Are you a prospective South Carolina notary? Today, we’ll discuss how to become a traditional or electronic notary in South Carolina. We’ll go over the necessary steps to become certified and how to start performing electronic notarizations for greater efficiency.
How to Become a South Carolina Notary Public
You must meet a few eligibility requirements to apply for a notary public commission in South Carolina, including being a registered voter in the state. You must provide your voter registration number when you apply.
Follow these steps to apply for your South Carolina notary commission certificate:
- Complete a paper application.
- Include a $25 filing fee, payable to the SC Secretary of State.
- Mail the application to your county delegation office (or the House of Representatives). Addresses are included in the application packet.
- Purchase a notary seal.
- You’ll receive your commission certificate from the Secretary of State in the mail (if approved).
- File your certificate with the county clerk and pay a $10 fee.
- Use the Notary Public Online Manual as your guide for notarizing documents.
- While not mandatory, the Secretary of State also recommends attending notary workshops when available to further your education.
For definitions and requirements for state notaries, see Title 26, Chapter 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
What is an electronic notary in South Carolina?
As a notary public in South Carolina, you may now (as of 2021) perform electronic notarizations instead of physically signing all documents with a pen. You must still meet with signers in person, but you may use a device like a computer or tablet to sign documents electronically.
To register to perform electronic notarizations, you can apply online at sos.sc.gov using the Online Notary Portal. The portal allows you to watch an educational video and complete online testing. Once approved, you will receive your electronic notary certificate online. Then, you can choose a technology vendor to perform your notarizations electronically! Learn more.
Electronic Notarization vs. Remote Online Notarization
An electronic notary is different from a remote online notary. A notary who performs remote online notarizations communicates with signers entirely online rather than in person. They sign all documents electronically through a secure online platform. Learn more about remote online notarization – and which states allow it – on our blog!
Apply for a Notary Bond in Any State
Many states require notary bonds before notaries can perform notarizations. If you need a notary bond to register as a notary public, you can apply online today. We can issue many of these bonds instantly without running a credit background check. Notary bonds typically only cost $100 for the entire commission term.