How to become a notary in Delaware
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Delaware Secretary of State, Notary Public Section (commissions issued in the Governor's name).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has a legal residence with a street address in Delaware, OR who keeps an office or place of employment in Delaware open Monday-Friday during business hours to accept service of process. Non-residents must show they would regularly notarize in Delaware. P.O. boxes, virtual offices and registered agents do not qualify; Read and write English; good character and reputation; have a reasonable need for a commission. Not eligible: anyone convicted of a felony whose rights have not been restored, or of a crime of dishonesty or moral turpitude.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting for a clean record. Applicants with any prior conviction must provide a certified background check from the convicting jurisdiction, dated within 6 months of the SOS notice.
- Apply to the Delaware Secretary of State, Notary Public Section (commissions issued in the Governor's name) — Pay the $60 state fee. Other fees: Renewal: $60 for a 2-year term or $90 for a 4-year term. Fees are non-refundable. No fee for Limited Governmental notaries (state agency and Delaware police employees) or service-organization notaries (veterans' organizations, volunteer fire and ambulance companies). Good standing certificate $30.
- Take the oath and file it — After the commission certificate is e-mailed, sign the Oath of Office before a notary and send a copy back to the Notary Public Section as the e-mail instructs. You may not notarize until the SOS has received the executed oath (29 Del. C. 4308). No county recording.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: metal embosser or black-ink rubber stamp with your name exactly as on the commission, 'Notary Public', 'State of Delaware' and 'My Commission expires on' with the date. Electronic/remote notaries use a conforming electronic seal. Journal: Required.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Delaware's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Delaware notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Delaware Secretary of State, Notary Public Section (commissions issued in the Governor's name) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has a legal residence with a street address in Delaware, OR who keeps an office or place of employment in Delaware open Monday-Friday during business hours to accept service of process. Non-residents must show they would regularly notarize in Delaware. P.O. boxes, virtual offices and registered agents do not qualify. |
| Course | Not required No training required (SOS FAQ). The state does not publish its own handbook; it points to the American Society of Notaries handbook. |
| Exam | Not required No exam. |
| State fee | $60 |
| Other fees | Renewal: $60 for a 2-year term or $90 for a 4-year term. Fees are non-refundable. No fee for Limited Governmental notaries (state agency and Delaware police employees) or service-organization notaries (veterans' organizations, volunteer fire and ambulance companies). Good standing certificate $30. |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required (SOS FAQ). |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting for a clean record. Applicants with any prior conviction must provide a certified background check from the convicting jurisdiction, dated within 6 months of the SOS notice. |
| Term | 2 years for a first commission; renewals are 2 or 4 years (applicant's choice). |
| Oath / filing | After the commission certificate is e-mailed, sign the Oath of Office before a notary and send a copy back to the Notary Public Section as the e-mail instructs. You may not notarize until the SOS has received the executed oath (29 Del. C. 4308). No county recording. |
| Seal | Required: metal embosser or black-ink rubber stamp with your name exactly as on the commission, 'Notary Public', 'State of Delaware' and 'My Commission expires on' with the date. Electronic/remote notaries use a conforming electronic seal. |
| Journal | Required |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 per notarial act on a paper record; $25 per notarial act on an electronic record (29 Del. C. 4311). No fee may be charged for veterans' paperwork covered by 29 Del. C. 4312. |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Since Aug 1, 2023, a commissioned Delaware notary can request electronic and/or remote privileges through the online Notary Profile. Must use a technology provider on the SOS approved list. The notary must be physically in Delaware; the signer can be anywhere. Remote ID proofing needs at least 2 methods. No separate fee or training is listed on the SOS pages. |
| Renewal | Renew online through your Notary Profile once the commission is within 30 days of expiring (or has expired). The SOS e-mails a notice about 30 days before expiration. Choose a 2-year ($60) or 4-year ($90) term. |
Since Aug 1, 2023 (83 Del. Laws c. 425, RULONA-style rewrite) every notary must keep one journal, paper or electronic, and retain it 10 years after the commission ends or send it to the Notary Administrator. You may only notarize inside Delaware. The commission belongs to the notary, not the employer. New notaries always get a 2-year first term.
Sources: Delaware Notary – How to Apply for a Notary Commission · Delaware Notary – FAQs · Delaware Notary – Fee Information · Delaware Notary – Journal Requirements · Delaware Notary – Approved Technology Providers. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Delaware notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Delaware licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Delaware insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Delaware?
The state fee is $60, plus Renewal: $60 for a 2-year term or $90 for a 4-year term. Fees are non-refundable. No fee for Limited Governmental notaries (state agency and Delaware police employees) or service-organization notaries (veterans' organizations, volunteer fire and ambulance companies). Good standing certificate $30.. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Delaware?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Delaware?
No. Delaware requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in Delaware?
$5 per notarial act on a paper record; $25 per notarial act on an electronic record (29 Del. C. 4311). No fee may be charged for veterans' paperwork covered by 29 Del. C. 4312..
Can I be an online notary in Delaware?
Yes. Since Aug 1, 2023, a commissioned Delaware notary can request electronic and/or remote privileges through the online Notary Profile. Must use a technology provider on the SOS approved list. The notary must be physically in Delaware; the signer can be anywhere. Remote ID proofing needs at least 2 methods. No separate fee or training is listed on the SOS pages.