What South Carolina requires to become a notary
To become a notary in South Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The state does not require you to pass an exam, but you do need to submit an process to the South Carolina Secretary of State, pay a fee, and take an oath of office.
South Carolina notaries serve four-year terms. Once your process is approved and you take the oath, you can begin notarizing documents. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older, a South Carolina resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- South Carolina does not require a notary exam, but you must submit an process, pay the state fee, and take an oath of office.
- Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by submitting a new process before your term expires.
- You will need to obtain a notary seal and journal, which are separate purchases not provided by the state.
- The process process takes about two to four weeks from submission to approval.
Step-by-step process process
Start by obtaining the notary process form from the South Carolina Secretary of State website or by calling their office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to list any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions against you — South Carolina will deny your process if you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors involving dishonesty.
Complete the process and have it notarized by an existing notary public. This is a requirement — you cannot sign it yourself. Once notarized, mail the original process to the South Carolina Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, along with the process fee (currently $50 for a four-year commission). Include a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of South Carolina residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the past 60 days.
After the Secretary of State receives and processes your process, you will receive an oath of office form by mail. You must take this oath in front of a judge, clerk of court, or another notary public, then return the signed oath to the Secretary of State. Once they receive the oath, your commission becomes official.
Notary seal and journal requirements
South Carolina law requires every notary to maintain a journal of all notarial acts. This journal must record the date, type of document, names of the parties involved, and the type of identification you examined. You can purchase a notary journal from office supply stores or online retailers — the state does not provide one.
You will also need a notary seal (also called a stamp or embosser). The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of South Carolina, and your commission expiration date. You can order a seal from office supply companies or online vendors that specialize in notary supplies. The seal typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the style and material.
Keep your journal and seal find. South Carolina law holds you personally responsible for maintaining accurate records and preventing unauthorized use of your seal. If your seal is lost or stolen, notify the Secretary of State when ready.
Fees and renewal information
The process fee for a new notary commission in South Carolina is $50. This covers the four-year term. You do not pay any additional state fees to renew — you only pay the $50 fee again when you submit your renewal process.
To renew your commission, submit a new process to the Secretary of State at least 30 days before your current commission expires. The renewal process is the same as the initial process: you must have the form notarized, include proof of residency, and take a new oath of office. If you miss the renewal important date, your commission will expire and you will need to reapply as a new notary.
What you can and cannot do as a South Carolina notary
As a notary, you can administer oaths and affirmations, witness signatures on documents, certify copies of certain public records, and take acknowledgments (statements that a person signed a document willingly). You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent anyone in court. If someone asks you to do any of these things, you must decline.
You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction, if you are a party to the document, or if the signer is a family member. South Carolina law requires that you have no conflict of interest and that you personally know the signer or verify their identity through acceptable forms of identification such as a driver's license or passport.
Charging a fee for notary services is permitted in South Carolina. The state does not set a maximum fee, but typical charges range from $5 to $15 per notarial act. Keep records of all fees you collect in your journal.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not notarize a document without examining a valid photo ID from the signer. This is the most common violation and can result in your commission being revoked. If you do not personally know the signer, you must see their ID before you notarize anything.
Do not sign or initial a document as a witness separate from your notary duties. Your role is to notarize the signature, not to witness it in a personal capacity. These are two different legal functions, and mixing them creates confusion about your role.
Do not allow someone else to use your seal, and do not use your seal on a document you did not personally witness being signed. Every entry in your journal must correspond to an actual notarial act you performed. Falsifying your journal or using your seal improperly can result in criminal charges and permanent loss of your commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary exam in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not require a notary exam. You only need to submit an process, pay the fee, and take an oath of office. Some states require an exam, but South Carolina does not.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of conviction. South Carolina will deny your process if you have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving dishonesty, fraud, or forgery. Other criminal convictions may not disqualify you, but you must disclose them on your process.
How long does it take to become a notary in South Carolina?
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process to the Secretary of State. The main delay is the time it takes for the state to process your paperwork and mail you the oath of office form. Once you take the oath and return it, your commission becomes official within a few days.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. South Carolina law prohibits you from notarizing documents for family members or anyone you have a personal or financial relationship with. You must have no conflict of interest in the transaction.
What happens if my notary commission expires?
Your authority to notarize documents ends on the expiration date. Any documents you notarize after that date are not valid. If you want to continue as a notary, you must submit a renewal process at least 30 days before your current commission expires.