South Carolina Notary Requirements at a Glance

Electronic Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in South Carolina

The terms "electronic notary" and "online notary" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing under South Carolina's current rules.

If your goal is to expand beyond paper notarizations and work with electronic documents, South Carolina's electronic-notary registration is the path currently available to you.

Step 1: Qualify as a South Carolina Notary Public

Before you can register as an electronic notary, you must first hold a regular South Carolina notary public commission.

Under South Carolina law, an applicant for a notary commission must:

• Be a registered voter in South Carolina.
• Be able to read and write the English language.
• Complete the required application accurately.
• Sign the application as required by the state.

South Carolina does not permit an out-of-state resident to obtain a South Carolina notary commission simply because that person works or conducts business in the state.

Step 2: Complete the South Carolina Notary Application

South Carolina uses its official Notary Public Application and Renewal Application for new commissions and renewals.

The application process is different from many states because applications are routed through the applicant's county legislative delegation.

Complete the application using the exact name you intend to use when performing notarizations. The application must be signed according to the state's instructions.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Through Your County Legislative Delegation

Your completed application is submitted to the legislative delegation office for the South Carolina county where you reside. If your county does not have a delegation office, follow the application instructions for submitting it through the appropriate House of Representatives process.

The legislative delegation reviews the application and forwards the approved application to the South Carolina Secretary of State.

Step 4: Receive Your South Carolina Notary Commission

Once the state completes the appointment process, you will receive your South Carolina notary commission.

A South Carolina notary commission is valid for 10 years.

South Carolina notaries have statewide jurisdiction within South Carolina. A South Carolina notary's authority does not extend beyond the state's geographic borders.

Step 5: Enroll Your Commission With the Clerk of Court

Receiving your commission is not the final step in the regular notary process.

South Carolina law requires a newly commissioned notary to present the commission to the clerk of court in the county where the notary resides and have the commission enrolled.

Step 6: Obtain Your South Carolina Notary Seal

South Carolina requires a notary public to have a seal of office and affix it to notarial acts.

The seal generally identifies the notary and the notary's South Carolina authority. The expiration date of the notary's commission must also be indicated as required by South Carolina law.

This traditional notary seal is separate from the electronic signature and electronic seal technology used once you become registered as an electronic notary.

Step 7: Register Through the South Carolina Electronic Notary Portal

Once you are an active commissioned South Carolina notary, you can begin the process of registering as an electronic notary public.

South Carolina provides an Electronic Notary Portal through the Secretary of State. The portal is used to complete the state's electronic-notary registration process.

Do not begin performing electronic notarizations until your electronic-notary registration has been approved.

Step 8: Complete the Required Electronic Notary Training

South Carolina requires electronic-notary applicants to complete a course of instruction approved by the Secretary of State.

The training covers subjects such as:

• South Carolina notarial rules and procedures.
• Electronic notarization procedures.
• Electronic-notary technology.
• Notarial duties and responsibilities.
• Ethical obligations.

The Secretary of State's electronic-notary portal provides the state training process for applicants.

Step 9: Pass the South Carolina Electronic Notary Examination

After completing the required instruction, you must pass the electronic-notary examination.

The examination is part of the state's electronic-notary registration process and is based on the material covered in the required course.

Once you successfully complete the testing requirement, you can continue through the electronic-notary registration process.

Step 10: Select an Approved Electronic Notarization Technology Provider

South Carolina requires electronic notaries to use an electronic notarization system that complies with state requirements and is registered with the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State's portal allows applicants to select an approved technology provider as part of the registration process.

The technology used must support required functions such as the electronic notary's electronic signature, electronic seal, tamper-evident documents, and electronic journal.

Always confirm that the technology provider you plan to use is currently accepted by the South Carolina Secretary of State before purchasing services or performing electronic notarizations.

Step 11: Complete Your Electronic Notary Registration

Complete the electronic registration through the South Carolina Secretary of State and provide the information required by the portal.

Once the state's requirements have been satisfied, the Secretary of State can approve the registration and issue the electronic-notary registration information and certificate.

Your electronic-notary registration generally continues with your underlying South Carolina notary commission.

Step 12: Set Up Your Electronic Signature, Seal, and Journal

Becoming an electronic notary involves more than simply signing a PDF.

South Carolina has specific standards for electronic signatures, electronic seals, electronic notarial certificates, security, and electronic journals.

Your electronic signature and seal must remain under your control and must be used through technology that meets South Carolina's requirements.

Electronic notarizations must also be recorded in an electronic journal.

Does South Carolina Require Notary E&O Insurance?

No state-required E&O insurance amount applies to the South Carolina notary or electronic-notary registration process.

In other words, the state-required E&O insurance amount is $0.

This guide does not substitute a voluntary insurance recommendation for a state requirement.

Can a South Carolina Electronic Notary Notarize Someone Over Video?

No. This is the most important rule to understand.

South Carolina electronic notarization is an in-person electronic notarization. The notary and signer must be physically present with one another during the notarization.

A video meeting, webcam, or other communication technology does not turn a South Carolina electronic notarization into an authorized remote notarization.

What Can a South Carolina Electronic Notary Do?

Once properly registered, a South Carolina electronic notary can perform authorized notarial acts on electronic records using compliant electronic-notarization technology.

Depending on the type of document and notarial act, this can include electronic acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, attestations and jurats, signature witnessing, and other electronic notarial acts authorized under South Carolina law.

The key difference is that the transaction can be electronic while the personal-appearance requirement remains physical.

South Carolina Online Notary FAQs

Before You Start

South Carolina's electronic-notary program gives commissioned notaries a way to work with electronic documents, electronic signatures, and electronic seals. However, it should not be confused with remote online notarization.

The simplest path is:

1. Become a commissioned South Carolina notary public.
2. Enroll your commission as required.
3. Register through the Electronic Notary Portal.
4. Complete the required training and examination.
5. Select compliant electronic-notarization technology.
6. Complete the $50 electronic-notary registration.
7. Receive approval before performing electronic notarizations.

Because notary laws, regulations, forms, fees, and technology requirements can change, always confirm the current requirements with the South Carolina Secretary of State before applying or performing a notarial act.