Notary Public
Delaware
Notary Public Commission Requirements
2 years (initial); 2 or 4 years (renewal)
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
Application Process
VerifiedEnsure you meet eligibility requirements (age 18+, Delaware residency or employment, good character)
Submit application online through notary.delaware.gov (an email address is required)
Pay the non-refundable $60 application fee
All correspondence including commission certificates and renewal notices will be sent electronically by email
Obtain your notary seal (black-inked rubber stamp or metal embossing seal)
Obtain a notary journal/record book (mandatory as of August 1, 2023, must be retained for 10 years)
Begin performing notarial acts after commission is issued
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must maintain legal residence in Delaware OR be a non-resident who maintains regular employment within the state with a physical business address
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo training course is required to become a Delaware notary public.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam is required to become a Delaware notary public.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo surety bond is required for Delaware notaries.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is optional but available for purchase.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredMust use an official seal (black-inked rubber stamp or metal embossing seal). Seal must be sharp, legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible. Must include: name, commission expiration date, 'Notary Public', and 'State of Delaware'.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $60 (2-year term) |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $30 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($60) + Oath of office ($5) + Seal (~$30) + Journal ($30-$55). No bond or education costs. | $125-$150 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
2 years (initial); 2 or 4 years (renewal)
Renewal Process
Renewals submitted online through the Delaware notary portal. Renewal available for 2-year ($60) or 4-year ($90) terms. Commission certificates and renewal notices sent electronically by email.
Renewal Fee
$60 (2-year) or $90 (4-year)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Delaware permits remote online notarization as of August 1, 2023. Requires registration through state-approved technology providers.
Additional Requirements
Must register through state-approved RON technology providers
Important Notes
What Makes Delaware Unique
Delaware has one of the shortest initial commission terms in the nation at just 2 years (renewals can be 2 or 4 years). The state requires applicants to demonstrate a 'reasonable need' for a commission. Notary journals have been mandatory since August 1, 2023, and must be retained for 10 years or transmitted to the Notary Administrator upon leaving office. Delaware offers special no-fee commissions for service organizations like veterans' groups and volunteer fire companies.
Delaware has one of the shortest initial commission terms at 2 years
Notary journal/record book has been mandatory since August 1, 2023 and must be retained for 10 years
Journal must be transmitted to the Delaware Notary Administrator if not renewing commission
Applications and renewals are now submitted online with all correspondence via email
Must be able to read and write English
Must have a 'reasonable need' for a commission
Three types of commissions: Traditional, Limited Governmental, and Certain Service Organizations
Limited Governmental and Service Organization notaries have no application fees
Good Standing Certificate available for $30