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How to Become a Notary in Delaware: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
There's a reason Delaware calls itself the "First State" — and when it comes to becoming a notary, the process is refreshingly first in simplicity too. Thanks to Delaware's business-friendly reputation and the massive corporate presence centered around Wilmington, notaries are in steady demand here. From real estate closings in Rehoboth Beach to affidavits flowing through Dover's state agencies, there's no shortage of documents needing an official stamp. The best part? Delaware doesn't make you jump through hoops like some states do. No mandatory exams, no required training courses — just a straightforward application, a small bond, and a quick oath filing. Here's your complete roadmap to getting commissioned.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Delaware Secretary of State's office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Delaware?
Delaware keeps the eligibility bar accessible but clear. You'll need to check three boxes:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Delaware (or employed in DE) — and that second part is worth paying attention to, because plenty of states flat-out deny notary commissions to non-residents, even if they work across state lines every day
- Have no felony convictions unless you've received a pardon
That employment provision is genuinely useful. If you live in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey but commute into Delaware for work, you can still get commissioned. It's a flexibility that not every state extends, and it makes life considerably easier for people working in the Wilmington corporate corridor.
What You'll Need
Before you start filling out forms, gather what you need so the process doesn't stall out over a missing document:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A $10,000 surety bond (typically $30-50)
- The $25 filing fee
Let's talk about that surety bond for a second, because it's the thing that confuses most first-time applicants. You are not putting down $10,000 of your own money. You're paying a small one-time premium — usually between $30 and $50 — to a bonding company. The bond exists to protect the public if you make an error while notarizing. Think of it like a safety net, not a down payment.
Step 1: Complete the Application
Submit your notary application to the Delaware Secretary of State. You'll need to provide your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence. Pay close attention to how your name appears on this form — it needs to match your government-issued ID exactly. Name mismatches are one of the most common reasons applications get held up, and it's an easy problem to prevent.
Step 2: Submit with Bond and Fee
Your application isn't complete without two additional items:
- A $10,000 surety bond
- A $25 filing fee
You can purchase your surety bond online through most major bonding agencies, and the process is usually quick. Just make sure the bond is made out correctly and covers your full two-year commission period. Most bonding companies that serve Delaware notaries know exactly what's needed and can turn it around fast.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
The Secretary of State typically processes applications within 2-3 weeks, though timing can fluctuate with application volume. Once you're approved, your commission certificate arrives by mail.
Your commission is valid for two years. Put that expiration date somewhere you'll actually see it — Delaware does not send reminder notices. If your commission lapses, you're back to square one, and you won't be able to notarize anything during the gap.
Step 4: Get Your Notary Supplies
As soon as you've submitted your application, go ahead and order your supplies. There's no reason to wait for your commission to arrive, and having everything ready means you can start working the moment you're officially cleared:
- A Delaware notary stamp — this must follow state format requirements precisely, including your name, the words "Notary Public," "State of Delaware," and your commission expiration date
- A notary record book (journal) — Delaware doesn't legally require one, but skipping it is a gamble most experienced notaries wouldn't take
Don't just grab the cheapest stamp you can find online. An improperly formatted stamp can cause real problems down the line — rejected documents, frustrated clients, and potential liability issues. Get one that's specifically made for Delaware notaries.
Browse Notary StampsStep 5: File Your Oath of Office
This is the step that trips up more Delaware notary applicants than anything else. Within 30 days of receiving your commission certificate, you must take your oath of office and file it with the Register of Wills in the county where you reside (or where you're employed, if you're a non-resident applicant).
This is not optional. This is not a formality you can blow off. If you don't file your oath within that 30-day window, your commission can become void, and you'll have to start the entire process from scratch. There's generally no grace period and no sympathy for procrastination.
Head to the Register of Wills office in your county — New Castle, Kent, or Sussex. Call ahead to confirm their hours and ask whether there's a small filing fee, as this can vary by location.
Common Mistakes New Delaware Notaries Make
Save yourself some grief by learning from the mistakes others have already made:
- Missing the 30-day oath filing deadline — this is far and away the most common error, and the consequences are severe enough that it deserves repeating
- Ordering a non-compliant stamp — your stamp needs to meet Delaware's exact specifications. Generic stamps or stamps designed for other states won't cut it
- Letting the commission expire without renewing — reappointment takes time, so start the renewal process well before your expiration date
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — even if someone tells you it's fine, even if they seem trustworthy, this is grounds for commission revocation in Delaware. The signer must be in front of you, period
How Much Does It Cost?
Here's a straightforward look at what you'll spend to get set up:
- Surety bond: $30-50
- Application fee: $25
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal: $15-25
- County filing fee: $10-20
Total estimated cost: $95-$150
That covers everything from start to finish. Delaware notaries can charge up to $5 per notarization, so even a handful of signatures will put you in the black. And if you're notarizing regularly for an employer or building a mobile notary business — which is increasingly popular in Delaware's busy corporate and coastal areas — you can recoup that initial investment quickly.
Remote Online Notarization in Delaware
Delaware does have an operational Remote Online Notarization (RON) law, which means commissioned notaries can perform online notarizations using approved technology platforms. If you're interested in offering RON services, you'll generally need to complete additional training, use a state-compliant RON platform, and follow specific identity verification protocols. Check with the Secretary of State's office for the latest RON requirements and approved vendors, as this area of notary law continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process actually take?
From application submission to having your stamp in hand and your oath filed, you're generally looking at 2-3 weeks. You can speed things up slightly by ordering your supplies the same day you submit your application rather than waiting for your commission to arrive first.
Do I really need errors and omissions insurance if it's not required?
Delaware doesn't mandate E&O insurance, but most notary professionals would strongly encourage you to get it anyway. If you make an honest mistake during a notarization — and mistakes do happen, even to careful people — E&O insurance covers your legal fees and potential damages. Without it, you're personally on the hook. Policies are relatively affordable, and the protection they provide is hard to argue with.
What's involved in renewing my commission?
The renewal process is essentially the same as the initial application. You'll submit a new application, a new surety bond, and the $25 filing fee before your current commission expires. The key is not waiting until the last minute — any gap between commissions means you legally cannot notarize documents during that window, which can be a real problem if you're notarizing for an employer or clients.
Can I charge for travel if I'm doing mobile notary work?
Yes. While the state caps your notarization fee at $5 per signature, you can generally negotiate additional travel fees when you're going to the signer's location. Just make sure you agree on those charges with the signer before you hit the road. Transparency avoids awkward conversations later.
Is skipping the notary journal really that big of a deal?
Delaware is one of the few states that doesn't legally require a notary journal, so technically you can skip it. But here's what experienced notaries will tell you: if a notarization you performed is ever challenged — and yes, this happens more often than you'd think — your journal is your best evidence. Without it, you have no documented record of what you notarized, when it happened, or who signed. A $15-25 journal is cheap insurance against that kind of headache.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Journal not required but strongly encouraged: The Secretary of State and every major notary organization recommend keeping a journal regardless of the legal requirement
- Non-residents can qualify: If you work in Delaware but live elsewhere, take advantage of the employment-based eligibility — it's not something every state offers
- File your oath in the right county: If you're a resident, that's your county of residence. If you're a non-resident applying through employment, file in the county where you work
- Mark your expiration date: No reminders are sent, and a lapsed commission means starting over completely
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Delaware earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Delaware notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
