South Carolina Notary Public Knowledge Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Personal appearance before the Notary is required ______.

Except when the signers attorney dictates otherwise
For every notary act (Correct answer)
Whenever it is practical for the signer to comply
For notary acts involving only married signers

Correct answer: For every notary act

The fundamental principle of notarization, even with remote online notarization, is the personal appearance of the signer before the notary. This allows the notary to verify the signer's identity, assess their willingness, and ensure they understand the document. While RON allows for virtual appearance, direct interaction is always required for every notarial act.

Question 2: A signer appears before a South Carolina notary with a document that has already been signed. The signer affirms that the signature on the document is their own. Which notarial act should the notary perform?

Acknowledgment (Correct answer)
Signature Witnessing
Jurat
Verification

Correct answer: Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment is the notarial act where a signer personally appears before a notary and declares that they have willingly signed the document for the purposes stated within it. The key element is the signer acknowledging their previous signature. A jurat requires the person to sign in the notary's presence and swear an oath or affirmation. Signature witnessing also requires the signing to happen in the notary's presence.

Question 3: An applicant for a South Carolina notary commission is filling out the required form. The application includes an oath that must be signed. Who is authorized to witness and notarize the applicant's signature on this specific form?

The County Legislative Delegation office staff.
The applicant's immediate family member.
Any currently commissioned South Carolina Notary Public. (Correct answer)
The applicant can sign it themselves and mail it in.

Correct answer: Any currently commissioned South Carolina Notary Public.

The applicant's signature on the notary application must be acknowledged by a person authorized to administer oaths, such as another currently commissioned South Carolina Notary Public. An applicant cannot notarize their own signature.

Question 4: A signer, who is a citizen of another country, presents a valid, unexpired passport issued by their home country's government. The passport contains a photo and the signer's signature. Is this an acceptable form of identification for a notarization in South Carolina?

No, because the notary cannot verify the security features of a foreign document.
No, because the passport was not issued by a U.S. federal or state agency.
Yes, but only if the signer also provides a secondary form of U.S.-issued identification.
Yes, because a current passport is explicitly listed as an acceptable form of identification. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, because a current passport is explicitly listed as an acceptable form of identification.

The South Carolina Notary Public Reference Manual and state law specify that a current passport is a form of satisfactory evidence for identifying a signer. The law for traditional notarizations does not stipulate that the passport must be issued by the United States.

Question 5: A signer requests an affirmation instead of an oath. The South Carolina notary must:

Note the affirmation but require the signer to also sign a waiver
Refuse and require the signer to take the standard oath
Contact the Secretary of State before proceeding with an affirmation
Accept the affirmation, which carries the same legal weight as an oath (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Accept the affirmation, which carries the same legal weight as an oath

A notary must accommodate a request for an affirmation because it is legally equivalent to an oath, and denying it would be an improper refusal of notarial services.

Question 6: What should a South Carolina Notary do if they are unsure about notarizing a document?

Issue a tentative notarization
Skip verification steps
Refuse and recommend legal counsel (Correct answer)
Proceed with caution

Correct answer: Refuse and recommend legal counsel

If a South Carolina Notary is unsure about the legality or propriety of notarizing a document, their duty is to refuse the notarial act. They should then recommend that the individual seek legal counsel to clarify the document's nature or the requirements for its notarization. This protects both the notary from liability and the public from improper notarial acts.

Question 7: Which of the following actions is a prohibited act for a South Carolina notary public?

Notarizing a document for a family member when the notary has no financial interest.
Keeping a journal of all notarial acts performed.
Charging a fee of $5.00 for an acknowledgment.
Certifying a copy of a birth certificate. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Certifying a copy of a birth certificate.

South Carolina notaries are expressly prohibited from certifying vital records, which include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. These records must be certified by the official custodian of the records (e.g., the county or state office that issued them).

Question 8: Which statement BEST describes the South Carolina notary's role when administering an oath or affirmation?

To provide a solemn ceremony that creates a legal obligation of truthfulness for the signer (Correct answer)
To serve as an impartial witness on behalf of both parties to a transaction
To independently verify the truth of the statements being sworn to
To automatically notarize all other documents submitted by the same signer

Correct answer: To provide a solemn ceremony that creates a legal obligation of truthfulness for the signer

The notary's role is to conduct a proper sworn ceremony that places a legal obligation of truthfulness on the signer—the notary does not verify whether the statements are actually true.

Question 9: Upon resigning their commission, what must a South Carolina notary do with their official seal?

Sell it to another commissioned notary.
Keep it in a safe place for their personal records.
Return it to the Secretary of State's Office.
Destroy or deface it to prevent misuse. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Destroy or deface it to prevent misuse.

South Carolina law requires that a notary who resigns their commission must destroy or deface all notary seals so they cannot be misused. This ensures the integrity of the notarial office and prevents fraudulent acts with an invalid seal.

Question 10: Can a South Carolina Notary provide legal advice to clients?

No, it is prohibited (Correct answer)
Only if they are an attorney
Yes, for notarized documents only
Yes, but only general advice

Correct answer: No, it is prohibited

Notaries public are strictly prohibited from providing legal advice unless they are also a licensed attorney. Their role is to be an impartial witness to signatures and administer oaths, not to interpret legal documents or counsel clients on legal matters. Doing so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and can lead to severe penalties.

Question 11: Which of the following statements regarding the application process for a South Carolina Notary Public commission is TRUE?

The application is first sent to the applicant's county legislative delegation office. (Correct answer)
The application and fee are submitted directly to the Secretary of State's office.
Applicants must provide proof of passing a mandatory training course.
Out-of-state residents who are employed in SC may apply.

Correct answer: The application is first sent to the applicant's county legislative delegation office.

The completed notary application, along with the fee, must be mailed to the applicant's county legislative delegation office. This office verifies voter registration and forwards the application to the Secretary of State for the commission to be issued. South Carolina law does not allow out-of-state residents to become notaries, and there is no mandatory training course for a standard commission.

Question 12: Is it permissible for an electronic notary public in South Carolina to utilize a solution provider that is not included on the official list provided by the Secretary of State for electronic notarization?

Yes as long as the provider is certified
No but exceptions can be made with prior approval
No, only providers listed on the official portal may be used (Correct answer)
Yes any solution provider can be used

Correct answer: No, only providers listed on the official portal may be used

South Carolina, like many states, maintains an official list of approved solution providers for electronic notarization. This is to ensure that the technology used meets specific security, recordkeeping, and interoperability standards set by the state. Notaries must use these approved providers to ensure compliance and the legal validity of their electronic notarial acts.

Question 13: 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 (Correct answer)
A valid foreign passport with a photograph
A current U.S. military identification card
A current South Carolina driver's license

Correct answer: A university-issued student photo ID card

South Carolina law requires that identification documents be issued by a federal or state government agency and contain a photographic image and signature. A university-issued student ID is not issued by a state or federal government agency and is therefore not considered 'satisfactory evidence' of identity.

Question 14: Which of the following statements accurately describes the 'in-person' requirement for electronic notarizations in South Carolina?

An 'in-person' electronic notarization allows the signer's identity to be verified by a trusted third party over the phone.
The signer must be in the same room as the notary, even though the signing and sealing happens electronically. (Correct answer)
The notary and signer must be physically located within the borders of South Carolina but can be in different cities.
The signer can be located anywhere in the world as long as they appear before the notary via a live audio-video feed.

Correct answer: The signer must be in the same room as the notary, even though the signing and sealing happens electronically.

South Carolina law for electronic notarization (often called In-Person Electronic Notarization or IPEN) requires the signer to be in the physical presence of the notary at the time of the act. The law distinguishes this from remote online notarization (RON), which is not currently authorized for South Carolina notaries.

Question 15: Can the employer who paid for all of the costs to obtain the notary public's commission and the supplies ask the Notary Public to surrender the journal upon termination of employment?

Yes if employer seeks the secretary of states permission
Yes
Yes if it was agreed in employeer -employee agreement
No Notary public journal is the exclusive property of the notary public (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No Notary public journal is the exclusive property of the notary public

A notary public's journal, whether electronic or physical, is considered the exclusive property of the notary public, even if an employer paid for the commission or supplies. This is because the journal contains sensitive records of official acts performed by the notary in their public capacity. It must remain under the notary's control to ensure its integrity and availability for legal purposes.

Question 16: Regarding a notary journal, what is the requirement in South Carolina?

A journal is mandatory and must be kept in a locked, fireproof safe.
A notary must maintain a journal and submit it to the Secretary of State annually.
South Carolina law does not require notaries to keep a journal, but it is strongly encouraged. (Correct answer)
A notary only needs to keep a journal for real estate transactions.

Correct answer: South Carolina law does not require notaries to keep a journal, but it is strongly encouraged.

The South Carolina Notary Public Reference Manual states that notaries are not required by law to keep a journal. However, it is strongly encouraged as a best practice to have a record of all notarial acts performed in case questions arise later.

Question 17: It is not permissible for unauthorized individuals to access the electronic journal maintained by an electronic notary public. Access is restricted to protect the privacy and integrity of the records.

No (Correct answer)
Yes

Correct answer: No

Notary journals, whether electronic or physical, contain sensitive personal information and are legally protected records. South Carolina law, like most states, mandates that notary journals must be kept secure and access restricted solely to the notary public and authorized entities (e.g., the Secretary of State for inspection). Allowing unauthorized individuals access would compromise privacy and the integrity of notarial acts, making it strictly impermissible.

Question 18: What legal consequence may a person face for making a false statement under oath or affirmation before a South Carolina notary?

A civil penalty only, not criminal
The notary bears sole personal liability
Possible perjury charges (Correct answer)
Automatic voiding of the notarial act

Correct answer: Possible perjury charges

Swearing falsely under oath or affirmation before a notary exposes the signer to perjury prosecution under South Carolina law.

Question 19: Under what circumstances may a South Carolina notary public refuse to perform a notarial act?

When the notary does not personally agree with the content of the document.
When the document will be filed in another state.
When the signer appears to be acting under duress or does not understand the document. (Correct answer)
When the notary is an employee of a corporation and the document is for that corporation.

Correct answer: When the signer appears to be acting under duress or does not understand the document.

A South Carolina notary is certifying that the person whose signature was notarized did not appear to be incompetent, lacking understanding of the transaction, or acting involuntarily, under duress, or undue influence. Therefore, if a notary believes the signer is being coerced or is confused, they should refuse to proceed.

Question 20: A signer appears before a South Carolina notary but does not have an acceptable form of identification. The signer's spouse is present and is personally known to the notary. The spouse offers to vouch for the signer's identity. What is this method of identification called?

Subscribing Witness Identification
Verification on Oath of a Credible Witness (Correct answer)
Satisfactory Acquaintance
Personal Knowledge

Correct answer: Verification on Oath of a Credible Witness

According to South Carolina law, when a notary does not have personal knowledge of a signer, they may use a 'credible witness' to identify the signer. A credible witness is someone who is personally known to the notary and who can swear or affirm to the identity of the principal signer.

Question 21: A South Carolina notary performs a notarial act but forgets to affix their official seal. The notary did, however, include their signature and official title ('SC Notary Public'). According to state law, what is the status of the notarization?

The notarization is only valid if a journal entry was made.
The notarization is still valid, but this practice is discouraged. (Correct answer)
The notarization is automatically invalid and must be redone.
The notary must pay a fine to the Secretary of State.

Correct answer: The notarization is still valid, but this practice is discouraged.

The South Carolina Notary Public Manual states that while a notary must have a seal, the lack of a seal or expiration date does not invalidate the notarial act if the notary's official title is attached below their signature. However, the use of a seal on all notarial acts is strongly encouraged.

Question 22: A notary's close friend, who is also a notary, has an expired commission. The friend asks to borrow the notary's seal 'just for one quick notarization' for a trusted client. Which statement correctly identifies the prohibited act?

Charging the client less than the statutory fee.
Allowing another person to use one's official notary seal. (Correct answer)
Failing to record the act in a notary journal.
Notarizing for a friend, which could be a conflict of interest.

Correct answer: Allowing another person to use one's official notary seal.

A notary's seal is their exclusive tool of office and must always be kept secure and under their sole control. Allowing another person, even another notary, to use one's seal is a serious prohibited act. S.C. Code Section 26-1-160 makes it a misdemeanor for a person to use a notary's seal without authority.

Question 23: Which of the following is a mandatory qualification for becoming a Notary Public in South Carolina?

Be a registered voter in South Carolina. (Correct answer)
Be a high school graduate.
Own property within the state.
Pass a state-administered exam.

Correct answer: Be a registered voter in South Carolina.

According to the South Carolina Secretary of State, a primary requirement to become a notary public is to be a registered voter in the state. This implies the applicant meets age, residency, and citizenship requirements for voting.

Question 24: Under South Carolina law, what does 'personal knowledge' of a signer's identity mean for a notary public?

The signer was referred to the notary by a trusted colleague.
The notary has a signed affidavit from the signer attesting to their identity.
The notary has familiarity with the individual from interactions over time sufficient to eliminate reasonable doubt. (Correct answer)
The notary has met the signer once before in a professional setting.

Correct answer: The notary has familiarity with the individual from interactions over time sufficient to eliminate reasonable doubt.

South Carolina Code § 26-1-5(14) defines 'personal knowledge' as familiarity with an individual resulting from interactions over a period of time sufficient to eliminate any reasonable doubt that the individual has the identity claimed. It is a higher standard than a brief or single encounter.

Question 25: A South Carolina notary public changes their legal name during their 10-year commission. What is their responsibility?

Inform their employer of the name change, which is sufficient.
Continue notarizing under their old name until the commission expires.
Wait for their commission to expire and then reapply with the new name.
File a Change of Status Request with the Secretary of State's Office within 45 days. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: File a Change of Status Request with the Secretary of State's Office within 45 days.

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.

Question 26: A client presents a document to a South Carolina notary that requires the notarization of three separate signatures, each requiring a jurat. The notary and client have not discussed any other charges. What is the maximum total fee the notary can charge for these notarial acts?

$15.00 (Correct answer)
$5.00
$25.00
$10.00

Correct answer: $15.00

The maximum allowable fee for a jurat in South Carolina is $5.00 per signature. Since there are three signatures, the notary can charge a maximum of $5.00 for each, resulting in a total of $15.00 (3 signatures x $5.00/signature).

Question 27: Which document can a South Carolina Notary NOT notarize?

Affidavits
Birth certificates (Correct answer)
Power of attorney
Real estate deeds

Correct answer: Birth certificates

Notaries are generally prohibited from notarizing or certifying copies of vital records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage licenses. These documents are typically issued by government agencies and can only be certified by the issuing agency itself. Attempting to notarize them could imply an unauthorized certification of a public record.

Question 28: When using a credible witness to identify a principal signer, what is the primary requirement for the witness according to South Carolina notary law?

The witness must sign an affidavit of identity.
The witness must be personally known to the notary. (Correct answer)
The witness must present two forms of their own identification.
The witness must be a family member of the signer.

Correct answer: The witness must be personally known to the notary.

South Carolina law specifies that a credible witness must be an individual who is personally known to the notary. The notary's personal knowledge of the witness is what allows the notary to trust the witness's sworn statement about the signer's identity.

Question 29: How soon must a notary public notify the Secretary of State of a change of address?

90 days
60 days
30 days (Correct answer)
15 days

Correct answer: 30 days

A South Carolina notary public is legally obligated to notify the Secretary of State of any change in their mailing address within a specified timeframe. This notification must be made within 30 days of the address change to ensure that the notary's official records are accurate and they can receive important communications regarding their commission.

Question 30: A South Carolina notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document written in Spanish. The notarial certificate itself is in English. What is the correct course of action for the notary?

Require the signer to provide a certified English translation.
Refuse to notarize the document because it is not in English.
Proceed with the notarization as long as the notarial certificate is in English. (Correct answer)
Translate the document into English before notarizing.

Correct answer: Proceed with the notarization as long as the notarial certificate is in English.

South Carolina law prohibits a notary from executing a notarial certificate in a language other than English. However, a notary may execute a certificate written in English that is attached to a document written in another language. The notary is not responsible for the content of the document itself.

Question 31: Which of the following elements is explicitly required to be on a South Carolina notary's official seal?

The county where the notary is commissioned
The notary's commission number
The notary's commission expiration date
The words 'State of South Carolina' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The words 'State of South Carolina'

According to the South Carolina Notary Public Online Manual, a notary's seal must include the notary's name as it appears on the commission, the words 'Notary Public', and the words 'State of South Carolina'. The expiration date is strongly encouraged but optional to have on the seal itself, and South Carolina does not assign commission numbers for this purpose.

Question 32: A notary is asked to perform a notarization for a person who has an expired South Carolina driver's license. The photo clearly matches the signer. What is the correct action for the notary to take?

Accept the license since the photo is a clear match.
Ask the signer to get a temporary license from the DMV before returning.
Proceed with the notarization but make a note in the journal that the ID was expired.
Refuse to notarize based on the expired ID and ask for a different, current form of identification. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize based on the expired ID and ask for a different, current form of identification.

South Carolina law requires identification documents to be 'current'. An expired driver's license is not current and is therefore not acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity. The notary must refuse the ID and request a current, valid one or use another identification method like a credible witness.

Question 33: A person is physically unable to sign their name or make a mark on a document. How can a South Carolina notary properly notarize this individual's signature?

The notary can sign the person's name at their direction and in the presence of two witnesses. (Correct answer)
The notary can accept a verbal acknowledgment without any signature.
A family member can sign on behalf of the physically unable person.
The notary must refuse the notarization as a physical signature or mark is required.

Correct answer: The notary can sign the person's name at their direction and in the presence of two witnesses.

South Carolina law provides a specific procedure for this situation. The notary may sign the name of the principal if directed to do so by the principal, in the principal's presence, and in the presence of two witnesses who are not the notary. The notary must then write a specific statement below the signature indicating this fact before completing the notarial certificate.

Question 34: An individual has successfully completed their South Carolina notary application and received their commission certificate in the mail. What is the next required step they must take before they can legally perform notarial acts?

Purchase a notary seal and journal.
Enroll their commission with the Clerk of Court in their county of residence. (Correct answer)
Advertise their notary services in a local newspaper.
File an affidavit of identity with the Secretary of State.

Correct answer: Enroll their commission with the Clerk of Court in their county of residence.

After receiving the commission, a new notary must enroll it with the Clerk of Court in their county of residence. This step should generally be completed within 15 days of being commissioned, though there is no penalty for late enrollment.

Question 35: A notary in Columbia, SC, realizes their official ink stamp seal has been stolen from their desk. What is the most appropriate first action the notary should take?

Wait a few days to see if it reappears before taking any action.
Continue notarizing documents by writing 'Seal Stolen' next to their signature.
Order a new seal immediately with a different design.
Immediately notify the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately notify the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office.

If a notary seal is lost or stolen, the notary should immediately notify the Secretary of State's Office. This is a critical step to protect the notary from fraudulent use of their seal. While ordering a new seal and notifying law enforcement are also important subsequent steps, the initial official notification is to the commissioning authority.

Question 36: What is the primary duty of a South Carolina Notary?

Administering oaths and affirmations (Correct answer)
Witnessing court proceedings
Drafting legal documents
Executing wills

Correct answer: Administering oaths and affirmations

The primary duty of a South Carolina Notary Public, as with notaries in most jurisdictions, is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to administer oaths and affirmations. This ensures the truthfulness of statements and the authenticity of signatures, upholding the integrity of legal documents. Notaries do not draft legal documents or execute wills.

Question 37: A South Carolina notary commission is valid for a term of how many years?

10 years (Correct answer)
4 years
5 years
7 years

Correct answer: 10 years

In South Carolina, notaries public are appointed and commissioned for a term of 10 years.

Question 38: Before administering an oath or affirmation, what must a South Carolina notary confirm?

That a fee has been collected in advance
That the act is recorded in a bound notarial journal
That the signer's fingerprint has been obtained
That the signer personally appears and understands they are swearing or affirming (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the signer personally appears and understands they are swearing or affirming

The notary must ensure the signer is physically present and understands the solemnity and legal significance of the oath or affirmation before proceeding.

Question 39: How long must a South Carolina notary keep a journal of notarial acts?

10 years
5 years (Correct answer)
7 years
3 years

Correct answer: 5 years

South Carolina law requires notaries public to maintain a journal of their notarial acts for a specific period. The current requirement is to keep the journal for a minimum of five years from the date of the last entry. This ensures that a record of all official acts is available for inspection and legal purposes.

Question 40: Which notarial certificate is used when a signer swears or affirms to the truthfulness of a document's contents?

Acknowledgment certificate
Apostille certificate
Jurat certificate (Correct answer)
Copy certification

Correct answer: Jurat certificate

A jurat certificate is the proper form when a signer swears or affirms to the truth of the contents of a document before a notary.

Question 41: What is the legal effect of an affirmation compared to an oath in South Carolina?

An affirmation carries lesser legal weight than an oath
They have the same legal force and effect (Correct answer)
An affirmation is valid only for civil, not criminal, matters
An oath is required for government documents; an affirmation is not

Correct answer: They have the same legal force and effect

South Carolina law treats oaths and affirmations as legally equivalent; both create the same obligation to tell the truth.

Question 42: Which of the following is permitted in the journal?

A complete drivers license number
A complete social security number
A complete account number
The Costumers signatures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Costumers signatures

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.

Question 43: How long is the term of office for a South Carolina Notary?

4 years (Correct answer)
10 years
6 years
2 years

Correct answer: 4 years

In South Carolina, a notary public is commissioned for a term of four years. This term length is standard in many states and requires the notary to reapply and meet current qualifications upon expiration to continue performing notarial acts.

Question 44: What information is required on a notary seal in South Carolina?

Notary's name, county, and commission number
Notary's name, state, and commission expiration date (Correct answer)
Notary's signature, state, and commission expiration date
Notary's signature, county, and commission number

Correct answer: Notary's name, state, and commission expiration date

A South Carolina notary seal must contain specific information to be valid and compliant with state law. This typically includes the notary's commissioned name, the words 'Notary Public for the State of South Carolina,' and the notary's commission expiration date. This information ensures the seal clearly identifies the notary and their commission status.

Question 45: A court reporter asks a South Carolina notary to swear in a witness before a deposition begins. Which certificate does the notary complete?

No certificate is needed for depositions
Jurat certificate (Correct answer)
Copy certification form
Acknowledgment certificate

Correct answer: Jurat certificate

Swearing in a witness before a deposition is an administration of an oath, which is documented with a jurat certificate.

Question 46: A signer tells a South Carolina notary they cannot take an oath for religious reasons. What must the notary do?

Contact the Secretary of State for guidance
Offer an affirmation as an alternative (Correct answer)
Refuse to proceed with the notarial act
Require a written explanation from the signer

Correct answer: Offer an affirmation as an alternative

South Carolina notaries must offer an affirmation as an alternative whenever a signer objects to taking a religious oath; refusing to do so would be improper.

Question 47: Which of the following can a South Carolina notary NOT perform?

Taking acknowledgments
Witnessing signatures
Administering oaths
Certifying copies of documents (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Certifying copies of documents

While South Carolina notaries can take acknowledgments, administer oaths, and witness signatures, they are generally not authorized to certify copies of documents. This is a common restriction across many states, as certifying a copy implies verifying its authenticity as a true copy, which often falls outside the scope of a notary's duties and may be reserved for the document's custodian or issuing agency.

Question 48: When an electronic notary public in South Carolina affixes their electronic seal to a document, which of the following pieces of information is required to be included within the seal's image?

The name of the approved technology vendor being used.
The electronic notary's unique registration number. (Correct answer)
The county where the notary is commissioned.
The notary's personal phone number.

Correct answer: The electronic notary's unique registration number.

According to South Carolina regulations, the electronic seal must contain several specific elements, including the notary's name as commissioned, the title 'Notary Public,' 'State of South Carolina,' the commission expiration date, and the unique registration number issued by the Secretary of State that indicates the notary is authorized to perform electronic acts.

Question 49: Which of the following is NOT a fee that a South Carolina notary is explicitly authorized by statute to charge?

A pre-agreed travel fee to meet a client.
A $5.00 fee for taking an acknowledgment.
A $5.00 fee for administering an oath to a single person.
An administrative fee for recording the notarization in a journal. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An administrative fee for recording the notarization in a journal.

South Carolina law specifies maximum fees for notarial acts (like acknowledgments and oaths) and allows for separate, pre-agreed travel fees. However, the statute does not authorize charging a separate administrative, clerical, or journal-entry fee in addition to the fee for the notarial act itself.

Question 50: Which of the following is considered 'satisfactory evidence' of identity for a notarial act in South Carolina?

A birth certificate combined with a Social Security card.
A valid student ID card with a photo.
A credit card with a photograph.
The oath of one credible witness personally known to the notary. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The oath of one credible witness personally known to the notary.

According to South Carolina law, 'satisfactory evidence' of identity includes the oath or affirmation of a credible witness who is personally known to the notary. It also includes current government-issued identification with a photo, signature, and physical description, or a current passport. A student ID or credit card is not sufficient.

South Carolina Notary Public Knowledge Assessment

Tests knowledge of South Carolina notary law, procedures, and best practices as outlined in the SC Secretary of State's Notary Public Reference Manual, covering qualifications, notarial acts, document signer identification, and state-specific requirements.

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60 min

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70%

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