How to Become a Remote Online Notary in South Carolina (2026)

Overview

South Carolina’s RON framework is accessible for existing notaries. There is no separate RON exam beyond any training requirements, and the registration portal is dedicated and straightforward. The $25 application fee is standard, and processing typically takes 2-3 weeks. Once authorized, South Carolina RON notaries can serve signers anywhere in the country.

South Carolina RON Act: What the Law Requires

The South Carolina Remote Online Notarization Act established the following requirements:

• Active South Carolina notary public commission as a prerequisite
• Registration through the state eNotary portal at enotary.scsos.com
• Selection of a platform from the Secretary of State’s approved RON provider list
• Notification to the Secretary of State of your chosen RON provider as part of registration
• Two-way real-time audio-visual communication during every remote session
• Identity verification using personal knowledge, credible witness, or multi-factor identity proofing
• Electronic journal entry required per notarial act
• Audio-visual recording of sessions retained per state requirements
• Remote notarial certificate language on all electronic certificates

South Carolina’s Named Approved RON Providers

South Carolina publishes a specific list of approved RON technology providers. As of the framework’s enactment, the approved providers included:

• BlueNotary – cloud-based platform popular with independent notaries
• Clear Sign – secure remote signing and notarization
• Cyberize It – business and enterprise document workflows
• DocVerify – financial and legal document focus
• Pavaso – mortgage and real estate closing integrations
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title company focus

Verify the current approved provider list at enotary.scsos.com before registering – providers can be added or removed. You must notify the Secretary of State of your chosen provider as part of your registration; this is a requirement, not optional.

The South Carolina eNotary Registration Process

South Carolina’s registration is handled through the dedicated enotary.scsos.com portal, separate from the general SoS website. The process:

• Log in or create an account at enotary.scsos.com
• Complete the online registration form
• Select your approved RON provider from the state list
• Pay the $25 registration fee
• Submit notification of your chosen RON provider to the Secretary of State

The portal-based registration is more direct than states that require paper applications or in-person submissions. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks. Do not begin remote sessions until your registration is confirmed.

South Carolina Traditional Commission: Key Facts

South Carolina notary commissions are 10-year terms, one of the longest in the country. The commission is issued through the state legislature (members of the General Assembly sponsor notary applications in South Carolina) – a unique process not found in most states. A surety bond is required. The 10-year term means less frequent renewal compared to states with 4-year commissions, but you must ensure your commission remains active for your RON registration to remain valid.

Identity Verification in South Carolina RON

South Carolina allows three acceptable methods of identity verification during remote sessions:

• Personal knowledge – you personally know the signer from prior relationship
• Credible witness – a person known to both the notary and signer vouches for the signer’s identity under oath
• Multi-factor identity proofing – credential analysis combined with knowledge-based authentication (KBA) – the standard method used by all approved RON platforms

Most remote sessions use multi-factor identity proofing through the platform’s built-in identity verification tools. The approved platforms all provide this functionality.

What South Carolina RON Notaries Can Notarize

South Carolina RON covers acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. High-volume categories:

• Real estate and mortgage documents – South Carolina’s coastal and inland property markets
• Legal documents – powers of attorney, affidavits, wills, trusts
• Business and corporate documents – consistent demand from SC’s growing business sector
• Out-of-state signers – South Carolina RON notaries can serve signers anywhere nationally

Common Mistakes South Carolina RON Notaries Make

• Selecting a RON provider not on South Carolina’s current approved list
• Forgetting to notify the Secretary of State of the chosen provider – required at registration
• Starting remote sessions before receiving registration confirmation
• Not retaining audio-visual recordings per state requirements
• Using standard in-person certificate language instead of remote notarial act language

Before You Start

South Carolina RON requires completed registration before any remote session. Use the enotary.scsos.com portal, select an approved provider, notify the SoS of your provider choice, pay the $25 fee, and wait for confirmation. Official reference: South Carolina Secretary of State – eNotary.

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