SC NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SC NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When is a jurat certificate appropriate instead of an acknowledgment certificate? → When the signer swears or affirms to the truthfulness of a document's contents
2. Which of the following elements is explicitly required to be on a South Carolina notary's official seal? → The words 'State of South Carolina'
3. Under South Carolina law, which element is REQUIRED when administering an oath or affirmation? → An oral ceremony must take place
4. What is the maximum term length for a notary public in South Carolina? → 4 years
5. How long is the term of office for a notary public in South Carolina? → 10 years
6. According to South Carolina law, what is the maximum fee a notary public may charge for performing a single signature witnessing? → $5.00
7. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable document for identifying a signer for a traditional notarial act in South Carolina? → A university-issued student photo ID card
8. Before administering an oath or affirmation, what must a South Carolina notary confirm? → That the signer personally appears and understands they are swearing or affirming
9. What is one of the primary roles of a notary public in South Carolina? → To certify that a signer has acknowledged executing a document
10. Under what circumstances may a South Carolina notary public refuse to perform a notarial act? → When the signer appears to be acting under duress or does not understand the document.
11. Who must be physically present when a South Carolina notary administers an oath or affirmation? → The signer and the notary
12. What must a notary public do before providing services that involve fees? → Disclose the fees to the client
13. Which notarial act involves certifying that a copy of a document is a true copy? → Copy Certifications
14. What is the primary duty of a South Carolina Notary? → Administering oaths and affirmations
15. Under South Carolina law, a notary public may not perform a notarial act if they: → Are individually a party to or beneficiary of the record being notarized.
16. A South Carolina notary commission is valid for a term of how many years? → 10 years
17. What is the legal effect of an affirmation compared to an oath in South Carolina? → They have the same legal force and effect
18. What is the main purpose of administering an oath or affirmation before a document is signed? → To impose a legal obligation on the signer to tell the truth
19. Which wording is typically found in a jurat certificate completed by a South Carolina notary? → 'Sworn (or affirmed) and subscribed before me'
20. Which of the following is a mandatory qualification for becoming a Notary Public in South Carolina? → Be a registered voter in South Carolina.
21. Which notarial certificate is used when a signer swears or affirms to the truthfulness of a document's contents? → Jurat certificate
22. An affidavit is presented to a South Carolina notary for completion. What type of notarial act is required? → Jurat (oath or affirmation)
23. A court reporter asks a South Carolina notary to swear in a witness before a deposition begins. Which certificate does the notary complete? → Jurat certificate
24. How soon must a notary public notify the Secretary of State of a change of address? → 30 days
25. A notary public in South Carolina decides to charge for their services. What is a specific requirement mandated by law regarding these fees? → The notary must conspicuously display an English-language schedule of fees.
26. Which of the following acts is a South Carolina notary public authorized to perform? → Administering an oath or affirmation.
27. Which of the following is considered 'satisfactory evidence' of identity for a notarial act in South Carolina? → The oath of one credible witness personally known to the notary.
28. What legal consequence may a person face for making a false statement under oath or affirmation before a South Carolina notary? → Possible perjury charges
29. Which type of document most commonly requires a jurat rather than an acknowledgment? → An affidavit
30. A South Carolina notary is choosing an official seal. Which of the following is an acceptable format for the seal? → Either a rubber ink stamp or an embosser