If you want to become a Notary Public in South Carolina, complete the following steps:
- Meet all of your state's qualifications.
- Complete the application and get it notarized.
- Mail the application with the $25 fee to the office of the local county legislative delegation for endorsements.
- Buy your Notary seal.
- File your commission certificate with the county clerk and pay the $10 fee.
About the South Carolina Notary Process
The term of a South Carolina Notary commission is 10 years. Learn how much it costs and how long it takes to become an SC Notary Public.
Cost to Become an SC Notary
The cost to become a Notary in South Carolina is approximately $70, depending on where you purchase your Notary seal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$25 |
| Notarization fee |
$5 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| County recording fee |
$10 |
| Total Cost |
$70 |
Commission Processing Length
The Secretary of State's office estimates approximately two to 12 weeks to process a Notary commission application, depending on your county of residence.
South Carolina Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you have what it takes to become a Notary in the Palmetto State? Read on below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in South Carolina must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of South Carolina
- Be a registered voter in South Carolina
- Be able to read and write English
- Not be under a court order declaring mental incompetence
- Not be serving a term of imprisonment for conviction of a crime
- Never have been convicted of a felony or offense against election laws or, if previously convicted, have served a full sentence or received a pardon
Application
Complete the application and bring it to a South Carolina Notary for notarization.
Mail the application with the attached $25 fee to the office of the local county legislative delegation for endorsements. (A list of county delegations is available on the application form.) The office will forward your application to the Secretary of State's office.
Commission Certification
The Secretary of State will mail your commission certificate. You’ll have 15 days to enroll it with the clerk of court in the county of your residence. The county recording fee is $10.
Notary Supplies
South Carolina Notaries must have an official seal of office, which may be in the form of an ink stamp or embosser. The seal must contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of South Carolina"
- Your commission expiration date (optional)
If you plan to perform in-person electronic notarization, you must maintain an official Notary journal.
South Carolina Notary Public FAQs
Below, we answer the most common questions about Notaries.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The South Carolina Office of the Secretary of State, Notary Public Division, located in Columbia, SC, issues Notary Public commissions.
May I become a South Carolina Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No, South Carolina Notaries must be registered voters in the state. You must be a U.S. citizen to vote.
Is there training or an exam required for South Carolina Notaries?
No training or exam is required. However, South Carolina Secretary of State regularly conducts Notary seminars around the state. The SOS also highly recommends attending workshops on a yearly basis to stay informed of Notary issues.
The NNA has several Notary training courses online to provide you with a formal education.
Do South Carolina Notaries need a surety bond?
South Carolina Notaries are not required to purchase a surety bond.
Notaries may insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A South Carolina Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You're prohibited from notarizing your own signature or any documents in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
What fees can South Carolina Notaries charge per notarization?
South Carolina Secretary of State sets the maximum fee Notaries may charge at $5 per notarial act and $10 per electronic notarization.
An additional fee for travel may be charged, but only if the signer agrees to it ahead of the notarization and understands the travel fee is separate from the notarization fee.
If you charge fees for your Notary services, you must display an English-language fee schedule in your place of business or present it to signers when you're outside of your place of business.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address, name or contact information must be reported to the Secretary of State within 45 days. Complete the Change in Status Form and mail or hand-deliver it to the Secretary with payment for the $10 fee.
- Address change: If you move to a different county, your commission expiration date remains the same and you may continue using your existing seal.
- Name change: If you change your name, your commission expiration date also remains the same, but you must get a new seal with your new name. Changing your name necessitates a new commission, which must be filed with the clerk of court in your county of residence.
You may continue performing notarial acts under your former name until you receive confirmation from the SOS and your new seal.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
The process to renew your South Carolina Notary commission is the same as the application process above. The Secretary of State recommends submitting your renewal application at least eight to 12 weeks before your current commission expires.
How do I become an electronic Notary in South Carolina?
To become an eNotary in South Carolina, you must hold an active Notary Public commission. Then, you must take a course and pass the exam. Complete the registration form and submit payment for the $50 registration fee along with proof of course completion. Your eNotary authorization ends when your traditional Notary Public commission expires.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in South Carolina?
Back to Top
Last updated: Sep 26, 2025