South Dakota Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective July 1, 2024 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2024
- Statute
- SDCL §§ 18-1-11.2 to 18-1-11.8 (electronic records); SDCL § 18-1-11.1 (tangible documents, personal knowledge)
- Bill Number
- SB 211 (SL 2024, ch. 71)
South Dakota RON Law Overview
South Dakota authorized remote online notarization in 2024 by SB 211 (SL 2024, ch. 71), codified at SDCL §§ 18-1-11.2 to 18-1-11.8 (electronic records); SDCL § 18-1-11.1 (tangible documents, personal knowledge), effective July 1, 2024. A South Dakota online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in South Dakota who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for South Dakota
Enacted by SB 211 (SL 2024, ch. 71). Signer location: Statute requires only that the signer's remote location be stated in the certificate; the SOS says the signer may be anywhere. No outside-US conditions in statute. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
South Dakota RON Requirements
Under South Dakota law, every remote online notarization must take place via real-time audio-video communication between the notary and the signer. Knowledge-based authentication may be used but is not strictly required. The notary is required to keep an electronic journal documenting each transaction and to use tamper-evident sealing on all notarized documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Not required
- KBA required
- No
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
South Dakota recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (SDCL §§ 18-5-3, 18-5-15).
Online Notary Availability in South Dakota
Notaron is available 24/7 across South Dakota. See location-specific guides for major South Dakota cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2024 under SDCL §§ 18-1-11.2 to 18-1-11.8 (electronic records); SDCL § 18-1-11.1 (tangible documents, personal knowledge). Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for South Dakota-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires identity verification for all remote online notarizations.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does South Dakota accept out-of-state RON?
South Dakota recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (SDCL §§ 18-5-3, 18-5-15).