An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
Generally, crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or moral turpitude would disqualify someone from being a notary public.
The Electronic Notary Portal is now available. On , Governor Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Electronic Notary Public Act into law. The Act allows a notary public to register as an electronic notary and sets forth the requirements for electronic notaries public and electronic notarial acts.
Before a person can perform notarial acts as a notary public, he or she must receive a commission as evidence of authority to perform those acts. Notaries are appointed by the Governor and commissioned by the Secretary of State (§26-1-10).
To apply to become a South Carolina Notary Public or renew your notary commission, you must complete the paper application Notary Public Application and Renewal Application (PDF) to mail to your county delegation office or the House of Representatives if you do not have a delegation office in your county.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
The commission states the notary's name and term expiration date. The application process can take anywhere from 2-12 weeks, depending on the county in which the applicant resides.
