How to Become a Notary in Delaware (2026 Guide)

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Key Takeaways

No exam, no training, no bond required
Application fee: $60 | Commission term: 2 years (first term), 4 years (renewal)
Notary stamp required
Maximum fee: $5 per notarial act, $25 RON
RON available
Must be 18+, living or working in Delaware

No exam, no training, no bond required. Here’s how the process works.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Delaware or regularly employed in the state

Disqualifying Factors

Delaware evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. Criminal history and providing false information can disqualify you.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Apply Online

Create a notary profile and apply at the Delaware Secretary of State website. Pay the $60 application fee.

Step 2: Receive Your Commission

If approved, you’ll receive your commission certificate by email.

Step 3: Take Your Oath

Print the commission and take it to a Delaware notary public for your oath of office.

Step 4: Return the Oath

Return a copy of the oath to the Secretary of State per the instructions in your email.

Step 5: Purchase Your Stamp

Delaware requires a notary stamp.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
Application fee	$60
No bond required	$0
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (recommended)	$10-$50
Total	$85-$135

Maximum Allowable Fees

Delaware sets a maximum of $5 per notarial act (acknowledgments, jurats, and verbal oaths). Remote online notarizations are capped at $25.

Authorized Notarial Acts

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Take verifications
Witness signatures
Certify copies
Protest negotiable instruments

Notary Stamp Requirements

Delaware requires a notary stamp. You cannot perform notarizations without one.

Notarizing for Family Members

Delaware does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. Avoid notarizing documents where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

The Secretary of State can revoke your commission for misconduct.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but recommended to protect against liability from errors or negligence.

Renewal

First commission term is 2 years; renewing notaries can request 2 or 4 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Delaware allows RON. Active notaries can register to perform remote online notarizations.

Becoming a Signing Agent

After receiving your commission, complete a signing agent certification program. Delaware is not an attorney state for real estate closings.

Delaware’s no-bond, no-exam approach is the easiest in the mid-Atlantic region. Neighboring Maryland requires no bond but has a $9 fee cap; Pennsylvania requires a $25,000 bond; New Jersey requires no bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Delaware?

No. Delaware does not require a notary exam or training course.

Do I need a surety bond in Delaware?

No. Delaware does not require a surety bond.

How long does a Delaware notary commission last?

First term: 2 years. Renewals: 4 years.

Is a notary stamp required in Delaware?

Yes. All Delaware notaries must have a notary stamp.

How much can a Delaware notary charge?

Delaware sets a maximum of $5 per notarial act ($25 for RON).

Can Delaware notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Register with the Secretary of State to perform RON.

Employer Obligations

Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

How to Become a Notary in Delaware (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements

Disqualifying Factors