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Notary Public Exam — Core Principles

Commission (SD): practice questions

Our Notary Public bank has 14 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1 · South Dakota

According to the South Dakota Notary Handbook, when does a notary commission expire?

  1. At midnight on the day of expiration
  2. At 5 p.m. on the day before expiration
  3. At noon on the day of expiration
  4. At the close of the last business day of that month
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A. At midnight on the day of expiration — SD Notary Handbook, Commission and Expiration Dates (exactly six years; midnight).

Question 2 · South Dakota

How long is a South Dakota notary public commission term, unless the notary is removed sooner?

  1. Four years
  2. Ten years
  3. Six years
  4. Eight years
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C. Six years — SDCL 18-1-1.

Question 3 · South Dakota

Before performing the duties of the office, a South Dakota notary public must:

  1. Pass a written examination given by the state
  2. Complete a six-hour approved training course
  3. Register with the clerk of the circuit court
  4. Take an oath as required by SDCL 3-1-5
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D. Take an oath as required by SDCL 3-1-5 — SDCL 18-1-2.

Question 4 · South Dakota

What must a South Dakota notary file with the Office of the Secretary of State before entering upon the duties of the office?

  1. An impression of the official seal, together with the oath
  2. A copy of the notary's first journal page
  3. A certificate of completed notary training
  4. A surety bond and a full set of the notary's fingerprints on file
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A. An impression of the official seal, together with the oath — SDCL 18-1-3.

Question 5 · South Dakota

Which criminal history bars the South Dakota secretary of state from appointing a person as a notary public?

  1. Any misdemeanor conviction in the past five years
  2. Any felony conviction
  3. Any arrest within the last ten years
  4. A felony conviction within the past ten years only
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B. Any felony conviction — SDCL 18-1-1: may not appoint any person convicted of a felony.

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