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 training courses, no surety bond — and the application, including your oath, is completed online. 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
- The $60 application fee
Notably absent from that list: a surety bond. Delaware is one of the few states that doesn’t require notaries to post one — you read that right. There’s no bond premium to budget for, which keeps the barrier to entry genuinely low. (Errors and omissions insurance is still worth considering for your own protection.)
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: Pay the Application Fee
Your application goes to the Secretary of State with the $60 application fee (renewals cost $60 as well). That’s it — no bond, no supplementary filings. The application is completed online through the state’s notary system, which is part of why Delaware’s process is considered one of the smoothest in the country.
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 requires its notaries to keep one; order it along with your stamp
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: Complete Your Oath (Online)
Delaware has modernized this part of the process. Rather than a trip to a county office, the oath is now completed electronically as part of the online application — you affirm your oath during the e-filing and the state records it. If you’d rather work on paper, the office can still accommodate a manual process, but most applicants never need to visit a county building.
One caution: don’t notarize anything until your commission is issued and effective. Performing acts before that point is treated just as seriously here as anywhere else.
Common Mistakes New Delaware Notaries Make
Save yourself some grief by learning from the mistakes others have already made:
- Performing notarizations before the commission is effective — the oath is now built into the online application, but your authority begins only once your commission is issued. Impatience here is treated as seriously as ever
- 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:
- Application fee: $60
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal: $15-25
Total estimated cost: $90-$115
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, you’re generally looking at 2-3 weeks. The oath is completed online as part of the application, so there’s no separate filing to wait on. 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 and the $60 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?
Yes. Delaware requires its notaries to keep a journal of their notarial acts, so skipping it isn’t just risky — it’s non-compliant. Beyond the requirement, 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. A $15-25 journal is cheap insurance against that kind of headache.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Journal required: Delaware notaries must keep a record of their notarial acts — plan on ordering a journal along with your stamp
- 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
- The oath is online now: Delaware’s application includes an electronic oath — most applicants never need to visit a county office
- Mark your expiration date: No reminders are sent, and a lapsed commission means starting over completely
Sources
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Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Delaware commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs 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.
