How to Become a Notary Public in Delaware

Checked against Delaware Notary Public Office (Delaware Department of State) · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $60 (new traditional notary, 2-year term only, non-refundable)
Bond: No bond required
Commissioned by: Delaware Notary Public Office (Delaware Department of State)

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Be able to read and write English.
Be of good character. A felony without restored rights, or a crime of dishonesty or moral turpitude, disqualifies you.
Have a reasonable need for a notary commission.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
Live at a Delaware street address, or keep a Delaware office or workplace open Monday to Friday during business hours to accept service of process. PO boxes, virtual offices, and registered agents do not count.
Non-residents must regularly perform notarial acts in Delaware.

Step by step

Get a valid email address. All notices and your commission certificate are sent by email.
Create a notary profile on the state's online notary system.
Complete the online application and answer every required question truthfully.
If you have any prior conviction, get a certified background check from that jurisdiction dated within 6 months of the state's notice.
Pay the non-refundable $60 fee by e-check or credit card.
When you receive your commission certificate, sign and take the oath of office before a notary public, then return a copy to the Notary Public Section as the email instructs.
Buy a seal or black-ink stamp showing your name, "Notary Public," "State of Delaware," and "My Commission expires on" with the date.
Start a notary journal (paper or electronic) before you notarize.

Official application →

No state exam here, but notaries are liable for mistakes. Check your notary knowledge with the free practice test →

What it costs in Delaware

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Application fee (2-year first term)$60
Certified background check, only if you have a prior conviction(optional)$
Seal or ink stamp$
Notary journal$

Estimated total in Delaware$60Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Certified background check if you have a prior conviction
Embossing seal or ink stamp
Notary journal (required since August 1, 2023)

Pay in Delaware

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Delaware after taxes.

What other sites get wrong about Delaware

Myth: Delaware notaries must buy a $10,000 surety bond.

Fact: Delaware's notary law (29 Del. C. ch. 43) has no bond requirement; the state only charges the $60 application fee for a first commission. source

Myth: A first Delaware notary commission lasts 4 years.

Fact: A new traditional commission is for a 2-year term only; a 4-year term is available only at renewal ($90). source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Log in to your notary profile within 30 days before (or after) expiration, confirm your details, and pay $60 for a 2-year or $90 for a 4-year renewal.

Remote online notarization: Yes. Since August 1, 2023, a commissioned notary can request remote or electronic powers through the online notary profile and must use a state-approved technology provider while physically in Delaware.

Good to know in Delaware

Where and what you can charge: You may only notarize within Delaware (for remote acts the signer can be elsewhere, but you must be in Delaware). The maximum fee is $5.00 per notarization.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Delaware Notary Public Office (Delaware Department of State) before you apply.