To submit a Delaware notary application, use the state’s online portal at notary.delaware.gov, pay the $60 fee for a two-year traditional commission, and complete your oath of office once approved. The Governor issues commissions, but the Secretary of State’s office handles applications day to day. You cannot perform a single notarial act until the executed oath is on file.
Who Can Apply
Delaware law sets five qualifications. You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, able to read and write English, and either live in Delaware or have a place of work or practice in the state. You must also be free of any conduct that would disqualify you under the notary statutes.1Justia. Delaware Code 29-4301 – Commission as a Notary Public; Qualifications; Oath; Denial of, Refusal to Renew, Revocation of, Suspension of, or Condition on Commission; No Immunity or Benefit
Residency is not required if you work in Delaware. Commuters from Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey qualify as long as their employer’s office sits physically in the state.
What Can Get You Denied
Several categories of conduct will sink an application. Any felony conviction is disqualifying, and so is any conviction involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit, whether or not it was a felony. A civil finding or admission of liability based on your fraud or dishonesty counts too. If another state has denied, revoked, or suspended your notary commission, Delaware can rely on that alone to refuse yours. Finally, lying or omitting information on the application itself is a separate ground for denial.2Justia. Delaware Code 29-4334 – Grounds to Deny, Refuse to Renew, Revoke, Suspend, or Impose a Condition on Commission
These same grounds apply after commissioning, so anything you conceal on the way in can also cost you the commission on the way out.
Pick the Right Commission Type
Delaware offers three commission categories, and the application asks which one you want.
The traditional notary commission is the standard path. Anyone who meets the eligibility rules can apply. The initial term is two years and costs $60.3Justia. Delaware Code 29-4307 – Term of Office; Fees; Resignation
A limited governmental notary commission is for employees of Delaware state agencies and Delaware police agencies at the state, county, or municipal level. There is no fee, the employer must approve the application, and the commission has no expiration date as long as you remain employed. Notaries in this category cannot charge for their acts.4Delaware Notary Public. How to Apply For a Notary Commission
A service organization notary commission is limited to one notary per state-recognized veterans’ organization and one per volunteer fire or ambulance and rescue company. The term is four years, there is no fee, the notary can only act on matters tied to the organization’s mission, and no fees may be charged.4Delaware Notary Public. How to Apply For a Notary Commission
Filing the Application
Applications go through the state’s online notary portal. You will create a profile, complete the application, and pay electronically. Paper is not the standard route.
Have this information ready:
- Your full legal name exactly as you want it to appear on your commission and seal.
- Your home address, plus your employer’s name and Delaware address if you qualify through employment rather than residency.
- The commission type you are applying for.
- Any prior notary commission history in Delaware or another state, including expiration dates.
Every entry needs to match your government-issued ID. Misrepresentation on the application is itself a listed ground for denial, so verify each field before you submit.2Justia. Delaware Code 29-4334 – Grounds to Deny, Refuse to Renew, Revoke, Suspend, or Impose a Condition on Commission
Fees
Application fees are non-refundable and paid at submission.
- New traditional commission, two-year term: $60.
- Traditional renewal, two-year term: $60.
- Traditional renewal, four-year term: $90.
- Limited governmental and service organization commissions: no fee.5Delaware Notary Public. Fee Information
Set aside additional money for your official stamp after commissioning. Seal vendors typically charge between $15 and $40 depending on the style.
Complete the Oath of Office
Approval and payment do not finish the process. You cannot perform any notarial act until you take your oath of office and the Secretary of State receives the fully executed oath.6Delaware Code Online. Delaware Code Title 29 Chapter 43 – Notaries Public This is where applicants most often stall.
The oath follows the form prescribed by Article XIV of the Delaware Constitution. Notaries are specifically exempted from the Prothonotary recordation requirement that applies to other state officers, so the executed oath goes directly to the Secretary of State in either electronic or paper form.6Delaware Code Online. Delaware Code Title 29 Chapter 43 – Notaries Public Check the notary portal for current submission instructions, since the office has moved toward electronic filing.
Order Your Stamp and Set Up a Journal
Once commissioned, you need an official stamp before you can act. The stamp must show your name as it appears on file with the Secretary of State, the words “State of Delaware,” the phrase “My Commission expires on” followed by your expiration date, and any other information the Secretary of State requires. It must produce an image that photocopies with the document.7Delaware Code Online. Delaware Code Title 29 Chapter 43 – Notarial Acts Limited governmental notaries replace the expiration date with “My Commission expires upon office.” An inked rubber stamp generally copies more reliably than an embosser.
Delaware also requires every commissioned notary to keep a journal of notarial acts. You may choose electronic or paper, but you have to pick one format and stay with it. If you later let your commission end, you must keep the journal for 10 years or transmit it to the Delaware Notary Administrator.8Delaware Notary Public. Frequently Asked Questions
Renewal and What Happens if You Lapse
Your first commission runs two years. At renewal you can choose another two-year term for $60 or a four-year term for $90.3Justia. Delaware Code 29-4307 – Term of Office; Fees; Resignation The renewal option only appears in your notary profile once your commission is within 30 days of expiring or has already expired.9Delaware Notary Public. Renew Commission You cannot renew months ahead, so mark that window.
If your commission fully lapses, you have to go through the entire new application process rather than a renewal. Journal retention still runs the full 10 years across any gap.