If you want to become a Delaware Notary Public, complete the following steps:
- Meet the requirements for a Delaware Notary commission.
- Register online and complete the application.
- Submit the form and $60 fee to the Secretary of State.
- If approved, receive your commission certificate.
- Go to a Notary Public to take your oath of office.
- Return a copy to the Notary Public Section of the Secretary of State's office.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Delaware Notary Process
A Notary's first term is two years, but renewing Notaries may request a two-year or four-year term renewal.
Below is more information about the application process for a traditional Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become a DE Notary
The cost to become a Delaware Notary ranges between $125 to $150, depending on where you purchase your Notary supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$60 |
| Oath of office |
$5 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$125 - $150 |
Commission Processing Time
It can take one to two weeks to become commissioned as a Notary Public in Delaware, depending on your availability and the time the Secretary of State needs to process your application.
Delaware Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a Notary in the First State.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Delaware must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Maintain legal residence in the state of Delaware, or be a non-resident who works in Delaware
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be able to read and write English
- Not be disqualified to receive a commission under 29 Del. Code 4334
- Not have been convicted of a felony unless your rights have been restored
- Not be convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude
Application
Register on the Delaware Secretary of State website and complete the application form. Submit the form along with the $60 fee.
Commission Certificate
If approved, you'll receive an email with your commission certificate and further instructions.
Print and sign the certificate.
Oath of Office
Go to a Notary Public to take your oath of office. Return a copy to the Notary Public Section of the Secretary of State's office.
Notary Supplies
Delaware Notaries are required to use an official Notary seal and journal.
The seal may either be a black-inked rubber stamp or an embosser. The following information must be on the seal:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "My commission expires on _______ (date)"
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Delaware"
Delaware Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Delaware Notary? We've got you covered.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Delaware Office of Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, located in Dover, DE, issues Notary Public commissions.
Notary Public Section
401 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
May I become a Delaware Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, provided you meet the other requirements listed above.
Is there training or an exam required to become a DE Notary?
Delaware does not require Notaries to complete a training course nor an exam.
However, the NNA has Delaware training courses that walk you through the notarization process and more.
Does Delaware require Notaries to be bonded?
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Delaware Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization.
The state prohibits notarizing any document in which you or your spouse have a financial gain or beneficial interest. The state also clarifies that a notarial act performed in violation of this subsection is voidable.
How much can Delaware Notaries charge for their services?
Delaware Secretary of State sets the maximum fee Notaries can charge at $5 per traditional notarial act and $25 per electronic notarizations.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If you change your address, name or email, you must notify the Secretary of State.
- Address change: Update your Notary profile with your new address within 30 days of the change.
- Name change: You can perform notarizations by signing both your old and new names (e.g. "Jane A. Doe now known as Jane A. Smith") 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, they 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.
- Email change: Either call the Notary Public Section or email notary@delaware.gov. Be prepared to answer basic questions about yourself and have your Notary Public ID on hand. The SOS will not request your profile password.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Delaware Notary Public?
Notaries renewing their Delaware commissions may apply for either a two-year term or a four-year term.
The Secretary will send you an email reminder to renew approximately 30 days before your commission expires. You may not renew more than 30 days before your commission expiration date.
Log into your Notary profile at the Secretary of State's website and click the "Renew Commission" link. Review and update your information as directed, then submit and pay for the renewal.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Delaware?
To become a DE electronic Notary, you must be a Notary in Delaware or applying for a commission.
Current Notaries can request authorization and choose a technology provider by logging into their Notary Profile on the Secretary of State's website.
If you’re currently not commissioned, select "yes" on the application if you intend to perform electronic notarizations. Next, you'll choose a technology provider from the state's list of approved vendors and indicate how you will store your journal. You can keep either a paper or an electronic journal.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Delaware?
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Last updated: Apr 21, 2025