Surety bonds • South Dakota
South Dakota Surety Bonds: Requirements and Costs by Bond Type
South Dakota requires surety bonds for vehicle dealers and for contractors on public improvements. Vehicle dealers need a $25,000 bond, smaller dealer types need $5,000 to $20,000, and public improvement contracts need security of at least the full contract price. Since July 1, 2025, South Dakota notaries no longer file a bond.
Each bond links to a detailed guide with official sources. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in South Dakota, and a licensed agent can help you find and file the bond you need.
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Tell us the bond you need and who requires it, and a licensed agent will follow up. Submitting the form does not bind coverage.
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Common South Dakota surety bonds
| Bond | Who requires it | Required amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle dealer bond | Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division | $25,000 ($5,000 to $20,000 for other types) |
| Public improvement bond | Public corporations (SDCL 5-21) | At least the contract price |
Amounts are sourced in each linked guide.
Notaries and contractors
As of July 1, 2025, the South Dakota Secretary of State no longer requires a surety bond to apply for a notary commission; the filing fee is $30. South Dakota also has no statewide contractor license bond. Contractors need a contractor’s excise tax license from the Department of Revenue, and the excise tax is 2% (South Dakota Department of Revenue contractor’s excise tax guide). See our general liability insurance guide.
Federal bonds South Dakota businesses often need
- Freight broker bond (BMC-84): $75,000, filed with FMCSA.
- ERISA bond: at least 10% of plan funds handled.
- Bid bonds and Miller Act bonds on federal construction.
What South Dakota bonds cost
The $25,000 dealer bond starts around $175 a year. Contract bonds are priced based on credit and finances. See our surety bond cost guide or the surety bond cost calculator.
South Dakota surety bond FAQs
How much is a South Dakota dealer bond?
$25,000 for vehicle and used vehicle dealers.
Do South Dakota notaries need a bond?
No. Since July 1, 2025, a bond is no longer required to apply.
Do South Dakota contractors need a state bond?
No statewide license bond, but they need a contractor’s excise tax license, and public improvement contracts require security.
Related guides
- South Dakota auto dealer bond
- South Dakota public works bond
- Nebraska surety bonds
- Iowa surety bonds
- Surety bonds
- Surety bond cost
- Surety bond cost calculator
- Buy a surety bond online
- License and permit bonds
- South Dakota landscaping contractor insurance
- South Dakota HVAC contractor insurance
- South Dakota electrical contractor insurance
- South Dakota plumbing contractor insurance
- South Dakota roofing contractor insurance
- West Virginia surety bonds
- New Mexico surety bonds
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
Tell us the South Dakota bond you need, and a licensed agent will help you compare options, or start a bond quote online with our partner.
