How to Become a Notary Public in Delaware

Make sure you meet the following requirements to be a Notary in Delaware:

• Have your preferred method of payment ready (electronic check or credit card) for the application fee.
• Register and apply on the Delaware Secretary of State’s website.
• Use an email address you check frequently, as they’ll use it for communication.
• Fill out the online Notary Public application form completely.
• Submit the application along with the $60 fee.
• The Secretary of State’s office will review your application.
• If approved, you’ll receive an email with your official commission certificate and further instructions.
• Print the certificate and sign it.
• Find a current Notary Public to administer your oath of office.
• Once they notarize your oath, return a copy of the completed certificate to the Secretary of State’s Notary Public Section.
• Purchase a Notary seal that meets Delaware’s specifications.
• You’ll also need a Notary journal to record your notarization activities.
• While not mandatory, getting Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a good idea. This can help cover you if something goes wrong while you’re notarizing documents.

Explore optional continuing education courses and consultations from reputable sources like the BlueNotary Academy to further enhance your knowledge and skills.

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What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Delaware?

In Delaware, to become a Notary Public, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Be 18 years old or older
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• Be able to understand and write in English
• Live in Delaware, or work there, (or be a spouse/legal dependent of an active duty military person stationed in DE)
• Not have any disqualifying offenses (check Delaware code 29 Del. Code 4311(c) for details, but the Secretary of State’s office can likely clarify)
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude (unless your rights have been restored)

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in Delaware?

There’s a non-refundable $60 application fee you pay to the Secretary of State’s office when you submit your application. And, while not mandatory, taking a Notary training course from the BlueNotary Academy can be helpful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with notary public duties and procedures.

You’ll also need to purchase a Notary seal and journal to record your official acts. Again, the price can vary depending on the vendor.

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is optional, but recommended. This type of insurance can help cover your legal fees if something goes wrong while you’re performing your notary duties. The cost will depend on the provider and the coverage you choose.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in Delaware?

It typically takes one to two weeks for the Secretary of State’s office to process your application after you submit it. This timeframe depends partly on how quickly you can complete certain steps, like getting your oath notarized by another Notary.

What Supplies Do Delaware Notaries Need?

In Delaware, once you’re a Notary Public, you’ll need a couple of key supplies to perform your duties:

Notary Seal: This is a special stamp that will leave an impression on documents you notarize. It will include your official information like name, title, state, and commission expiry date. Choose a high-quality stamp that won’t bleed ink and cause problems with documents.

Notary Journal: This is a record book where you’ll keep track of all the notarizations you perform. It acts as a legal record of your work.

How long does a Notary commission last in Delaware?

You can choose to renew your commission for another two-year term. Delaware also allows Notaries to renew their commission for a longer four-year term if they prefer.

What About Bonds or Insurance for Delaware Notaries?

The state doesn’t require a surety bond, which is a financial guarantee that protects people in case you mess up as a Notary and cause them financial harm. Even though a surety bond isn’t required, there is an optional Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy you can consider. This type of insurance can help cover your legal fees if something goes wrong while you’re performing your notary duties. It acts as a safety net for you, the Notary.

Delaware Notary Public FAQs

Who Oversees Notaries in Delaware?

The Delaware Office of the Secretary of State, specifically the Notary Public Section located in Dover, DE, is the government office that handles Notary Public commissions in the state.

Do I need Training to Become a Notary in Delaware?

Delaware is one of the few states that does not require any mandatory training or exam to become a Notary Public.

Can I become a Delaware Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can become a Delaware Notary Public even if you are not a U.S. citizen, as long as you meet all the other requirements.

Where will I be able to notarize?

As a Delaware Notary Public, your license allows you to perform notarizations anywhere within the state of Delaware. There are no geographic restrictions within the state for you to complete your notary duties. 

Who can I notarize for?

You can generally assist most members of the public with their notarization needs, but there are a few key limitations to keep in mind:

• You cannot notarize documents where you or your spouse has a direct financial stake. This means you can’t notarize for yourself, your spouse, or close relatives (like parents, children, siblings) if they’re named in the document or would directly benefit from the transaction.
• : The document and situation need to be a legitimate reason for notarization according to Delaware law. You’ll also need to verify the person’s identity using an acceptable ID and make sure they understand what they’re signing.

How much can I charge for my notary services?

The maximum amount a Delaware Notary Public can charge for their services is set by the Delaware Secretary of State. Here’s a breakdown of the authorized fees:

• Traditional Notarial Acts: $5 per act
• Electronic Notarizations: $25 per act

Traditional notarial acts can include things like witnessing signatures on documents or administering oaths.

Is Online Notary Legal in Delaware & How Do I Become One?

Delaware has embraced RON technology since August 1, 2023. This means you can perform notarizations electronically, as long as you meet the requirements to become a Delaware remote online notary.

What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?

If you move, you must update your Notary profile with your new address within 30 days of the change.

For name changes, you can perform notarizations by signing both your old and new names until your commission expires or you can update your Notary profile with your new name. Once the Notary Public Section receives notification of the change, it will send you a name change certificate by email at which point you’ll be able to get a new stamp bearing your new name. There is no fee to change your name.

How do I renew my Delaware Notary Public Commission?

Roughly 30 days before your commission expires, you’ll get an email notification prompting you to renew. You can choose a two-year term for $60 or a four-year term for $90 during renewal. You cannot apply to renew earlier than 30 days before your current commission expires.

How do I become an Online Notary in Delaware?

We have already explained how to do this in our How to Become an Online Notary in Delaware guide. It is an in-depth guide that gives all you need to become a notary in Delaware for online purposes.