South Carolina § 26-3-20 - "Notarial acts" defined; notarial acts performed outside of State.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 26-3-20 — "Notarial acts" defined; notarial acts performed outside of State., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-3-20. "Notarial acts" defined; notarial acts performed outside of State.
For the purposes of this chapter, "notarial acts" means acts which the laws and regulations of this State authorize notaries public of this State to perform, including the administering of oaths and affirmations, taking proof of execution and acknowledgments of instruments, and attesting documents. Notarial acts may be performed outside this State for use in this State with the same effect as if performed by a notary public of this State by the following persons authorized pursuant to the laws and regulations of other governments in addition to any other person authorized by the laws and regulations of this State:
(1) A notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed;
(2) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of any court of record in the place in which the notarial act is performed;
(3) An officer of the foreign service of the United States, a consular agent or any other person authorized by regulation of the United States Department of State to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed;
(4) A commissioned officer in active service with the Armed Forces of the United States and any other person authorized by regulation of the Armed Forces to perform notarial acts if the notarial act is performed for one of the following or his dependents: a merchant seaman of the United States, a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or any other person serving with or accompanying the Armed Forces of the United States, and, further, such commissioned officers and other authorized persons, in the manner and under the conditions prescribed by this chapter, also may perform notarial acts inside this State for use in this State with the same effect as if performed by a notary public of this State;
(5) Any other person authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 49-61; 1972 (57) 2374; 1985 Act No. 14, SECTION 1.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 26-3-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 26-3-20 cover?
Section 26-3-20 (""Notarial acts" defined; notarial acts performed outside of State.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 26-3-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 26-3-20" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 26-3-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.