Effective August 1, 2023, Notaries in Delaware can register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). If you want to become a DE remote Notary, follow the steps below.
- Become a traditional Delaware Notary Public.
- Log into your Notary Profile account on the Department of State's website.
- Indicate your interest in remote notarization.
- Choose your technology provider.
- The State will notify the vendor.
- Work with the vendor for setup and payment.
In This Guide: Delaware RON Requirements | About RON in Delaware | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Online Notary in Delaware
In Delaware, you may register to perform remote notarization at any time. Currently commissioned Notaries must log into their account on the state's website to request authorization. If you aren't a Notary yet, you must apply for a traditional DE Notary Public commission and indicate your interest during the application process. Traditional Notaries must be at least 18 years old; be a U.S. citizen and have legal residence in Delaware or be employed in Delaware; must be able to read and write in English.
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony unless your rights have been restored.
Is training or an exam required to become a remote Notary?
No training or exam is required to become an online Notary in Delaware.
What technology and supplies do I need to perform online notarizations?
Delaware Notaries are required to have a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection. Your computer must be able to support a live two-way audio and video connection. Next, you'll need to contract with a RON provider from a list of state-approved vendors.
Other remote Notary supplies you'll need include an electronic journal, electronic seal and digital certificate containing your electronic signature. These must be compliant with your chosen RON vendor.
Do I need a surety bond?
No, a surety bond is not required to perform remote notarizations in Delaware.
Is an E&O insurance policy required in Delaware?
No, an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not a requirement for DE remote Notaries. However, it's highly recommended since it can save you from costly lawsuits in the event you commit an unintentional mistake on a notarized document.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Delaware
Remote online notarization has arrived in The First State. Learn how RONs work and what notarial acts can be performed remotely here.
Is remote online notarization allowed in Delaware?
Yes. Remote online notarization was temporarily permitted on April 15, 2020 under DE Executive Order. The temporary authorization became permanent on August 1, 2023, under SB 262, allowing first-time applicants and actively commissioned DE Notaries to register to perform remote notarizations.
How do remote notarizations work?
During a remote notarization, the Notary confirms the signer’s identity by having personal knowledge of the signer, having satisfactory evidence of the signer by oath or affirmation from a credible witness appearing before the Notary, or using at least two different types of identity proofing processes or services.
Next, the Notary confirms the signer is aware of what the document is and they're signing the document of their own free will. The signer signs the document using an electronic signature. From here, the Notary checks the document, fills out the notarial certificate, and attaches their electronic signature and seal via a digital certificate.
The notarization is complete when the Notary creates a journal entry and saves an audio-visual recording of the act.
Remote Notaries in Delaware can notarize for signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within the state at the time of notarization.
What notarial acts can be performed virtually in Delaware?
Notaries can perform the following notarial acts remotely:
- Taking an acknowledgment for an individual
- Taking an acknowledgment for a person acting in a representative capacity
- Verification upon oath or affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Certifying a copy of a record
How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?
With travel no longer a factor in remote notarizations, they take much less time to perform than traditional notarizations. From the moment a signer logs onto a RON platform to the Notary applying their digital certificate, the session can take only a few minutes to complete.
Additional RON FAQs
Still have questions about being a remote Notary? We've got you covered.
How much does it cost to register as a remote Notary?
The cost of becoming a remote online Notary ranges from below $100 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the companies you choose to work with plus other factors.
For example, you'll need to pay any fees to sign up with your preferred RON technology provider and the cost of your digital supplies, including your electronic seal and digital certificate.
You'll also need to factor in the cost to maintain a recommended E&O policy. A computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access are items you'll need to purchase as well if you don't already have them.
How much can DE remote Notaries charge for their services?
Delaware Department of State authorizes a Notary who performs notarial acts on electronic records to charge a maximum fee of $25.
How long does it take to become a virtual Notary in Delaware?
It can take up to six weeks to become a remote online Notary in Delaware if you're applying for a Notary Public commission at the same time. It takes much less time for current Notaries to log into their Notary Profile and submit the request to the Secretary of State.
Once you're commissioned, you'll spend another day getting your RON provider set up with your remote Notary supplies.
How long will my remote Notary commission last?
Your remote Notary authorization ends when your traditional Notary Public commission expires. If you want to continue offering remote notarizations, you'll need to follow the steps listed above while renewing your traditional commission.
Will RON services grow my DE Notary business?
Yes, becoming an online Notary and joining a RON platform can help your business grow. As a remote Notary, your customer base extends beyond those you can travel to meet. You'll be able to notarize for signers in any location as long as you're physically located within the state at the time of the notarial act.
If you want to expand your business even further, you may also consider becoming a certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Becoming NSA certified can make you eligible to receive more RON assignments and assures RON service providers you've passed a current background screening.
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Last updated: Dec 20, 2023