How to Become a Notary Public in South Carolina
Here is a comprehensive guide to assist you go through the whole thing:
- The South Carolina Secretary of State’s website provides both the Notary Public Application and the Renewal Application.
- Complete the online application form carefully and properly.
- Finish the application by having it notarized from an accredited notary public.
- Send with the application a $25 check or money order payable to “The Secretary of State.”
- You need to send the application package to your state’s House or Senate office for referral. A list of delegation offices will also need to be provided.
- The county commissioners will direct your application to the office of the Secretary of State for processing.
- After the approval, your new Commission certificate will be sent to you by mail.
- Buy a notary seal, but ensure that it conforms to the state’s regulations.
- Consider obtaining a bound journal where you write all your notarized acts.
- E&O insurance should be acquired to safeguard yourself from possible claims against you.
- Please attach your commission certificate to the Clerk of Court of the county where you currently live. Expect a $10 filing charge.
- While not compulsory, regular completion of notary public courses, which include updates on the law and best practices, is highly likely to produce positive results.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in South Carolina?
Eligibility Requirements to become a notary in South Carolina are as follows:
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- Residency: South Carolina resident
- Voter Registration: Registered voter in South Carolina
- Language: Ability to read and write English
- Criminal Background: No felony convictions or convictions of offenses against election laws.
- Mental Competency: Not under a court order declaring mental incompetence
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in South Carolina?
The regulatory fees for fulfilling a notary public’s requirements in South Carolina are not excessive. It is the $25 as an application fee to the Secretary of State’s office, and the $10 as a filing fee to the county clerk that you will have to pay once the provisional commission is approved. And, of course, that is a great thing, but the overall cost can grow if you are going to search for certain sources.
New notaries often require additional support to feel confident in their role. Training materials, online courses, or even live consultations with experts can be valuable resources, but they’ll add to the overall cost. The price for these extras can vary significantly depending on the vendor you select. Some vendors offer bundled packages that might be more cost-effective, while others may charge separately for each training element or support service.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in South Carolina?
The time available for Notary Public Commission application in South Carolina will differ depending on the County of your residence. The State Department’s Office estimates between two weeks to twelve weeks.
How Long is a Notary Commission Valid in South Carolina?
A South Carolina Notary Public Commission lasts for a period of 10 years.
Do I need Training to Become a Notary in South Carolina?
South Carolina doesn’t require training or exams for notary commissions. However, the Secretary of State offers educational resources like workshops and seminars to help you stay informed about notary best practices and any relevant updates.
What Supplies Do South Carolina Notaries Need?
There are two essential supplies you’ll need as a South Carolina Notary Public:
Official Notary Seal: It can be either a branding ink or an embosser. In the seal, your name as it appears on your commission should be with two other inscriptions: “Notary Public” and “State of South Carolina.” If you want to, you can also add your commission’s expiration date. Consider choosing a quality seal to ensure the ink does not bleed through, which could result in document rejection.
Notary Journal (Required for Electronic Notarizations): While not obligatory for the case of the regular act, writing down the act in a bound journal is recommended rather than making the act mandatory. It becomes crucial if you ever face legal challenges. Look for a journal with numbered pages and tamper-proof sewn construction to ensure easy identification of any missing pages.
Furthermore, many vendors offer bundled packages containing a seal, journal, and other notary supplies. These can be economical options, but compare quality and content before purchasing.
What About Bonds or Insurance for South Carolina Notaries?
To become a Notary Public in South Carolina, no guarantee or bond is required. A bond delivers financial protection to the public, covering them from the harm brought on by your errors or neglect in fulfilling your obligations as a notary. If a signer faces any loss or damage as a result of your blunder, the bond is claimed to pay them, and you will be liable to pay back the surety company.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) coverage is a possible choice for notaries who are seeking monetary security. This is a choice, but if you get E&O coverage, your costs and losses related to a lawsuit will be reimbursed (up to the policy level).
South Carolina Notary Public FAQs
Who Oversees Notaries in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, notary licenses have been administered by the Secretary of State’s Office, specifically the Notary Public Branch. They are located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Can I become a South Carolina Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You cannot work as a Notary Public in South Carolina unless you have U.S. citizenship. Notary Public applicants in South Carolina are supposed to be authorized to vote, and becoming a voter stipulates citizenship in the United States.
Where will I be able to notarize?
The legal power of a South Carolina Notary Public only extends within the state’s territory. This implies you can do notarial actions on papers anywhere in the state, regardless of their final destination.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for anyone in South Carolina as long as the document and notarization request follows South Carolina notary laws. This involves ensuring proper document completion and valid I.D. verification from the signer.
Also, you cannot notarize documents where you have a financial stake. This means no notarizations for yourself, close family, or transactions where you might benefit financially.
As a neutral witness, you verify the signer’s identity and ensure the document is signed willingly. When these conditions are met, you can provide notary services to anyone in South Carolina.
How much can I charge for my notary services?
The Secretary of State limits notary fees in South Carolina. Standard notarizations cost a maximum of $5, while electronic notarizations are capped at $10. You can choose to charge less. Travel fees are permitted, but only with the signer’s prior consent and a clear explanation that it’s separate from the standard fee. If you charge notary fees, you must display an English-language fee schedule at your workplace or present it to signers outside your office.
How Can I Become an Online Notary Public in South Carolina? Is it Legal?
The 2021 May South Carolina Remote Online Notarization Act finally gave notaries the privilege to do remote online notarizations (RON). This regulation made RON legal and implementable within the state. The existing notaries can become eligible for RON by registration with the Secretary of State.
To become an eNotary in South Carolina, hold an active Notary Public commission, then take an approved eNotary course and pass the exam. Register online with the Secretary of State, submitting proof of course completion and a $50 fee. Remember, your eNotary authorization is linked to your traditional commission and expires with it.
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
Address, name, or contact changes require notification to the South Carolina Secretary of State within 45 days. Update your info using the Change in Status Form (available online) and a $10 filing fee. Moving to a different county within South Carolina won’t affect your commission expiration or existing seal.
A name change requires a new commission reflecting your updated legal name, filed with the Clerk of Court in your county. You can temporarily use your old name until you receive confirmation and a new seal from the Secretary of State.
How do I renew my South Carolina Notary Public Commission?
The South Carolina Notary Public Commission renewal process is identical to the initial application process. For a seamless transition, the Secretary of State recommends that you apply for your renewal far ahead of the expiration date of the current commission. Ideally, planning ahead accordingly would be the best eight to twelve weeks before the expiration date. It allows adequate processing time to avoid gaps in your notary service authorization.
