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1.  [Home](/)
2.  [Education](/education)
3.  South Carolina 

# How to Become a Notary in South Carolina (2026)

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## Requirements to Become a Notary in South Carolina

Becoming a notary public in South Carolina requires meeting several key qualifications set by the state. Here is a detailed overview of what you need:

-   **Minimum age:** 18 years old
-   **Residency:** Must be a legal resident of South Carolina
-   **Surety bond:** Not required
-   **Education:** No mandatory education requirement
-   **State exam:** Not required

South Carolina notaries serve an essential role in preventing fraud by verifying the identity of individuals signing important documents. Whether you plan to work as a mobile notary, a signing agent for loan documents, or simply add notary services to your current role, understanding these requirements is the critical first step.

## South Carolina Notary Application Process

The application process in South Carolina involves submitting your application through the South Carolina Secretary of State (commission by Governor). Here is a step-by-step overview:

1.  Verify you meet all eligibility requirements listed above.
2.  Submit your completed application and the filing fee of $25 to the South Carolina Secretary of State (commission by Governor).
3.  Once approved, purchase your official notary stamp/seal and begin your commission.

Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their commission within 4 to 8 weeks of submitting a complete application.

## South Carolina Notary Fees

South Carolina sets maximum fees that notaries may charge for their services. Here are the current fee guidelines:

Acknowledgment

$5 per signature (statutory maximum)

Jurat

$5 per person (statutory maximum)

Travel Fee

Negotiable per state guidelines

Mobile notaries in South Carolina often charge additional travel fees on top of the per-signature fee. These travel fees are negotiable and vary based on distance, time of day, and urgency. Many successful mobile notaries in South Carolina earn between $75 and $200 per signing appointment.

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## Commission Length in South Carolina

A notary public commission in South Carolina is valid for **10 years**. It is important to track your expiration date and begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid any lapse in your commission.

An expired commission means you cannot legally perform notarizations. Any notarial acts performed after your commission expires are invalid and could expose you to legal liability.

## How to Renew Your South Carolina Notary Commission

Submit renewal application to the Secretary of State (commission issued by Governor).

We recommend starting the renewal process at least 60 days before your commission expires. This ensures there is no gap in your ability to perform notarial services. If your commission lapses, you may need to go through the full application process again.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

New and experienced notaries alike can fall into common pitfalls. Here are the top mistakes South Carolina notaries should watch out for:

-   Not maintaining a journal
-   Failing to verify signer identity
-   Using expired stamp
-   Providing legal advice — notaries are NOT attorneys (unless separately licensed)
-   Not understanding the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat

## South Carolina Notary Practice Exam

Test your knowledge with 20 multiple-choice questions covering South Carolina-specific rules and general notary law. No login required.

Start Practice Exam

## Notary Education by City in South Carolina

[Winnsboro](/education/south-carolina/winnsboro)[Ware Shoals](/education/south-carolina/ware-shoals)[Pomaria](/education/south-carolina/pomaria)[Cope](/education/south-carolina/cope)[Green Sea](/education/south-carolina/green-sea)[Williams](/education/south-carolina/williams)[Coward](/education/south-carolina/coward)[Cordova](/education/south-carolina/cordova)[Effingham](/education/south-carolina/effingham)[Canadys](/education/south-carolina/canadys)[Pinewood](/education/south-carolina/pinewood)[Warrenville](/education/south-carolina/warrenville)[Wellford](/education/south-carolina/wellford)[Ruffin](/education/south-carolina/ruffin)[Dillon](/education/south-carolina/dillon)[Due West](/education/south-carolina/due-west)[Estill](/education/south-carolina/estill)[Gray Court](/education/south-carolina/gray-court)[Sharon](/education/south-carolina/sharon)[Rion](/education/south-carolina/rion)

## Notary Education by County in South Carolina

[Greenville County](/education/south-carolina/county/greenville)[Richland County](/education/south-carolina/county/richland)[Charleston County](/education/south-carolina/county/charleston)[Horry County](/education/south-carolina/county/horry)[Spartanburg County](/education/south-carolina/county/spartanburg)[Lexington County](/education/south-carolina/county/lexington)[York County](/education/south-carolina/county/york)[Berkeley County](/education/south-carolina/county/berkeley)[Anderson County](/education/south-carolina/county/anderson)[Beaufort County](/education/south-carolina/county/beaufort)[Aiken County](/education/south-carolina/county/aiken)[Dorchester County](/education/south-carolina/county/dorchester)[Florence County](/education/south-carolina/county/florence)[Pickens County](/education/south-carolina/county/pickens)[Sumter County](/education/south-carolina/county/sumter)

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**Disclaimer:** Information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current laws. It is not intended as legal advice. MobileNotaryNet makes no guarantees as to accuracy or completeness and assumes no liability for any reliance on this information.

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