If you need a document notarized in South Carolina and are considering a mobile notary, one of your first questions is probably: how much will it cost? The good news is that South Carolina has clear laws governing notary fees, and understanding the cost structure is straightforward once you know what to expect.
The SC Statutory Notary Fee: $5 Per Signature
Under South Carolina Code of Laws Title 26, Chapter 1, notaries public are authorized to charge a maximum of $5 per notarial act per signature. This is the fee for the notarization itself — the act of verifying your identity, witnessing your signature, and applying the notary seal to the document. This cap applies to all notarizations in SC, whether performed at a fixed office or by a mobile notary traveling to your location.
It is important to note that this fee applies per notarial act per signature, not per document. If a document requires two signatures to be notarized (for example, both spouses signing a deed), that is two notarial acts, resulting in a fee of $10. Similarly, if you have three separate documents that each require notarization, the total notary fee would be $15.
Travel Fees: The Mobile Part of Mobile Notary
The key difference between a mobile notary and a stationary one is that the mobile notary comes to you. This convenience comes with a separate travel fee that covers the notary's time and vehicle expenses for driving to your location. Unlike the $5 notary fee, the travel fee is not regulated by SC law — it is set by the individual notary and typically varies based on the distance traveled.
At S. Clark Notary, we base our travel fee on the distance from our Simpsonville, SC location to your meeting place. For nearby appointments in Simpsonville, the travel fee is minimal. For locations in Greenville, Mauldin, or Five Forks — about 10 to 20 minutes away — the travel fee is moderate. We always provide a clear, all-inclusive quote before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Comparison: Mobile Notary vs. Bank or UPS Store
If cost is your primary concern, you might consider visiting a bank or shipping store for notarization. Here is how the options compare:
- Banks: Many banks offer free notary services to account holders, but availability varies. Not all branches have a notary on staff, appointments may be required, and you must visit during business hours. Non-account holders may be turned away or charged a fee.
- UPS Store / FedEx Office: These locations typically charge $5 per notarial act (the SC maximum) and are available during store hours. No travel fee applies since you go to them, but you are limited to their schedule and location.
- Mobile Notary (S. Clark): The $5 per signature fee plus a travel fee. You save time by not traveling, and appointments are available 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends. Ideal for urgent needs, homebound individuals, hospital patients, or busy professionals.
When Is a Mobile Notary Worth the Travel Fee?
A mobile notary is particularly worthwhile when:
- You are unable to travel due to illness, injury, age, or disability
- The document is time-sensitive and cannot wait for business hours
- You need a notary in the evening, on a weekend, or on a holiday
- You have a large document package (like a real estate closing) that benefits from personal, unhurried attention
- You are at a hospital, nursing home, or detention facility
- Multiple signers at different locations need notarization
Payment Methods Accepted
S. Clark Notary accepts cash, credit cards, Zelle, and Venmo. Payment is due at the time of the appointment. We provide a clear quote before every appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Get a Free Quote
Ready to schedule a mobile notary appointment? Call (404) 295-3000 or email susan@sclarknotary.com for a free, no-obligation quote. Let us know the type of document, number of signatures, and your location, and we will provide an all-inclusive price.