About the Notary Seal

A Notary Seal may be purchased at an office supply company, stationery store, or a print shop. There are two types of seals that are generally available for purchase – the embossing seal or the rubber stamp. Either of the two stamps is acceptable as a notary seal. The seal must contain:

• Applicant's name.
• The words "Notary Public" and "South Dakota".
• A border surrounding the imprint.
• If a rubber stamp is used, the word "Seal" must be included on the stamp.
• The words “My Commission Expires” are NOT to be inside the border of the seal, but may be placed outside the border.
  • A notary must write, print or use a separate stamp imprint with the words "My commission expires" and the expiration date. If the words are printed on the form, the notary need not duplicate them.
  • The official notary seal imprint on your Application and Oath is the only Seal imprint to be used when notarizing documents. If you find it necessary to have a different type of notary seal, you must first submit an imprint to our office before using a different notary seal.
  • It is absolutely necessary that the imprint of the applicant's Notary Seal be included on the Application and Oath form when it is submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State.