What Duties Will I Fulfill Once I Become a South Carolina Notary Public?
If you learn about the duties and powers of notaries throughout the country, you see that some states ask their notaries to perform only a very limited range of notarial acts. Other states give notaries a lot more responsibility, and South Carolina is one such state. Their Notary Duties, as outlined by the Secretary of State, notaries will:
- Administer oaths
- Take depositions
- Take affidavits
- Take protests for non-payment of bonds, drafts of bills of exchange, or notes
- Take acknowledgements
- Take proof of deeds and other instruments required by law to be acknowledged
- Perform a marriage ceremony
- Perform all other acts provided by law
- They CANNOT certify copies!
Any time a notary performs an authorized notarial act it is going to be signified and marked by the use of their South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal.
Like many states, South Carolina insists that all notaries purchase their own South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal, and that it meets the guidelines specified in state law.
Interestingly enough, unlike other states, if a South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal is not used, it does not negate the signature or invalidate the document. However, a professional notary will always have a valid South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal to ensure the best results.
What Will My South Carolina Notary Seal Look Like?
The South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal has to contain a very specific range of details that include:
- Notary name (this must match the name on their current commission)
- Title written as Notary Public
- State name as South Carolina (no abbreviation)
- Expiration date of the commission (not mandatory)
In addition to the required text, the South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal can be in a round or rectangular shape, may feature the commission number, and is allowed to have the official state seal appear as a graphical element to one side of the text. You can choose a rubber stamp or you may use a metal embosser. The image that your South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal must be legible and it is a good idea to ensure it is sharp and clear enough to reproduce photographically.
What Else Should I Keep in Mind About My Notary Supplies?
However, one of the most important things about your South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal is that it must be able to withstand the wear and tear over the years of your commission. Unlike many states, South Carolina's notaries have ten-year commissions. A poorly made South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal may not last very long and require replacement, which is costly and frustrating.
Instead, turn to a firm with experience in making stamps and seals to guarantee you get many years of service from your South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal. Also, remember that your South Carolina Notary Public stamp and seal is a sign of professionalism and authenticity. Though documents that will remain within the state are not required to feature a seal, if you are notarizing something filed in another state the seal is mandatory. You want to be sure that you can handle any demands made of you in your capacity as a South Carolina Notary Public, so the use of a seal or stamp is just a wise choice.
Becoming a notary in South Carolina is not difficult, but the work you do is very important. You will want to be sure you are able to conduct yourself as officially as possible, and the use of your well made seal is one way to demonstrate your commitment to a job well done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information must a South Carolina Notary Public seal include?
A compliant South Carolina Notary Public seal should include the notary’s name exactly as it appears on the current commission, the title “Notary Public,” and the state name written out as “South Carolina.” The commission expiration date is allowed, but not required. The commission number may also appear, and the official state seal can be included as a graphic element beside the text.
Is a seal required for every notarization in South Carolina?
Not always. In South Carolina, a notarization is not automatically invalid if the seal is omitted on a document that stays within the state. However, using a South Carolina notary stamp and seal is still the professional standard. If the document will be filed or used in another state, the seal is required.
Can I use a round or rectangular South Carolina notary seal?
Yes. South Carolina allows both round and rectangular notary seal styles. You can also choose either a rubber stamp or a metal embosser, as long as the seal impression is legible and includes all required information.
What are the most common South Carolina notary seal mistakes to avoid?
Common mistakes include using “SC” instead of writing out “South Carolina,” using a name that does not match the commission exactly, leaving off the title “Notary Public,” and creating a seal impression that is blurry or hard to read. Choosing a poorly made seal that wears out early is another costly mistake to avoid.
Do South Carolina notaries need a durable seal for a 10-year commission?
Yes. South Carolina notary commissions last 10 years, so your notary stamp or seal should be made to hold up over time. A durable, high-quality seal helps prevent fading, damage, and the need for frequent replacement during your commission term.
Can I certify copies as a South Carolina Notary Public?
No. South Carolina notaries cannot certify copies. Your notarial duties may include administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, affidavits, depositions, protests, and even performing marriage ceremonies, but certifying copies is not one of the authorized acts.
