South Carolina Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in South Carolina is a certificate completed by a SC-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. South Carolina law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
South Carolina notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. South Carolina notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all SC notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
10 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
South Carolina Acknowledgment Wording
South Carolina law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with South Carolina county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
South Carolina Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects South Carolina's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, the undersigned Notary Public, do hereby certify that _______________ personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public for South Carolina
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, the undersigned Notary Public, do hereby certify that _______________ personally appeared before me this day, who being sworn, stated that he/she is the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that he/she as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing the name of the entity by himself/herself as such officer.
WITNESS my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public for South Carolina
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, the undersigned Notary Public, do hereby certify that _______________ and _______________ each personally appeared before me this day and each acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public for South Carolina
My Commission Expires: _______________
South Carolina Notary Requirements
South Carolina has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: South Carolina notary commissions are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $1,000 surety bond is required for South Carolina notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in South Carolina
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in South Carolina
- Seal/Stamp: South Carolina notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in South Carolina
South Carolina does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in South Carolina must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by SC law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
South Carolina Notary Fees
South Carolina regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in South Carolina.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
South Carolina Identification Requirements
South Carolina notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in South Carolina.
Sample South Carolina Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our South Carolina-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact SC statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of South Carolina
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
South Carolina Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in South Carolina, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official South Carolina Resources
Use these official resources to verify South Carolina notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related South Carolina Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in South Carolina, or that require SC notarization.
South Carolina Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
South Carolina Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
South Carolina Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
South Carolina Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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