The origins of the notary public trace back to the days of the
Roman Republic. Today, the position remains important in our
republic.
As the overseer of the notary seal for South Dakota, our office
produces this reference handbook for notaries in this State. This
handbook contains South Dakota's notary statutes, definitions of
terms commonly used in performing notarial acts, and the
procedures for becoming a notary public in South Dakota.
Referencing this booklet will help the notary have a greater
understanding of the decisions, responsibilities, and obligations
entrusted to each notary public.
The oath of notary public carries a serious obligation. Once
appointed and commissioned, a notary public becomes a public
officer charged with "special trust and confidence in integrity and
ability." To faithfully serve the public, the notary public must be
knowledgeable about his or her responsibilities.