SD Notary Fee Schedule and Compensation

Question 1

What is the maximum fee a South Dakota notary public may charge per notarial act under SDCL 18-1-4?

Accepted Answer

$10

Answer

South Dakota law (SDCL 18-1-4) sets the maximum notary fee at $10 per notarial act.

Question 2

A South Dakota notary charges $8 for each acknowledgment. Is this permissible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because it is below the $10 statutory maximum

Answer

Notaries may charge any amount up to the $10 statutory maximum, so $8 is fully permissible.

Question 3

Under South Dakota law, may a notary public choose to perform notarial acts without charging any fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a notary may waive the fee entirely at their discretion

Answer

The statutory fee is a maximum, not a mandatory charge; notaries may waive or reduce fees at their discretion.

Question 4

If a notary performs three separate notarial acts on the same document signing appointment, what is the maximum total fee the notary may collect?

Accepted Answer

$30, because the $10 fee applies per act

Answer

The $10 cap applies per individual notarial act, so three acts may yield a maximum of $30.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable practice regarding notary fees in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Charging $12 because the signer requested expedited service

Answer

Charging $12 exceeds the $10 statutory maximum and is prohibited regardless of the reason.

SD Notary - South Dakota Notary Exam Practice Test