How to become a notary in South Carolina: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the South Carolina Legislature's own published requirements and the state statute.
To become a notary public in South Carolina: Who can apply: A registered voter in South Carolina, able to read and write English. Commission term: Ten years. Notaries are appointed by the Governor; the record of appointment is filed with the Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in South Carolina
| Requirement | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | A registered voter in South Carolina, able to read and write English. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the South Carolina Secretary of State. |
| Exam | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the South Carolina Secretary of State. |
| Bond | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the South Carolina Secretary of State. |
| Commission term | Ten years. |
| State fee | A $25 fee for issuing a commission, collected by the Secretary of State. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the South Carolina Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | Take the constitutional oath of office (a certified copy is recorded with the Secretary of State), and within 15 days of being commissioned show your commission to the clerk of court of your county to be enrolled. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in South Carolina
- Complete the Secretary of State's application, signed in pen and ink and acknowledged before a person authorized to administer oaths.
- Have the application endorsed as your county legislative delegation requires (half the delegation, or your senator and representative).
- Pay the $25 commission fee to the Secretary of State.
- Once appointed by the Governor, take the oath and, within 15 days, have the clerk of court in your county enroll your commission.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the South Carolina Legislature's own published material and the state statute (source named below), read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 26 Chapter 1 (Notaries Public), South Carolina Legislature, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.