Notary Public in South Carolina
Browse 71 cities in South Carolina to find a notary public near you.
South Carolina notaries are appointed by the Governor and serve a 10-year commission — one of the longest terms in the country. The Charleston and Myrtle Beach areas have seen explosive real estate growth from both retirees and remote workers, making mobile notaries and loan signing agents especially active in coastal communities and across the state. The fee cap is $5 per signature. South Carolina has not authorized remote online notarization, so every signing here requires an in-person appointment — a real consideration for the many out-of-state buyers closing on South Carolina property remotely. South Carolina requires training but no bond or exam, alongside its unusually long 10-year commission term.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
South Carolina notaries are commissioned by the South Carolina Secretary of State — Notary Public Division, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a South Carolinanotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, South Carolina law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $5 per notarial act ($10 for an electronic notarization). A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in South Carolina
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 10 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in South Carolina typically runs $70, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the South Carolina Secretary of State — Notary Public Division.