South Dakota Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in South Dakota is a certificate completed by a SD-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. South Dakota law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
South Dakota notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. South Dakota notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all SD notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$10
Max fee per act
6 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
South Dakota Acknowledgment Wording
South Dakota law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with South Dakota county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
South Dakota Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects South Dakota's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, the undersigned officer, personally appeared _______________, known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public, South Dakota
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, the undersigned officer, personally appeared _______________, who acknowledged himself/herself to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that said instrument was executed on behalf of said entity by authority of its governing body.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public, South Dakota
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, the undersigned officer, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, known to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument, and each acknowledged to me that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public, South Dakota
My Commission Expires: _______________
South Dakota Notary Requirements
South Dakota has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: South Dakota notary commissions are valid for 6 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $5,000 surety bond is required for South Dakota notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in South Dakota
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in South Dakota
- Seal/Stamp: South Dakota notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $10 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in South Dakota
South Dakota does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in South Dakota must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by SD law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
South Dakota Notary Fees
South Dakota regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in South Dakota.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $10 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $10 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $10 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
South Dakota Identification Requirements
South Dakota notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in South Dakota.
Sample South Dakota Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our South Dakota-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact SD statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of South Dakota
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
South Dakota Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in South Dakota, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official South Dakota Resources
Use these official resources to verify South Dakota notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related South Dakota Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in South Dakota, or that require SD notarization.
South Dakota Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
South Dakota Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
South Dakota Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
South Dakota Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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