SC NOTARY Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the SC NOTARY exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 SC NOTARY Exam Format at a Glance
📚 SC NOTARY Topics to Study (15)
✍️ Sample SC NOTARY Questions & Answers
1. Which statement about oaths administered by South Carolina notaries is TRUE?
South Carolina notaries have broad authority to administer oaths for any lawful purpose, not limited to specific transaction types.
2. Which of the following acts is explicitly prohibited for a South Carolina notary public?
South Carolina law explicitly prohibits a notary from using the term 'notario publico' or its equivalent in any advertisement to prevent misleading the public, as the role differs significantly from that in many Latin American countries. Notaries can notarize foreign language documents (as long as the certificate is in English), may charge agreed-upon travel fees, and while not mandatory, keeping a journal is a recommended best practice.
3. A South Carolina notary performs a single acknowledgment for a client. According to state law, what is the maximum fee the notary can charge for this specific notarial act, excluding any travel fees?
The maximum fee a South Carolina notary can charge for most notarial acts, including an acknowledgment, is five dollars per signature. Charging more than the state-mandated maximum is a prohibited act.
4. A South Carolina notary public changes their legal name during their 10-year commission. What is their responsibility?
If a notary's name changes during their commission term, they are required to inform the Secretary of State's Office by filing a Change of Status Request within 45 days of the change to receive a new commission in their new name.
5. Which of the following is permitted in the journal?
Notary journals are designed to record essential details of each notarial act, including the signer's signature. This serves as proof of their appearance and acknowledgment. However, sensitive personal information like complete social security numbers, account numbers, or full driver's license numbers are generally prohibited to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.
6. A South Carolina notary public's primary responsibility is to:
The core duty of a South Carolina notary is to act as an impartial witness to prevent fraud. This involves positively identifying the signer and ensuring they are signing willingly. Notaries are explicitly prohibited from offering legal advice or drafting documents unless they are also a licensed attorney.