South Carolina School Affidavit Where to Notarize
Both Documents Need a Notary
The school enrollment affidavit under § 59-63-32 and the caregiving POA under § 63-15-720 both require notarization. This isn't optional — the school will reject an unnotarized affidavit, and healthcare providers will refuse a POA without the notary's acknowledgment.
The good news: notarization in South Carolina is cheap and accessible. Here's where to go.
Free Notary Options
Banks and credit unions. Most South Carolina banks notarize documents free for account holders. Walk in with your document and a valid photo ID. Some will notarize for non-customers too — call ahead.
County libraries. Many library branches offer free notary services during regular hours. Check with your local system — Richland, Greenville, and Charleston County libraries commonly provide this.
SCDSS offices. If you're working with a DSS caseworker, ask about notary access at the county office. Workers can sometimes facilitate notarization on-site.
Correctional facilities. If the parent is signing the POA from jail or prison, SCDC facilities and county detention centers have staff notaries. Coordinate through the facility's social worker.
Low-Cost Options
UPS Store, FedEx Office, and similar shipping centers. Availability and additional charges vary by location, so call ahead. South Carolina law caps a notarial-act fee at $5.
Private notary services. Mobile notaries will come to your home — useful if you or the parent have mobility challenges. They may charge a separate travel fee, which must be agreed on in advance; ask for the total before booking.
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What the Notary Needs from You
Bring government-issued photo identification — a South Carolina driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. The notary confirms your identity and witnesses your signature. They don't verify whether the document's content is legally accurate — that's your responsibility.
For the POA, the parent signs and the notary acknowledges. Standard practice also calls for two independent witnesses. Have two adults who aren't named in the document available to sign at the same time.
Residency Proof for School Enrollment
Beyond the notarized affidavit, the school will ask for proof that you live in the district. Acceptable documents typically include:
- A current utility bill (electric, gas, water) in your name at the address
- A signed lease or mortgage statement
- Property tax receipts
- Your South Carolina driver's license or voter registration card showing the address
The school cannot require proof of the biological parent's address — the relevant residency is yours, not theirs.
Electronic Notarization
South Carolina permits electronic notarization under the Electronic Notary Public Act (Title 26, Chapter 2). Remote online notarization — where you connect via video call — is legal if the notary is registered with the Secretary of State for that service. However, school districts and healthcare providers are more likely to accept a traditional ink-and-stamp notarization without question.
The School and Medical Consent Guide for South Carolina includes a document preparation checklist and a delivery log for tracking where you've submitted notarized copies.
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