What Exactly is Required to Become a South Dakota Notary Public?
There are many differences in the requirements, qualifications, and duties of notaries around the country. Each has a different length of term, seal, and range of sworn duties. If you are interested in what it takes to work as a notary in South Dakota, you will want to begin the process by discovering which South Dakota notary supplies you will require, how to apply, and what duties you will perform.
Let's consider the application first as it makes the rest of the information much easier to find and understand. If you consider the notary application to be the same as any other essential supplies for a South Dakota notary, you'll discover some additional supplies you'll need at the same time.
For example, if you visit the secretary of state's website, you'll learn all about the qualifications, the fees required to apply, the oath of office that the application has, and something known as a notary bond.
Before anyone can obtain a commission to work as a notary, they must submit evidence of a surety bond in the amount of $5k along with the application. However, it is in the application process that South Dakota differs from many other states. This is because it requires notaries to obtain one of the most critical of all South Dakota notary supplies even before they obtain a commission.
What Will My Notary Seal Look Like?
According to the state's laws, you must purchase a notary seal before submitting your application and all of the other supporting documents. The seal has to meet the state's design guidelines, and a copy of its imprint must accompany the rest of the application. The design is simple and must contain:
- Your name as it will appear on the application and the commission
- The title written out as "Notary Public"
- The name of the state written out as "State of South Dakota"
- It has to have a border surrounding it
- Outside of the border, along the bottom edge, should be the words "my commission expires" along with the date of expiration
- It can be an embosser or a rubber stamp
- If you opt to use a rubber stamp, the phrase "Seal" must appear on the stamp as well
When you obtain a commission, you can then expand upon your South Dakota notary supplies by purchasing a device that can print the details of your commission expiration. According to the state's guidelines for South Dakota notary supplies, your stamp should say, "My commission expires" followed by the date that the current commission ends. You would use this beneath the seal each time you perform a notarial act.
So, in addition to the application, fees, surety, or notary bond in $5k, and a copy of your seal, your South Dakota notary supplies would have to include a device used to mark the expiration date of your commission (though handwriting this is also deemed acceptable).
The state does not mandate the use of a record book or journal, but most notaries find that these are extremely helpful to them if ever called to testify about any notarial act. Thus, part of your South Dakota notary supplies should also be a well-designed journal meant specifically to document your work.
What Sort of Duties Can a South Dakota Notary Perform?
The notaries in the state do not have a tremendous list of duties that they are authorized to perform, and are limited to:
- Executing jurats
- Taking acknowledgments
- Administering oaths
- Taking proofs
- Administering affirmations
Even with this limited range of tasks, you want to use only the best South Dakota notary supplies. After all, your term of office is six full years, and so your seal will be used for at least that long (unless you change your name during your term). Additionally, if you decide to include a commission expiration stamp in your South Dakota notary supplies, that too has to print clearly for the full six years as well.
The journal may not be mandatory, but if you keep one among your South Dakota notary supplies, it should be designed to withstand the use and last for years to come as a formal record. Working with the best quality suppliers of South Dakota notary supplies helps you to maintain a professional reputation and image and makes the work easier, tidier, and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What South Dakota notary supplies are required to apply for a commission?
To apply for a South Dakota notary commission, you will need a completed application, the required $5,000 surety bond, and a notary seal that meets state design rules. You must also submit a copy or imprint of your seal with the application.
Do I need a notary seal before I submit my South Dakota notary application?
Yes. South Dakota requires you to purchase your notary seal before submitting your application. The seal imprint must accompany your application, and it must include your name, “Notary Public,” “State of South Dakota,” a border, and the commission expiration date.
Is a notary journal required in South Dakota?
No, a notary journal is not required by South Dakota law. However, many notaries choose to keep one because it helps track notarizations, supports accurate recordkeeping, and can be useful if you are ever asked to testify about a notarized transaction.
What should a South Dakota notary stamp include?
A South Dakota notary stamp should include your name, the words “Notary Public,” the words “State of South Dakota,” a border, and the phrase “My commission expires” followed by your commission expiration date. If you use a rubber stamp, the word “Seal” must also appear on it.
How much is the South Dakota notary bond, and why do I need it?
South Dakota requires a $5,000 surety bond as part of the notary application process. The bond helps provide financial protection and is one of the key requirements for becoming a notary public in the state.
What other South Dakota notary supplies should I consider for long-term use?
In addition to your seal and bond, many notaries choose a durable commission expiration stamp and a high-quality journal. Since a South Dakota notary commission lasts six years, it is smart to invest in supplies that will remain clear, reliable, and professional throughout your term.
