South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 113 - SECRETARY OF STATE
Article 3 - UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY RECORDING ACT
Section 113-310 - Electronic Recording Models

A. Method One. An authorized filer transmits to the register a digitized (scanned) document of an original document created in paper, signed in ink and notarized. The register completes the recording process in the same way as paper using the imaged copy as the source document and determines the recording fees. Fees are usually paid from an escrow or ACH account the authorized filer establishes with the register. Documents may be submitted in batches. Once the register accepts the documents for recording the scanned image is "burned" with the recording information, including recording date and time as well as the unique recording reference number, such as book and page number or instrument number. Indexing is performed by the indexing staff of the register's office. The recorded image is returned to the authorized filer. Usually a recording receipt, together with the recording endorsement data, the authorized filer uses the data to create and print a label with the recording endorsement information. The label is affixed to the paper document, which is then processed as usual by the authorized filer.

B. Method Two. An authorized filer transmits to the register a digitized (scanned) document of an original document created in paper, signed in ink and notarized wrapped in an XML wrapper containing the data necessary for processing, indexing and returning the document. In the case of a scanned paper document, method 2 further extends method 1 by adding data that improves the process, specifically the indexing process in the register's office. The recordable documents are generally delivered to the register's website by whatever means the parties agree, including HTTPS, web services, and FTP. Documents may be submitted in batches. Authentication of the submitter is required based on an account and personal identification number. Digital signatures and certificates may be used. The documents are stored in a secure area on the register's web site until the register's system retrieves them. Once imported into the register's system, the register's system handles the recording functions. The system imports the data from an XML wrapper, including index data. The indexing process is partially automated, but the image must be visually inspected to determine that it meets recording requirements as well as possibly to validate against the data in the XML wrapper. If a document meets the requirements, it is recorded. The recording information is "burned" onto the image and returned to the authorized filer by means agreed upon by the parties in a MOU. Fees are paid based on the method agreed upon through the MOU, usually fees are paid from an escrow or ACH account the authorized filer maintains with the register.

C. Method Three. An authorized filer transmits to the register digital electronic documents that have been created, signed and notarized electronically along with the electronic indexing information. Real property documents are typically generated on a vendor's document preparation system usually in XHTML format. [Currently the XHTML format (XML data - HTML formatting) is used or other similar formats, such as MISMO's SMART Doc format or PDF's intelligent document that incorporate the XML data and link it to the content displayed.] The submitter logs on to the system and enters the information necessary to generate the document. Once the document has been generated, the person signs it if he or she has the authority, or notifies the person with signing authority to sign. Secure access is required for all parties that must sign the document because signing is done by digital signature. Once the documents are electronically signed and notarized, they are released for recording. The document preparation system compares each document against recording rules to ensure its recordability and then calculates recording fees. Documents may be submitted in batches. Documents received at the register's system are re-checked against the requirements to determine whether or not they may be recorded. If not, they are rejected and returned to the authorized filer. Otherwise they are accepted for recording and the data for recording is extracted from the documents and passed to the register's recording system. The endorsement data is received from the register's system and entered onto the respective documents usually in XML format. Fees are paid based on the method agreed upon through the MOU.