No. South Dakota does not require notarization for a will to be validSDCL 29A-2-502Verified Sep 16, 2026View source. The notary's role is the self-proving affidavitSDCL 29A-2-502Verified Sep 16, 2026View source, a notarized statement the testator and witnesses sign with the will so it enters probate without locating the witnesses; the form includes it.

South Dakota requires 2SDCL § 34-12D-3 (living will form; no statutory healthcare proxy form)Verified Oct 15, 2026View source witnesses, each at least 18 yearsSDCL § 34-12D-3 (living will form; no statutory healthcare proxy form)Verified Oct 15, 2026View source old and present when you sign.

In South Dakota, estates valued at $100,000SDCL § 29A-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Small Estate AffidavitSDCL § 29A-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 30 daysSDCL § 29A-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death. Real property is outside the affidavitSDCL § 29A-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which reaches personal property only. South Dakota sets the limit by the decedent's date of deathSDCL § 29A-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source; an earlier death may be measured against a lower figure. An estate over the limit does not qualify, and no affidavit is prepared for it.

No. South Dakota does not require witnesses for a financial power of attorneySDCL § 59-12-3, § 59-12-4, § 59-12-5, § 59-12-6, § 59-12-8, § 59-12-23, § 59-12-41Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; the notary acknowledgment is the execution formality.