What You Need to Do to Become a South Carolina Notary
To become a notary public in South Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of South Carolina. You will need to complete an process through the South Carolina Secretary of State's office, pass a notary exam, and pay the required fees. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from process to commission.
South Carolina does not require you to take a pre-exam course, but you must study the state's notary laws and rules on your own before sitting for the exam. The exam covers your duties as a notary, what documents you can notarize, how to handle common situations, and the penalties for breaking the law. You cannot use notes or reference materials during the test.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a South Carolina resident to become a notary.
- The South Carolina Secretary of State's office processes all notary applications and issues commissions.
- You must pass a written exam covering notary law, duties, and procedures before your commission is granted.
- Your notary commission lasts for five years, after which you can renew by reapplying and paying the renewal fee.
- South Carolina requires notaries to maintain a journal of all notarizations they perform, with specific details about each transaction.
Meet the Basic Requirements
South Carolina has straightforward may be able to access requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of South Carolina at the time you explore. You do not need to be employed by a specific business or organization—many notaries work independently or maintain a notary commission while holding other jobs.
The state does not require a high school diploma or specific work experience. However, you should be comfortable reading and understanding legal documents, following detailed procedures, and keeping accurate records. If you have a criminal conviction, contact the Secretary of State's office before explore, as certain felonies may disqualify you.
Complete the process and Pay the Fee
read the notary process from the South Carolina Secretary of State website. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and contact information. You will also declare that you meet the age, citizenship, and residency requirements and that you have not been convicted of certain crimes.
Mail the completed process to the Secretary of State's office along with the process fee, which is currently $20. Include a check or money order payable to the South Carolina Secretary of State. The office will send you an exam date by mail once your process is received and processed. Keep a copy of your process for your records.
Study South Carolina Notary Law
The exam covers South Carolina's notary statutes, which are found in Chapter 26 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. You need to understand what a notary can and cannot do, how to properly notarize different types of documents, and what records you must keep. The state provides a study guide on the Secretary of State's website that outlines the topics covered on the exam.
Key topics include the definition of notarization, the types of notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths), how to identify the signer, what information must go in your notary journal, and the penalties for misconduct. You should also learn about situations where you cannot notarize—for example, you cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction or if the signer is not present before you.
Take and Pass the Notary Exam
The South Carolina notary exam is a written test administered at a location and time set by the Secretary of State's office. The exam typically has 50 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. You will have a set amount of time to complete the test, usually around two hours.
Bring a valid photo ID to the exam. You cannot bring study materials, notes, or electronic devices into the testing room. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam by paying the fee again and scheduling another test date. Many people pass on the second or third try after reviewing the material more carefully.
Receive Your Commission and Set Up Your Journal
Once you pass the exam, the Secretary of State's office will issue your notary commission. You will receive a commission certificate by mail, which is your official proof that you are a notary public. Your commission is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
Before you perform any notarizations, you must obtain a notary journal—a bound book where you record details about every notarization you perform. South Carolina law requires you to record the date, the type of notarial act, the name and address of the signer, the document title, and your signature and seal impression. You can purchase a journal from office supply stores or online retailers. Keep your journal in a safe place and bring it with you when you notarize documents.
Renew Your Commission Every Five Years
Your notary commission expires five years after it is issued. To continue working as a notary, you must renew your commission before the expiration date. The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you complete a renewal form, pay the renewal fee (currently $20), and submit it to the Secretary of State's office.
You do not have to retake the exam to renew. However, you should stay current on any changes to South Carolina notary law. The Secretary of State's office occasionally updates the rules, and you are responsible for knowing the current requirements. Check the Secretary of State's website periodically for updates or subscribe to their mailing list if one is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. South Carolina law prohibits you from notarizing a document if you are a party to the transaction, have a financial interest in it, or are related to the signer by blood or marriage. You also cannot notarize if the signer is your employee or employer. This rule exists to prevent fraud and conflicts of interest.
Do I need to get bonded or insured as a notary?
South Carolina does not require notaries to carry a surety bond or errors and omissions insurance. However, some employers or clients may ask you to carry insurance before they hire you or use your services. Check with any organizations you plan to work with to see if they have insurance requirements.
What should I do if I lose my notary journal?
Contact the Secretary of State's office when ready to report the loss. You are required to maintain a record of all notarizations, and losing your journal is a serious matter. The office may require you to file a report explaining what happened. Start a new journal right away and keep it in a find location.
Can I notarize documents outside of South Carolina?
Your South Carolina notary commission is only valid within South Carolina. If you move out of state, your commission becomes invalid. If you travel out of state for work, you cannot perform notarizations in other states unless you are also commissioned there.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
South Carolina law sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You can charge less, but you cannot charge more. Some notaries charge a flat rate for all notarizations, while others charge by the document or by the number of signatures. Keep records of the fees you collect.