change Form | sdsos.gov/.../NotaryChangeForm.pdf |
| Notary office | (605) 773-3537 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must hold a current South Dakota notary public commission, then file the change form with the vendor name and electronic seal image, and wait for the e-notary certificate.
Q: Does South Dakota approve a list of RON platforms?
A: No. The SOS does not require vendors to seek approval and does not keep an approved-vendor list. Research whether the provider meets SDCL 18-1-11.2.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use How to Become a Notary Public, Remote Electronic Notarization, and Notary FAQs.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
