To become a notary in South Carolina (SC), you’ll need to meet basic eligibility requirements, complete the state application, get it notarized, pay the required fees, and file your commission with the county clerk.

Quick Scoop: How to Become a Notary in SC

  • Be at least 18, a South Carolina resident, and a registered voter.
  • Fill out the official Notary Public Application from the SC Secretary of State.
  • Get your application notarized by an existing notary.
  • Pay the $25 application fee and mail it to your county legislative delegation office.
  • Once approved, receive your commission, then file it with your county Clerk of Court (around a $10 fee) within about 15 days.
  • Buy your notary stamp and start notarizing.

Basic Requirements in South Carolina

To qualify, you typically must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a resident of South Carolina.
  • Be a registered voter in South Carolina (your voter registration number is required on the form).
  • Be able to read and write English.
  • Not be under a court order declaring mental incompetence.
  • Not be currently in prison for a crime, and have no disqualifying felony/election‑law convictions (or have completed your sentence/pardon).

You can confirm or look up your voter registration number through your County Board of Elections and Voter Registration or the SC Election Commission.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Become a Notary in SC

1. Get the Official Application

  • Download the “Notary Public Application and Renewal” form from the South Carolina Secretary of State website.
  • Fill in your personal details, including:
* Name and mailing address
* Home address and county
* Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
* Date of birth
* Voter registration number
* Phone and email

Make sure everything is printed clearly and accurately; county officials will also complete a portion of the form.

2. Get the Application Notarized

  • Sign the “Oath of Notary Public” (or equivalent oath section) in front of a currently commissioned South Carolina notary public.
  • The notary will date and notarize your signature; the signature date and notarization date typically must match.

3. Pay the State Fee and Mail It

  • Include the required $25 fee, usually by check or money order as instructed on the application.
  • Mail the completed original application (all pages) and fee to the legislative delegation office for your county of residence.
  • County legislative delegation office addresses are listed at the end of the application; if your county doesn’t have one listed, the instructions may direct you to send it to the House of Representatives.

Processing can take roughly 2–12 weeks depending on your county.

4. Receive Your Commission

  • After approval, you’ll receive your official notary commission certificate by mail.
  • Check that your name and details match what you want on your notary stamp.

Notary commissions in South Carolina generally last 10 years.

5. File Your Commission with the Clerk of Court

  • Within about 15 days of being commissioned, you’re expected to enroll/file your commission with the Clerk of Court in your county of residence.
  • Bring:
    • Your commission certificate
    • Photo ID
    • Filing fee (commonly around $5–$10; many sources specifically note $10).

South Carolina law mentions enrollment within 15 days, but some guidance notes there is no formal penalty if you’re late; still, it’s wise to complete it promptly.

6. Get Your Notary Stamp and Supplies

  • Purchase a South Carolina‑compliant notary stamp (and optional seal) after you receive your commission.
  • Many notary supply companies provide stamps designed to meet SC rules.

Optional but smart additions:

  • Notary journal to record acts (even if not required, it’s good risk management).
  • Errors & omissions (E&O) insurance to protect yourself from mistakes, though it’s not required by law to become commissioned.

Duties, Terms, and Electronic Notaries

What SC Notaries Do

Under South Carolina law (Title 26, Chapter 1), notaries can perform acts such as:

  • Acknowledgments of documents.
  • Oaths and affirmations.
  • Jurats (e.g., for affidavits).
  • Certain copy certifications, where allowed.

You must follow state law carefully when identifying signers, administering oaths, and completing certificates.

Commission Length

  • South Carolina notary commissions are typically valid for 10 years before renewal is required.

Becoming an Electronic Notary (Optional)

If you want to perform electronic notarizations:

  • You must already hold an active SC notary commission.
  • Complete the electronic notary application on the SC Secretary of State’s online portal and pay the electronic notary filing fee (listed as $50 in guidance).
  • Complete the required education and exam under Section 26‑2‑30, usually via an online video and test provided through the Secretary of State’s portal.
  • Choose an approved electronic notarization technology provider.

After approval, you’ll receive an electronic notarial certificate and can perform electronic notarizations in accordance with state rules.

At‑a‑Glance: SC Notary Path (HTML Table)

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Step What You Do Key Details
1\. Check eligibility Confirm you meet age, residency, voter registration, and English literacy requirements. 18+, SC resident, registered voter, can read/write English, no disqualifying convictions.
2\. Download application Get the Notary Public Application from the SC Secretary of State. Fill in personal info, voter registration number, contact details.
3\. Get it notarized Sign oath section in front of a commissioned notary. Signature and notarization dates should match.
4\. Pay and mail Attach $25 fee and mail application. Send to your county legislative delegation office listed on the form.
5\. Wait for commission Application is processed and either approved or rejected. Timeline often around 2–12 weeks, depending on county.
6\. File with Clerk of Court Enroll your commission in your county of residence. Bring ID, commission certificate, and filing fee (about $10).
7\. Buy stamp and supplies Purchase stamp, seal, and optional journal/E&O insurance. Stamp should comply with SC requirements; E&O not required but recommended.
8\. Optional: e-notary Apply online to become an electronic notary. Requires extra course, exam, $50 fee, and approved technology provider.

Mini FAQ and Recent Context

  • Is this process current?
    Guidance from notary organizations and forms revised as recently as 2024 show the application, fee, and filing structure still in use, though small fee or procedural tweaks can occur, so it’s wise to verify on the SC Secretary of State site before applying.
  • Can I make good side income?
    Many resources frame becoming a notary as a flexible way to add income, especially if you later add mobile or loan‑signing work, but income depends on your local demand and hustle.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.