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Notary Public in South Carolina

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC

Est. Total Cost

$25

Education + exams + fees

Time to Complete

2-12 weeks

From start to licensed

How to Become a Notary Public in South Carolina

To become a Notary Public in South Carolina, applicants must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter in the state, and able to read and write English. The application process involves completing an application, having it notarized, and submitting it with a $25 fee to your county legislative delegation office for endorsement. No exam or continuing education is required, and the commission is valid for 10 years. While a notary seal is required, a journal is only mandatory for in-person electronic notarizations.

Notary Public Requirements in South Carolina

Detail	South Carolina
Licensing Body	South Carolina Secretary of State
State License Required	Yes
Education	Be able to read and write English, be a registered voter in South Carolina, and submit an application with no significant misstatement or omission of fact.
Exam	No exam required
Application Fee	$25
Renewal	Every 10.0 years
Notes	Minimum age 18. Must be a resident of South Carolina. No bond is required. Application must be signed by a state legislator (county legislative delegation office). Must enroll commission with the Clerk of Court in the county of residence within 15 days of being commissioned (no penalty for late enrollment). A notary seal is required, but failure to use a seal will not affect the validity of the notarial act. A journal is only required for in-person electronic notarial acts. Electronic notarization is allowed with registration and an online course/exam, but remote online notarization (RON) is not currently permitted.

Source: South Carolina Secretary of State

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming a notary public in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, becoming a notary public requires you to complete the required education (Be able to read and write English, be a registered voter in South Carolina, and submit an application with no significant misstatement or omission of fact.), pass the No exam required, and submit your application ($25 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a notary public in South Carolina?

South Carolina mandates state licensure for notary publics. South Carolina Secretary of State oversees the process, which includes passing the No exam required.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in South Carolina?

Costs include application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is $25, including education and training.

How many months or years does notary public certification take in South Carolina?

Most candidates in South Carolina complete the process in 2-12 weeks, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.