How to Become a Notary in South Carolina
Learn about South Carolina notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to South Carolina law.
South Carolina does not currently require mandatory pre-commission education for notary applicants, but applicants must meet eligibility requirements including a background check. The Governor's office handles notary commissions. Notary Mentor is a supplementary study resource only and does not replace any official state requirements.
South Carolina Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in South Carolina.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-100, South Carolina notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Each journal entry must include the date and time of the act, the type of notarial ac...
Fees & Seals
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-90, the maximum fee a notary may charge is $5.00 per notarial act for traditional notarizations. For remote online notarizations, the maximum fee is $25.00. The notary...
Key Topics Covered for South Carolina
Master these essential areas of South Carolina notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-5 et seq. and the state's Notary Public Act (§ 26-1-100 et seq.), a notary taking an acknowledgment must determine that the person appearing before...
Journals & Records
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-100, South Carolina notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Each journal entry must include the date and time of the act, the...
Identity Verification
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-100, a notary must verify the identity of a signer through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. Satisfactory evidence includes a current go...
RON Specifics
South Carolina enacted remote online notarization provisions under S.C. Code § 26-2-400 et seq. Notaries must register with the Secretary of State for RON authorization. RON sessio...
Prohibited Acts
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-120, notaries are prohibited from: performing acts where the notary has a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction; notarizing the notar...
Fees & Seals
Under South Carolina Code § 26-1-90, the maximum fee a notary may charge is $5.00 per notarial act for traditional notarizations. For remote online notarizations, the maximum fee i...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in South Carolina
Mistakes that South Carolina notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Failing to maintain a journal of notarial acts as required under the Notary Public Act.
Performing RON without registering with the Secretary of State for remote online notarization.
Using the title 'Notario Publico' in advertising, which is prohibited under S.C. Code § 26-1-120.
Notarizing a document in which the notary has a financial or beneficial interest.
Charging fees exceeding the $5.00 maximum for traditional or $25.00 for remote notarizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in South Carolina.
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