How to Become a Notary in SC: Your Path to Wielding the Official Seal in South Carolina
I still remember the first time I watched a notary public at work. It was at my local bank, and this woman pulled out her stamp with such authority – like she was about to knight someone. There's something oddly satisfying about that official ka-chunk sound when the seal hits paper. If you're reading this, you're probably wondering how to get your hands on that stamp and join the ranks of South Carolina's notaries public.
Let me walk you through what I've learned about becoming a notary in the Palmetto State. It's not rocket science, but there are definitely some hoops to jump through, and knowing the ins and outs beforehand will save you time and frustration.
The Reality Check
First things first – being a notary in South Carolina isn't going to make you rich. I know, I know, crushing dreams right out of the gate. But it's important to set expectations. Most notaries charge between $5 and $10 per signature (that's the state maximum), so unless you're planning to notarize documents full-time in a high-traffic area, this is more of a side hustle or a valuable addition to your current job skills.
That said, having notary credentials can absolutely make you more valuable to employers, especially if you work in real estate, banking, law, or healthcare. Plus, there's something to be said for being the go-to person when someone desperately needs something notarized at 7 PM on a Tuesday.
Who Can Actually Become a Notary in South Carolina?
South Carolina keeps it pretty straightforward. You need to be:
- At least 18 years old
- A legal resident of South Carolina (or work in SC if you live in a bordering state)
- Able to read and write English
That's it. No college degree required, no special connections needed. They don't even run a credit check, which surprised me when I first looked into this.
Now, here's where it gets interesting – South Carolina doesn't require you to be a U.S. citizen to become a notary. You just need to be a legal resident. This is actually more progressive than some states, and it reflects the practical reality that plenty of legal residents need notarial services in their communities.
The Application Process (Where the Rubber Meets the Road)
The South Carolina Secretary of State's office handles all notary applications, and they've actually streamlined the process quite a bit in recent years. You'll need to complete an application that asks for basic information – name, address, county of residence, that sort of thing.
One quirk about South Carolina's system: you're commissioned for a specific county. This doesn't mean you can only notarize documents in that county (you can actually perform notarial acts anywhere in the state), but it does determine where you file your paperwork and which probate judge you'll deal with.
The application fee is $25, which is pretty reasonable compared to some states. You'll also need to get a $10,000 surety bond, which sounds scarier than it is. Most insurance companies that offer these bonds charge between $50 and $100 for the full 10-year term. Think of it as insurance that protects the public if you mess up a notarization.
The Education Requirement (Or Lack Thereof)
Here's where South Carolina differs from many other states – there's no mandatory education requirement. No classes to take, no exams to pass. While this makes the process easier and cheaper, I actually think it's a missed opportunity.
I've seen too many notaries who don't really understand what they can and can't do, leading to rejected documents and frustrated clients. Even though it's not required, I'd strongly recommend taking an online notary course anyway. The National Notary Association offers them, and spending a few hours learning the ropes will save you from embarrassing (and potentially costly) mistakes down the road.
Getting Your Supplies
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate in the mail. But you're not done yet – you still need your official seal and journal.
South Carolina requires either a rubber stamp or an embosser that includes:
- Your name exactly as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- "South Carolina"
- Your commission expiration date
You can order these online from various vendors, but make sure they comply with South Carolina requirements. I've seen people order generic stamps online only to find out they don't meet state specifications. Expect to spend $20-40 for a decent stamp.
While South Carolina doesn't require you to keep a journal of your notarial acts, I'm going to go against the grain here and say you absolutely should keep one anyway. It's your best protection if someone ever questions a notarization you performed. A simple logbook where you record the date, type of document, and signer's information takes minimal effort and could save your bacon someday.
The Oath of Office
Before you can start notarizing, you need to take an oath of office. This is administered by the Clerk of Court or a deduly authorized deputy in your county. It's a quick process – you basically swear to faithfully perform your duties as a notary public.
Some counties let you make an appointment, others operate on a walk-in basis. Call ahead to find out. And yes, you need to do this in person – no Zoom oaths allowed, at least not as of my last check.
What You Can (and Can't) Do
Once you're commissioned, you can:
- Acknowledge signatures
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take affidavits and depositions
- Certify copies of certain documents
- Perform marriage ceremonies (yes, really!)
That last one catches people off guard. South Carolina notaries can officiate weddings, which is pretty cool. I know a notary who built a nice little side business performing beach weddings in Charleston.
But here's what you absolutely cannot do:
- Give legal advice (unless you're also an attorney)
- Notarize your own signature
- Notarize for immediate family members
- Notarize incomplete documents
- Backdate or forward-date notarizations
That family member restriction trips people up constantly. Your cousin needs something notarized? Sorry, find another notary. It's about avoiding even the appearance of conflict of interest.
The Money Talk
Let's get real about fees. South Carolina caps notary fees at $5 per signature, with some specific exceptions that can go up to $10. You're not required to charge anything – plenty of banks and credit unions offer free notary services to their customers.
If you're thinking about making this a business, consider the volume you'd need to make it worthwhile. At $5 per signature, you'd need to notarize 20 documents just to make $100. Factor in travel time if you're doing mobile notary work, and the economics get challenging pretty quickly.
That said, I know mobile notaries who do quite well by specializing in real estate closings or by building relationships with law firms and healthcare facilities. It's about finding your niche.
Renewal and Keeping Current
Your South Carolina notary commission lasts for 10 years, which is generous compared to many states. About 60 days before expiration, you'll need to apply for renewal. The process is similar to the initial application, and you'll need a new bond.
One thing that catches people: if you move to a different county during your commission term, you need to notify the Secretary of State's office within 30 days. If you change your name (marriage, divorce, etc.), that requires a whole new application.
The Electronic Frontier
South Carolina authorized electronic notarization in 2018, and remote online notarization (RON) became legal in 2021. This is where things get interesting for the tech-savvy among us.
To perform electronic notarizations, you need additional authorization from the Secretary of State and must use an approved technology platform. The setup costs are higher – expect to pay for software subscriptions and possibly additional equipment – but you can charge more for electronic notarizations and reach clients statewide without leaving your home.
I'll be honest: the RON requirements are more complex, and the technology is still evolving. But if you're comfortable with technology and looking to differentiate yourself, this could be worth exploring.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a notary in South Carolina is relatively straightforward, but doing it well requires more thought than just getting your stamp and starting to notarize everything in sight. Take time to understand the responsibility you're taking on. That stamp represents the state's trust in your integrity and judgment.
Whether you're adding notary services to complement your current job or thinking about building a mobile notary business, success comes from understanding not just the legal requirements but also the practical realities of the role. Build relationships, maintain impeccable records, and never notarize something that doesn't feel right.
And remember – when in doubt, don't notarize. It's better to send someone away disappointed than to notarize improperly and face the consequences later. Your commission is a privilege, not a right, and it can be revoked for misconduct.
The path to becoming a notary in South Carolina is open to almost anyone willing to take on the responsibility. Just remember that with great stamping power comes great responsibility. Or something like that.
Authoritative Sources:
South Carolina Secretary of State. "Notaries Public." South Carolina Secretary of State Official Website, www.sos.sc.gov/notaries-public. Accessed 2024.
South Carolina Code of Laws. "Title 26 - Notaries Public and Commissioners." South Carolina Legislature Online, www.scstatehouse.gov/code/title26.php. Accessed 2024.
National Notary Association. Notary Public Practices and Procedures in South Carolina. National Notary Association, 2023.
South Carolina Bar Association. "Guidelines for Notarial Practice in South Carolina." South Carolina Bar Publications, 2023.
United States Department of State. "Notarial and Authentication Services." Bureau of Consular Affairs, travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/internl-judicial-asst/authentications-and-apostilles.html. Accessed 2024.