South Carolina (SC)
Mobile Notary Publics Professional Liability Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina mobile notaries operate with one of the longest commission terms in the country—ten years. Since 2014, the state has mandated that all notaries maintain a journal of their acts, emphasizing the importance of record-keeping. While South Carolina does not require a surety bond, the long term of office and the mandatory journal rule mean that notaries must remain diligent for a decade, making Errors & Omissions insurance a crucial investment for long-term professional protection.
Mobile Notary Publics in South Carolina at a glance
- Commission Term
- 10 Years
- Journal Requirement
- Mandatory
- Bond Requirement
- None
One of the longest notary commission terms in the United States.
All notarial acts must be recorded in a journal per state law.
South Carolina does not require a surety bond for its notaries.
The 10-Year Commission and Liability
A South Carolina notary commission lasts for ten years, which is significantly longer than the national average. This long duration means a notary's exposure to potential liability extends over a decade for every act performed. Because South Carolina does not require a surety bond, a notary's personal assets are at risk if they are found liable for a professional error.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is essential for South Carolina notaries to bridge this gap. An E&O policy provides coverage for the notary's mistakes throughout their long career, ensuring that a single error made in year one doesn't result in a devastating financial loss in year ten.
Mandatory Journal Rules in South Carolina
Since the Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act was updated, South Carolina has required all notaries to maintain a journal of their notarial acts. The journal must record the date and time, the type of act, the name and address of the signer, and the method of identification used.
For mobile notaries, this mandatory journal is the most important tool for demonstrating compliance with state law. Whether traveling to a residence or a corporate office, the notary must ensure every act is logged immediately to prevent errors and provide a reliable record of their professional conduct.
Mobile Notary Travel Fees and Practices
South Carolina allows notaries to charge for their services, and travel fees are permitted as long as they are agreed upon in advance. Mobile notaries often provide services outside of standard business hours, and their travel fees reflect the convenience and time spent reaching the client.
It is recommended that South Carolina mobile notaries provide a written estimate or verbal agreement on the travel fee before departing, and then record that fee separately from the notarial act fee in their mandatory journal.
Mobile Notary Publics FAQs for South Carolina
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the South Carolina Department of Insurance or talk with a licensed US Professional Insure agent.