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South Dakota Says See Ya to Surety Bonds

July 2025

Well, next time South Dakota notaries renew (new ones too) they will no longer have to post a surety bond. Up until July 1st it was necessary, but House Bill 1133 changed that.

If you are currently under commission you must keep your bond until the end of the commission. But, when you renew your commission the surety bond no longer needs to be renewed.

For those out of the loop, a surety bond:

A surety bond is a three-party contract that guarantees a party (the principal) will fulfill their obligations to another party (the obligee), according to the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA). The surety, often an insurance or bonding company, provides a financial guarantee that the obligee will be compensated if the principal fails to perform their obligations.

South Dakota Says See Ya to Surety Bonds

No other major changes were made. Everything else in the new or renewal for a notary remains untouched.

Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson commented on the new legislation, stating, “This legislation streamlines the notary process and removes a barrier that often caused confusion or delay. We are committed to making public services as accessible and efficient as possible.”

It is always a positive to see new legislation make a notary’s life easier. Saving a little money on a bond is a bonus as well.

Want to know how to become a notary in South Dakota? We’d recommend this page on “How to Become a Notary”.

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In the News, Notary News and Advice

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Accused Nebraska Notary to Run for Governor

“While we normally never give a notary’s name, we will in this case, as the notary is running for governor. His name is going to be plastered everywhere, so we feel we should break our rule in this instance.”

July 2025

The Nebraska saga takes another strange.

Jacy Todd, accused of 24 counts of improper notarization. has thrown his hat into a run for governor. For the record, he does deny the charges.

We’ve been covering this story for a while. If you want to catch up, we recommend you read our previous stories.

As you can see, it has been a roller coaster ride up to this point. And in a lot of ways, it is just getting started. Some might even say it is bizarre.

Accused Nebraska Notary to Run for Governor

Todd is a Republican who has signed up for the 2026 primary, facing off against current Governor Jim PIllen. He is the first one to challenge the incumbent. The primary is in May 2026.

This is garnering a lot of attention, not only because of the pending charges, but also because Todd is a big supporter of legal marijuana. The owner of a CBD health and wellness store has placed himself in the spotlight.

Todd faces some huge hurdles to win the primary. The incumbent Governor Pillen already had 3.7 million dollars in campaign donations. For his part, Todd said he will travel the state and out-voice PIllen. He also looks forward to Governor debates to close the gap between his new rival.

It is a truly grassroots campaign, that aims to target Nebraskans looking for change.

“I think that Nebraska is a powerful enough state that we could grass root this all the way to the Capitol and clean house up there,” Todd said.

There is anger amongst many Nebraskans, who passed the medical marijuana bill by a vote of over 70%. The state legislature is ignoring the will of the voters, and is stalling the voters’ intentions. In many eyes this is an abandonment of their duties to the voters.

Regarding the charges, Todd says he was purposefully targeted. Since he was a prominent proponent and volunteer for the initiative, he says he was singled out by the state.

We could pore over all of the legal details of the story, but we recommend you check out this story from the Nebraska Examiner for more details.

Todd is not the first person to become a notary for a cause important to them, and he won’t be the last. He didn’t do it for the money, he did it for health reasons.

A combat veteran and a sufferer of PTSD, Todd found no solace in the loads of medications given to him. It was not until he discovered marijuana on a trip to Colorado that he found his answer. He said it worked and give him his first good night sleep in years.

Since then, he has become an ardent supporter of legalized marijuana, and has tried his best to help people who need or want to try CBD.

We wish Jacy Todd the best.

Florida Not the Only State with Notarios

Well, we’ve been much ado about the notario situation in Florida, it has started to be addressed in another. Notario fraud has exploded in California and the attorney general wants to make sure everyone knows about it.

Notarios have become more active among immigrants, who are falling for the immigration scams that have become prevalent. For those who have not read our previous articles, notarios promise legal services that are not allowed under US law. These people are not trained on the law and cannot give advice.

A big hangup is that notario publicos can provide legal services in many of the countries affected by immigration. So, people fall for it more easily. The exception are lawyers, who are allowed to offer notario services, but are discouraged from using the name.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has now released a warning.

“Immigration scams, including notario fraud, prey on the hopes of safety and stability of our immigrant communities,” said Bonta. “Before hiring someone claiming to offer help with immigration matters or assistance locating a detained loved one, I urge people to familiarize themselves with existing resources that are often available at little or no cost and learn how to check that the individual is qualified to provide immigration help.”

Here is a sample of what not to do, according to the consumer alert.

California has a notario problem, too.

DON’T


Do not hire an immigration consultant or a notary. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so. They cannot provide legal advice or direction with immigration forms, help you fill out forms, or assess your eligibility for different types of immigration relief. They also cannot speak to the government on your behalf. They can only do non-legal, clerical tasks, like translating information on forms.


Do not be persuaded by false promises or pressured to pay for immigration services.

Do not trust anyone who claims to be able to get special favors from the government or guarantees you a work permit or any other immigration benefit. Do not trust anyone who wants you to act immediately. Be skeptical of social media or other ads promising new or quick immigration help.
California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General.

Do not sign anything until you understand what you are signing. Do no not agree to anything that is not put in writing and in a language you understand. If you are not fluent in the language the contract is in, ask that it be translated. You are entitled to a contract that lists all the services that will be provided and how much each service costs. Keep a copy of the contract and all receipts of your payments.


Do not pay for immigration forms. These forms can be accessed for free by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at uscis.gov/forms or (800) 870-3676.


Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks. Before you sign any immigration forms, be sure that the forms are fully and accurately filled out. Don’t let anyone convince you to lie on a form or sign a blank form. Never sign anything until you understand what it says.


Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. No federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email, or text.

There are actions to take in the consumer alert as well as resources.

In some ways, it is evident to avoid anyone who calls themselves a notario.

Oklahoma Looks to Prevent Deed Fraud

We’ve talked extensively about deed fraud and a notary or fake notary’s role in it. (or non involvement in a case like forgery and forged stamps)

Well, Oklahoma has just passed a bill aimed at reducing or eliminating the possibility of deed fraud in the state. The bill, SB 1028, is set to go into action on January 1st, 2026.

This has some disappointed it is taking so long, as deed fraud has expanded across the state. But, the Oklahoma State’s Clerks Office wants to pull it off with as few hitches as possible. They cite a smooth transition for both individuals and businesses.

What Does a Notary Have to Do?

There is always something the notary is responsible for, am a right?

First, let’s start with the basics. The fee to get a commission or renew one will change from $20 and $15 to $50 (new notary) and $45 (renewal). The bond to become a new or renewed notary moves from $1,000 to $10,000. Most would use an insurance agent for this, but there are other edge methods we won’t go into, as they are part of current law. Upon filing of the bond, there will be a $25 fee, which is up from the $10 previous fee.

Beyond that, the new bill requires notaries to go through a background check and partake in fingerprinting. This will be administered through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

It sounds good in theory, but since there are so many forgeries, who knows how well it will perform in practice.

Can I Help Protect a Signer?

Oklahoma Looks to Prevent Deed Fraud

In short, yes.

You can give them a link to the Property Alert Service. There you can register to receive updates if there is a transaction involving your home. You can also give them a phone number to call, 405-713-1865, where they can receive more information.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000