SD Notary Fee Schedule and Compensation 3

Question 1

When must a South Dakota notary disclose their fee to the signer?

Accepted Answer

Disclosure is not required by South Dakota law

Answer

South Dakota notary statutes do not mandate advance fee disclosure, though best practices recommend transparency before performing the act.

Question 2

A notary charges $10 for an acknowledgment and $10 for an oath administered during the same appointment. The signer claims they should only be charged $10 total. The notary is:

Accepted Answer

Correct; each separate notarial act may be charged up to $10

Answer

Each distinct notarial act performed—acknowledgment and oath—is a separate chargeable event subject to its own $10 maximum.

Question 3

A South Dakota notary performs a jurat and charges $10. The signer tenders a $20 bill. The notary has no change. The notary may:

Accepted Answer

Keep only $10 and owe the signer $10 change

Answer

The notary is legally entitled to only $10 per act; retaining $20 would exceed the statutory maximum fee.

Question 4

Which South Dakota statute governs the maximum fee a notary public may charge?

Accepted Answer

SDCL 18-1-4

Answer

SDCL 18-1-4 is the specific South Dakota statute that establishes the $10 maximum fee for notarial acts.

Question 5

A notary refuses to notarize a document unless the signer pays the full $10 fee upfront. Under South Dakota law, this practice is:

Accepted Answer

Permissible because the notary has the right to collect the fee before acting

Answer

South Dakota law allows notaries to collect their fee before performing the notarial act; requiring prepayment is a recognized business practice.

SD Notary - South Dakota Notary Exam Practice Test

SD Notary - South Dakota Notary Exam Practice Test

SD Notary Fee Schedule and Compensation 3