How to Become a Notary Public in Delaware
Delaware does not require an exam to become a notary public. The application process is handled through the Delaware Secretary of State online portal. Delaware is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond, making it one of the most affordable states to become a notary.
Delaware Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Delaware resident or work in Delaware |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No |
| Surety Bond | Not Required |
| Commission Term | 2 or 4 years |
| Application Fee | $60 (2-year) or $90 (4-year) |
Why Become a Delaware Notary?
- No exam required - Straightforward application process
- No surety bond - One of the few states without this requirement
- Flexible commission terms - Choose 2 or 4 years
- Affordable startup - Low fees without bond costs
- RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization legal since August 2023
- Online application - Easy digital process
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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Delaware Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become a Delaware notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a Delaware resident with a street address OR maintain an office/regular place of employment in Delaware (P.O. boxes, virtual offices, and registered agents do NOT qualify)
- Be able to read and write English
- Be of good moral character and reputation
- Have no felony convictions (unless rights have been restored)
- Have no convictions for crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude
Step 2: Create Your Online Profile
Apply through the Delaware Notary Public online system:
- Visit notary.delaware.gov
- Create an account with your email address
- Complete your Notary Profile with required information
- Verify your identity and address
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Complete the online application through your profile
- Select your commission type:
- Traditional Notary (2 or 4 years)
- Limited Governmental Notary (no fixed term - tied to employment)
- Notary for Certain Service Organizations (4 years)
- Pay the application fee:
- $60 for 2-year commission
- $90 for 4-year commission
- $0 for Limited Governmental/Service Organization commissions
- Submit your application for review
Step 4: Receive Your Commission
Once approved by the Secretary of State:
- You'll receive your commission certificate
- Your commission is effective immediately upon issuance
- You can begin notarizing after obtaining your supplies
Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies
After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Seal (Required):
- Rubber stamp OR metal embosser
- Must be sharp, legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible
- Must include: Your name, "State of Delaware," commission expiration date, and other required information
- Cost: $25-$50
Notary Journal (Required):
- Mandatory as of August 1, 2023
- Paper OR electronic format allowed
- Must be retained for 10 years
- Cost: $15-$30
Delaware Notary Fees
| Fee Type | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Per notarial act | $5.00 |
| Travel fees | Reasonable (set by notary) |
Important Guidelines:
- The maximum fee per notarial act is $5.00
- You may waive the fee entirely
- Travel fees are not regulated - follow the IRS standard mileage rate as a guideline
- Disclose fees before performing services
- Provide an itemized fee statement
Delaware-Specific Requirements
Seal Requirements
Your Delaware notary seal must include:
- Your name exactly as commissioned
- The words "State of Delaware"
- Your commission expiration date
- Additional information as required by the Secretary of State
Format: Sharp, legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible
New Seal Required: If your name changes, you must obtain a new seal.
Journal Requirements (Mandatory)
As of August 1, 2023, Delaware notaries must keep a journal:
Required Journal Entries:
- Date and time of the notarial act
- Type of notarial act performed
- Title or description of the document
- Signature and name of the signer(s)
- Identification method used
- Fee charged (if any)
Retention: Journal records must be kept for 10 years
Transfer of Records: If you do not renew your commission, records must be transmitted to the Delaware Notary Administration
Certificate Requirements
Every notarial certificate must include:
- Your official seal impression
- Your signature
- The date of the notarial act
- The statement required for the specific notarial act type
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Delaware
Delaware permanently authorized RON starting August 1, 2023 through Senate Bill 262.
Becoming a Delaware Remote Online Notary
To perform RON in Delaware:
- Be an active Delaware notary public in good standing
- Request RON/Electronic privileges through your online Notary Profile
- Select an SOS-approved technology provider from the list on the Notary Department website
- Obtain an e-seal and e-signature conforming to Delaware standards
- Maintain an electronic journal (mandatory for all electronic notarizations)
No additional exam or training required for RON in Delaware (though training is recommended).
RON Technology Requirements
- Must use a Secretary of State-approved Electronic/Remote Technology provider
- Approved providers include: Black Knight, Blend, BlueNotary, Cyberize It, Doc Magic, NotaryCam, Pavaso, SIGNiX, and others
- Cannot use general video conferencing like Zoom or FaceTime
- Must indicate your provider in your Notary Profile
RON Location Requirements
- Notary must be physically located in Delaware when performing RON
- Signer can be anywhere - remotely located domestically or internationally
RON Identity Verification
When performing RON, you must verify the signer's identity through:
- Remote presentation of one or more government-issued ID documents with photo and signature (e.g., U.S. passport, state ID, unexpired foreign passport, alien registration card)
- Other satisfactory evidence as permitted by law
RON Record Retention
- Technology provider must retain the visual and audio recording for 10 years
- Notary must maintain electronic journal for 10 years
Total Cost to Become a Delaware Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (2-year) | $60 |
| Application Fee (4-year) | $90 |
| Surety Bond | $0 (not required!) |
| Notary Seal | $25-$50 |
| Journal | $15-$30 |
| Total (2-year) | $100-$140 |
| Total (4-year) | $130-$170 |
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Create online profile | Same day |
| Complete application | 1 day |
| Processing time | 5-10 business days |
| Receive commission | Immediate upon approval |
| Purchase supplies | 1-3 days |
| Total | 1-2 weeks |
Delaware Notary Commission Types
Traditional Notary Public
- Term: 2 or 4 years (your choice)
- Fee: $60 or $90
- For: General public, businesses, independent notaries
Limited Governmental Notary
- Term: No fixed expiration (expires upon end of employment)
- Fee: $0
- For: State employees and qualified police agency employees
Notary for Certain Service Organizations
- Term: 4 years
- Fee: $0
- For: Qualifying service organization members
Renewing Your Delaware Commission
Renewal Process:
- Begin renewal at least 30 days before your commission expires
- Log into your online Notary Profile
- Complete the renewal application
- Pay the appropriate fee ($60 or $90)
- You'll receive a new commission with updated expiration
Important: You'll need a new seal with your updated expiration date.
Start Your Delaware Notary Career Today
Delaware offers an excellent opportunity to become a notary public with no exam, no bond requirement, and an easy online application process. The low startup costs make it one of the most accessible states to begin your notary career.