Do you need a bond or exam in Delaware?

No. A traditional Delaware notary needs neither a bond nor an exam. Electronic notaries must complete an approved course first.

What address qualifies for a Delaware notary?

A Delaware street residence or a place of employment open weekdays for service of process. A PO box, virtual office, or registered agent does not qualify.

Does Delaware require a notary journal?

Yes, since August 1, 2023. Keep your journal for ten years, or transmit it to the Notary Administrator if you do not renew your commission.

What ink must a Delaware notary stamp use?

Black ink. The stamp or embosser must show your name, Notary Public, State of Delaware, and your expiration, and be photographically reproducible.

How to Become a Notary in Delaware (2026): The 2-Year Term, Cost & Steps

This guide is educational and informational, not legal advice. Delaware notary rules are set in Title 29, Chapter 43 of the Delaware Code and can change, so confirm the details with the Delaware Secretary of State before you apply. We link to official resources; we never sell or submit applications.

Quick answer: To become a notary in Delaware you must be 18 and have a Delaware street address where you live or work. There is no exam and no bond for a traditional notary. You apply online, pay $60 for a two-year commission or $90 for four years, then take a notarized oath. The Governor signs your commission, and a journal is mandatory. Use the checklist below to total your cost.

Open the cost checklist ↓

What does it cost to become a notary in Delaware?

Becoming a Delaware notary usually costs $75 to $115. The fixed state charge is $60 for a two-year traditional commission or $90 for a four-year one, with no bond required. The rest is a small fee to notarize your oath, your required black-ink stamp, and the mandatory journal. Tick what applies and the checklist totals it live.

How do you become a notary in Delaware?

You become a Delaware notary entirely online, then complete an oath. The order is:

Create your notary profile and apply. Set up a profile on the Secretary of State's notary system and submit the online application with a valid email address.
Pay the fee. Pay $60 for a two-year commission or $90 for four years; payment is made during the online application.
Receive your commission by email. Once approved, your commission certificate, signed by the Governor, is emailed to you to print and save.
Take the oath of office. Sign and swear your oath before a notary public, then return a copy to the Notary Public Section as instructed in the email.
Get your stamp and journal. Buy a black-ink stamp or embosser meeting state specs and a journal before performing any notarial acts.

How long does a Delaware notary commission last?

A traditional Delaware notary commission lasts two years for a new applicant, and at renewal you may choose a two-year or four-year term, which is why the fee is $60 or $90. Delaware also issues other commission types: a Limited Governmental Notary for state and police-agency employees, which has no fee and lasts as long as the employment, a Service Organization Notary valid for four years, and an Electronic Notary valid for two years. The short initial term means your first renewal comes around quickly, so watch the email reminder sent about 30 days ahead.

What address do you need to become a Delaware notary?

Delaware requires either a legal residence with a street address in the state or a Delaware office or regular place of employment that is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours to accept service of legal process. A post office box, a virtual office, or a registered agent address does not qualify, and the Secretary of State may ask for proof of employment at any time. You must also show a reasonable need for a commission, and you may not notarize anywhere outside Delaware's borders.

What are the requirements to become a Delaware notary?

The Delaware requirements are light on testing but specific on records. You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of good character, with no felony or dishonesty conviction unless pardoned, and meet the residence or employment rule. There is no exam or bond for a traditional notary, though electronic notaries must complete a course. Since August 1, 2023, a journal of every notarial act is mandatory, kept for ten years or transmitted to the Notary Administrator if you do not renew, and your seal must use black ink.

How do you renew or notarize electronically in Delaware?

You renew online through your notary profile after an email reminder arrives about 30 days before expiration, updating your information and paying the renewal fee for a two-year or four-year term. To perform electronic notarial acts you complete an approved electronic notary course and register, but the signer must still appear in person and you must be physically in Delaware. Remote webcam notarization has been treated separately under evolving rules, so confirm the current remote status with the Secretary of State before relying on it.

Becoming a Delaware notary: frequently asked questions

Do you need a bond or exam in Delaware?: No. A traditional Delaware notary needs neither a bond nor an exam. Electronic notaries must complete an approved course first.
How long does a Delaware notary commission last?: Two years for a new traditional commission ($60), or two or four years at renewal ($90 for four). Other commission types have their own terms.
What address qualifies for a Delaware notary?: A Delaware street residence or a place of employment open weekdays for service of process. A PO box, virtual office, or registered agent does not qualify.
Does Delaware require a notary journal?: Yes, since August 1, 2023. Keep your journal for ten years, or transmit it to the Notary Administrator if you do not renew your commission.
What ink must a Delaware notary stamp use?: Black ink. The stamp or embosser must show your name, "Notary Public," "State of Delaware," and your expiration, and be photographically reproducible.

Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Delaware Secretary of State, Notary Public Section (notary.delaware.gov); Title 29, Chapter 43 of the Delaware Code and the August 1, 2023 legislative updates. Confirm current fees and steps with the Delaware Secretary of State before applying.