South Carolina authorized remote online notarization (RON) in May 2021. Since then, commissioned notaries in the state have been able to conduct legally binding notarizations entirely over a secure video call no in-person meeting required.
If you are already a commissioned notary public in South Carolina, or are working toward your commission, this guide walks you through every step: eligibility, required training, technology setup, application, fees, and what you can legally notarize once you are approved.
Is Online Notarization Legal in South Carolina?
Yes. The South Carolina Remote Online Notarization Act, signed into law in May 2021, formally authorizes commissioned notaries to perform notarizations via two-way audio-visual communication on approved platforms. Notarizations completed under this framework carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations and are recognized in all 50 U.S. states.
Requirements to Become an Online Notary in South Carolina
Before applying, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be able to read, write, and understand English
- Hold a current South Carolina notary public commission (or be applying for one simultaneously)
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions, unless a prior offense has been officially pardoned
- Complete an approved RON training course
- Select and register with a South Carolina-approved RON technology vendor
Every box must be checked before your application is accepted by the Secretary of State’s office.
Training and Examination Requirements
South Carolina requires all RON applicants to complete a training course from an approved provider before submitting their application. The course covers identity verification procedures, electronic journal requirements, proper use of your digital seal, and the legal standards governing remote notarizations in the state.
There is no separate written exam. Successfully completing the approved training course satisfies the educational requirement. BlueNotary Academy offers a state-compliant RON Essentials training course that covers all required content and can be completed online at your own pace.
If you are looking to understand the broader notary landscape before specializing in RON, becoming a notary public: your full guide is a useful starting point that covers both traditional and online commissioning paths.
Technology and Equipment You Will Need
South Carolina does not require expensive equipment. Here is what you will need to perform online notarizations:
- A desktop or laptop computer (a tablet may work depending on the platform)
- A built-in or external webcam and microphone
- A stable broadband internet connection
- An account with a South Carolina-approved RON platform
- A digital certificate linked to your identity
- An electronic notary seal (e-seal) compliant with state standards
- An electronic notary journal for maintaining session records
Your RON platform provider will guide you through setting up the digital certificate, e-seal, and journal. These are not purchased separately — they come as part of the platform’s onboarding process.
For a breakdown of how the RON session itself works from start to finish, see remote online notarization (RON) explained.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
South Carolina requires online notaries to carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance as a condition of performing RON services. If you already hold a current E&O policy as a commissioned notary public, that same policy typically covers your online notarizations, you do not need to purchase a separate policy for RON.
E&O insurance protects you financially if a clerical or procedural error on your part causes a signer to suffer losses. Coverage amounts vary by provider, but most RON-focused policies start at $25,000 in protection. To understand your obligations and compare coverage types, review notary liability and E&O insurance explained.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1 – Confirm your notary commission is active. You must hold a valid South Carolina notary commission before the Secretary of State’s office will accept your RON application.
- Step 2 – Complete an approved RON training course. Keep your certificate of completion — you will need it for your application.
- Step 3 – Choose an approved RON technology vendor. South Carolina maintains a list of authorized platforms. Review their pricing, feature sets, and integrations before committing.
- Step 4 – Obtain your E&O insurance. If you do not already have a policy, purchase one before applying.
- Step 5 – Submit your application to the South Carolina Secretary of State. Pay the registration fee and upload your training certificate and vendor information.
- Step 6 – Receive your RON authorization. Once approved, you can begin performing online notarizations on your chosen platform immediately.
What Notarial Acts Can Be Performed Online in South Carolina?
South Carolina law permits online notaries to perform the following notarial acts via remote audio-visual session:
- Acknowledgements
- Oaths and affirmations
- Witnessing or attesting signatures
- Certifying copies of records
Acts that require the physical presence of all parties – such as certain surety bond executions – are not eligible for RON. When in doubt, consult the South Carolina Secretary of State’s official guidance or a licensed attorney before proceeding.
SC Online Notary vs. Traditional Notary: Key Differences
| Factor | Traditional Notary | SC Online Notary (RON) |
|---|---|---|
| Signer location | Must be physically present | Anywhere with internet access |
| Session recording | Not required | Mandatory – stored for minimum 10 years |
| Identity verification | ID card presented in person | Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) + credential analysis |
| E&O insurance | Required | Required (same policy applies) |
| Fee per notarial act | Up to $5 | Up to $25 |
| Geographic reach | Local only | Any signer in the U.S. |
The income potential for RON is significantly higher. At $25 per notarial act – compared to the $5 cap for traditional in-person acts – a moderate volume of remote sessions can meaningfully increase your notary income. Learn more about notary public pay rates and earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost to Register as a South Carolina Online Notary?
The total cost of registration depends on which RON platform you select. Typical expenses include:
- State application fee (paid to the South Carolina Secretary of State – confirm the current amount on the official portal before applying, as fees are subject to change)
- RON training course fee (varies by provider; BlueNotary Academy’s course is competitively priced)
- RON platform subscription (monthly or annual, varies by vendor)
- E&O insurance premium (if not already covered)
Budget approximately $100–$300 for your first year, depending on the platform and whether you already hold E&O coverage.
Will SC-Notarized Documents Be Accepted in Other States?
Yes. South Carolina’s RON legislation is built on widely adopted standards, and documents notarized online by a South Carolina-commissioned notary are accepted across all U.S. states. Federal agencies including the IRS also accept electronically notarized documents where notarization is required.
If you are notarizing documents that need to be used internationally, an apostille may be required in addition to the notarization. See this guide to apostille-eligible countries for a walkthrough of how that works for South Carolina documents.
How Long Does a South Carolina Online Notary Commission Last?
Your online notary authorization does not expire independently — it is tied to your underlying notary public commission. South Carolina notary commissions last four years. When you renew your notary commission, you will also need to renew your RON authorization with the Secretary of State’s office. Failure to renew before expiration means you must reapply from scratch.
The Secretary of State’s office can also revoke RON privileges for rule violations, including failure to maintain required session recordings or improper identity verification procedures.
Get Started with BlueNotary
Once you have your South Carolina RON authorization, BlueNotary provides a compliant, easy-to-use platform to start accepting remote notarization requests immediately. The platform handles your digital seal, electronic journal, KBA identity verification, and session recording in one place. Sign up and start notarizing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a separate South Carolina notary commission before applying for RON authorization? Yes. You must already hold an active South Carolina notary public commission before the Secretary of State’s office will process your RON application. If you are not yet commissioned, complete the standard notary application process first.
Q: How long does it take to get approved as an online notary in South Carolina? Processing times vary, but most applicants receive approval within 2–4 weeks of submitting a complete application. Delays typically occur when training certificates or vendor documentation are missing from the submission.
Q: Can I notarize documents for signers located in other states? Yes. As a South Carolina RON-authorized notary, you can notarize documents for signers located anywhere in the United States, as long as both parties are connected via an approved audio-visual platform and identity verification is completed correctly.
Q: What identity verification method is required for South Carolina online notarizations? South Carolina requires Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) — a set of identity quiz questions drawn from public records — along with credential analysis of the signer’s government-issued ID. Both must be completed and passed before the notarial act can proceed.
Q: How long must I retain session recordings from online notarizations in South Carolina? South Carolina requires online notaries to retain audio-visual recordings of each RON session for a minimum of 10 years. Your RON platform should handle automated storage, but confirm this before choosing a vendor.
Q: Can I charge more than $25 per notarial act as a South Carolina online notary? No. The $25 fee cap is set by state law and applies per individual notarial act within a session. A single document may involve multiple notarial acts, so total charges per session can exceed $25 — but each discrete act is capped at $25.
