How to Become a Notary in South Carolina (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your South Carolina notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official South Carolina state sources.
How to Become a Notary in South Carolina — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in South Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of South Carolina or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $25 application fee. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official South Carolina notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for South Carolina: $40.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in South Carolina. Traditional notary fees in South Carolina: up to $5 per act (state-capped). For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your South Carolina Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for South Carolina. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
South Carolina Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $25 |
| Commission term | 10 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$40 |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | No |
| Est. total startup cost | $65–$65 |
10-year commission — one of the longest in the country. Additional $5 Clerk of Court fee. RON not available in South Carolina.
Source: Secretary of State — Official South Carolina Notary Page ↗
What Can a South Carolina Notary Charge?
South Carolina caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. $5 per act. RON not available in South Carolina.
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a South Carolina Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your South Carolina notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →