Overview
South Dakota has an active Remote Online Notarization framework administered by the Secretary of State. South Dakota requires an active notary commission, completion of an SoS-approved online training course, acquisition of the necessary technology, and application for RON authorization through the SoS. South Dakota's framework is among the lower-cost RON setups nationally - the $10 application fee is one of the cheapest in the country - and the process is straightforward for existing commissioned notaries.
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South Dakota’s 2-3 week processing window and $10 fee make it an accessible entry point for notaries in the state. South Dakota also allows residents of bordering states (Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota) who maintain a regular place of work or business in South Dakota to hold a South Dakota commission. Once authorized, South Dakota RON notaries can serve signers anywhere in the country.
South Dakota RON Framework: What the Law Requires
South Dakota’s RON requirements under state statutes:
- Active South Dakota notary public commission issued by the Secretary of State
- Completion of an SoS-approved online training course
- Application for RON authorization submitted to the Secretary of State
- Selection of an approved RON technology platform
- Two-way real-time audio-visual communication for every remote session
- Identity verification using approved methods (KBA and/or credential analysis)
- Electronic journal entry required per notarial act
- Audio-visual recording of sessions retained per state requirements
- Remote notarial certificate language on all electronic certificates
South Dakota’s Online Training Course Requirement
South Dakota requires completion of an online training course approved by the Secretary of State before the RON authorization application. The training covers South Dakota RON law, platform requirements, identity verification procedures, and electronic recordkeeping. Verify the current approved training providers at sdsos.gov before enrolling. Keep the training completion certificate to include with the application – applications submitted without proof of training are incomplete.
South Dakota-Approved RON Platforms
South Dakota requires the use of an SoS-approved technology platform. Platforms that have been approved for South Dakota RON include:
- Notarize (Proof) – high consumer session volume, per-session payment model
- NotaryLive – strong notary scheduling and session management
- DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
- SIGNiX – mortgage and title company integrations
Verify the current South Dakota-approved list at sdsos.gov before finalizing your platform choice. Include your selected platform in the RON application.
The Bordering-State Work Exception
South Dakota allows residents of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, or North Dakota who maintain a regular place of work or business in South Dakota to hold a South Dakota notary commission. For notaries near these borders, this creates an opportunity to serve the South Dakota RON market while residing in a neighboring state. Confirm physical location compliance during remote sessions – your location at the time of the notarial act matters for compliance with South Dakota law.
South Dakota Traditional Commission: Key Facts
South Dakota notary commissions are issued by the Secretary of State. The commission term is 6 years – one of the longer terms nationally. A surety bond is required as part of the commission. The 6-year term means fewer renewal intervals for RON notaries, giving more time to build a practice before the next renewal cycle. Verify current bond requirements and commission fees at sdsos.gov.
After Authorization: South Dakota RON Compliance
Once authorized, South Dakota RON notaries must:
- Use only the approved platform(s) listed in the authorization
- Maintain an electronic journal with complete entries per act, including signer ID verification data, act type, date, and document description
- Retain audio-visual recordings per South Dakota’s retention requirements
- Use South Dakota-specific remote notarial certificate language
- Notify the SoS of changes in platform or contact information
What South Dakota RON Notaries Can Notarize
South Dakota RON covers acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. Practical volume areas:
- Agricultural and land documents – South Dakota’s farming and ranching economy
- Real estate and mortgage documents – consistent demand from lender and title platforms
- Legal and business documents – powers of attorney, corporate documents, affidavits
- Out-of-state signers – South Dakota RON notaries can serve signers anywhere nationally
Common Mistakes South Dakota RON Notaries Make
- Enrolling in training not on South Dakota’s approved online course list
- Using a platform not on South Dakota’s current approved list
- Performing remote sessions before receiving SoS authorization confirmation
- Not retaining audio-visual recordings per state requirements
- Confusing bordering-state residency eligibility with physical location compliance during sessions
Before You Start
South Dakota RON requires SoS authorization before any remote session. Complete the approved online training course, submit the application with platform information and training proof, pay the $10 fee, and wait for written confirmation. Official reference: South Dakota Secretary of State – Notary Public.
Prerequisites
- Active South Dakota notary commission (6-year term)
- South Dakota residency OR bordering-state resident with regular SD place of business
- Completion of SoS-approved online training course (proof required with application)
- RON authorization confirmed by Secretary of State
- Use only SoS-approved technology platform
- Electronic journal required per act
- Audio-visual recording retention required
Steps
Confirm your active South Dakota notary commission through the Secretary of State (6-year term)
Complete an SoS-approved online RON training course and obtain proof of completion
Review the current South Dakota-approved RON platform list at sdsos.gov
Select an approved RON technology platform
Submit the RON authorization application to the South Dakota SoS with training proof and platform information
Pay the $10 RON application fee (one of the lowest in the country)
Wait for SoS authorization confirmation (2-3 weeks) before performing any remote sessions
Set up electronic seal, electronic journal, and audio-visual recording on your approved platform
Note the 6-year commission renewal date and verify RON authorization renewal requirements
Training & Exam
Training:
SoS-approved online training course required before application. Covers South Dakota RON law, platform requirements, identity verification, and electronic recordkeeping. Verify current approved providers at sdsos.gov before enrolling. Proof of completion required with application.
Exam:
No separate RON exam beyond the required online training course. Competency verification is included in the approved training. Submit proof of completion with your SoS application.
Bond & E&O
Bond:
Surety bond required for South Dakota notary commission - verify current bond amount with the South Dakota Secretary of State at sdsos.gov/general-information/licensing/notary-public/default.aspx
E&O Insurance:
E&O insurance recommended; $500,000 coverage typical for professional notaries. Not state-mandated but required by many platforms.
Costs Breakdown
- RON authorization application: $10 (among the lowest nationally)
- SoS-approved online training course: $50-$125
- South Dakota notary commission: verify at sdsos.gov
- Surety bond: verify current amount with SoS
- RON platform/technology: $20-$50/month
- Digital certificate/e-seal: $50-$100/year
- E&O insurance (recommended): $75-$150/year
Timeline
RON authorization: 2-3 weeks after complete application submission to the South Dakota Secretary of State
Apply & Official Links
FAQ
What is the South Dakota RON application fee?
$10 - one of the lowest RON application fees in the country. This makes South Dakota an accessible RON market for commissioned notaries in the state.
How long is a South Dakota notary commission?
6 years - one of the longer commission terms nationally. When renewing, verify whether RON authorization renews with the commission or requires a separate step.
Can bordering-state residents get a South Dakota commission?
Yes. Residents of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, or North Dakota who maintain a regular place of work or business in South Dakota can hold a South Dakota notary commission, including for RON purposes.
Does South Dakota require training for RON authorization?
Yes. South Dakota requires completion of an SoS-approved online training course before the authorization application. Proof of completion is required with the application. Verify the approved provider list at sdsos.gov before enrolling.
Can South Dakota RON notaries serve out-of-state signers?
Yes. Once authorized, South Dakota RON notaries can serve signers located anywhere in the country.
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