Becoming a notary public allows you to provide important services that help facilitate business and legal transactions in your community.
As a notary in South Dakota, you can offer convenient notarization services to establish trust and verify identities for documents.
This essential role also generates an additional income opportunity with a flexible schedule. If you are a resident of South Dakota interested in a rewarding chance to support commerce and relationships, read on to learn the key steps and latest policies to become a notary in your state.
South Dakota Notary Qualifications
To qualify for commission as a notary public in South Dakota, you must meet all these requirements per state laws:
- At least 18 years old
- Reside or have a regular place of work or business in South Dakota
- Be able to read and write English
- Have not had a notary commission revoked during the past 10 years
- Pass a background check for any felony criminal convictions
- Secure a $7,500 surety bond
You must also complete an approved notary training course and pass the associated exam. Qualified applicants can submit an official commission application with the Secretary of State’s office.
Complete a Notary Public Education Course
South Dakota requires all notary candidates to complete at least a 3-hour state-approved training program. Many options for in-person classes and online courses are available through private vendors, colleges, and industry groups across the state.
These classes cover essential topics like proper procedures for administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, verifying identities, maintaining journals, using stamps or seals, and avoiding conflicts of interest or unauthorized practice of law.
The courses prepare you to pass the comprehensive exam needed to fulfill South Dakota’s educational provisions for notaries.
Pass the Notary Public Exam
After you finish the educational course, the provider will schedule a 60-minute proctored exam to evaluate your understanding of South Dakota notary rules, regulations and best practices. The exam consists of around 30 multiple choice questions.
A passing score of at least 70% is required to meet the state’s testing requirement for commissioning. If you fail your first attempt, you can immediately retake the exam up to two more times.
Some training vendors charge an additional sitting fee for repeats. If you do not achieve a passing grade after three total tries, you must repeat the full education course before any further chances to take the exam.
Complete Background Check & Fingerprinting
As part of your new notary commission application, you must also submit fingerprints through an authorized agency to facilitate a South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation background check.
The Secretary of State’s office reviews the findings for any disqualifying felony convictions that would prevent your approval to serve as a notary.
You can schedule fingerprinting appointments as a walk-in at various law enforcement agencies and sheriff’s offices statewide.
The standard $49 state and FBI processing fee is typically paid during your visit. This extensive background check helps uphold integrity and public trust in notarization transactions.
Obtain a Notary Bond
South Dakota notaries must be bonded for errors and omissions insurance coverage through an insurance company or bonding agency.
You can choose individual coverage of $7,500 or apply under a master bond policy held by an employer or notary association. This surety bond protects consumers financially for any material mistakes made during your notarizations.
Shop approved insurance providers for the best premium rate. Expect costs between $30-60 per year. Some companies offer discounts for memberships with professional notary groups.
Coverage always stays with the bonded individual, so your policy travels if you change jobs. Master bonds require $7,500 deductibles.
Complete Your Notary Public Application
Once you fulfill South Dakota’s core eligibility criteria, you can formally apply for your notary commission through the Secretary of State. This office facilitates appointments by the Governor who officially commissions qualified notaries.
Visit the SOS website to access the notary application materials. You will submit contact info, proof of bonding, educational course certificate, passing exam score report, background check, and payment for the base $30 commission fee plus any optional components you select.
Licenses expire after 5 years unless you maintain an active master bond which extends terms to match policy durations.
Obtain Your Notary Supplies & Tools
Before executing your first notarizations after approval, you need to obtain essential supplies like:
- Notary seal or stamp
- Notary journal to document transactions
- Reference guide
- Certificate forms
Also consider useful additions like embossers, business cards, notary logbooks, carrying cases and more. Reputable vendors offer specially designed kits with packages catered to new notaries.
Be sure your stamped seal includes your name exactly as it appears on your commission certificate from the Secretary of State’s office along with key phrases like “Notary Public” and “South Dakota” and the expiration date. Carefully restrict access to keep your seal secure.
Build Your Notary Business & Services
Once the Secretary of State activates your new commission, you can begin providing notary services as an independent professional or through an employer. Typical documents include:
- Real estate closing papers
- Affidavits
- Mortgages
- Franchise agreements
- Wills or powers of attorney
- Apostilles certifying public records for international use
You can offer mobile notary convenience for events like weddings or signings at nursing homes. Some notaries provide translation for non-English speakers. Consider focusing on niches like mortgage lending teams or law offices to establish steady business.
Appropriately market availability for walk-ins or appointments using online listings, site signage, networking events and promotions through social media, direct mailers or community bulletins.
Charge reasonable fees aligned with your specialty, typically $5 per signature or higher for travel. Keep pricing transparent and consistent.
Extend small discounts for regular or high-volume clients to nurture relationships. Uphold integrity by avoiding conflicts of interest with friends, relatives or your own affairs.
Maintain Your Notary Commission
Once commissioned, you must continue meeting South Dakota’s standards for education, examinations, background checks and insurance bonds to maintain an active status. Additionally, you need to:
- Renew surety bonds before they expire
- Filebond policy certificates with the Secretary of State
- Pay license renewal fees every 5 years
- Complete continuing education credits
- Carefully follow correct procedures with every notarization
- Charge fair prices – notary services cannot be compensation for other work
- Keep an oversight journal documenting details of each notarial act
Failing to satisfy any of South Dakota’s commissioning requirements can lead to suspension or full revocation of your license to serve as a notary. Uphold your oath of office with honesty and integrity.
FAQs from Aspiring South Dakota Notaries
Q: What is the typical cost to become a notary in South Dakota?
Q: Where can I perform notarizations once commissioned in South Dakota?
Q: Can I conduct online notarizations?
Q: Do I need any special equipment or software?
Q: How much money can South Dakota notaries make?
Conclusion
By meeting South Dakota’s clear legal qualifications and following the proper steps to pass mandated exams, secure bonding and complete filings, you can achieve commissioned status to perform notarizations.
This opens flexible earning options ranging from occasional side income to steady full-time salaries through private or institutional employers.
Be sure you understand all requirements to serve with integrity and avoid legal penalties. Invest carefully in high quality training, supplies and business marketing to establish a rewarding notary career.