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How to become a notary public in South Carolina. Commission term: 10 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
10 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
You must be a legal resident of South Carolina (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Submit your application to the South Carolina Secretary of State. Application fee: $25 (SOS) + $5 (Clerk of Court enrollment).
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets South Carolina requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $50-$70.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 10 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in South Carolina. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a registered voter in South Carolina. Out-of-state residents cannot be commissioned even if employed in SC.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen (implied by registered voter requirement)
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo education course required.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required.
Compare top-rated notary education providers in South Carolina.
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Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo bond required in South Carolina.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 (SOS) + $5 (Clerk of Court enrollment) |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application + clerk fee + seal | $50-$70 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Confirm you are a registered voter in South Carolina
Submit application with $25 fee to SOS
Receive commission
Enroll commission with Clerk of Court ($5 fee)
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
10 years
Renewal Process
Begin renewal 8-12 weeks before expiration. No automatic renewal or SOS notice.
Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
South Carolina authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with SC RON requirements.
What Makes South Carolina Unique
South Carolina has a 10-year commission term and requires voter registration. No bond, exam, or education needed.
South Carolina has a 10-year commission term, among the longest.
Must be a registered voter (unique requirement).
No bond, exam, or education required.
No automatic renewal notification from SOS.
Notary requirements in nearby states
| State | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | 4–17 wks | |
| Georgia | 4–17 wks | → |
| North Carolina | 4–17 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in South Carolina
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Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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