A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Online Notary in Delaware
Want to perform remote online notarizations in Delaware? Delaware allows commissioned notaries to request authorization to perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals using state-approved technology.
This guide walks you through the process of becoming a Delaware notary, requesting remote-notary privileges, choosing compliant technology, maintaining your journal, verifying signers, and performing remote online notarizations in accordance with Delaware requirements.
Last reviewed: September 3, 2026. Requirements can change. Always confirm current requirements with the Delaware Notary Public Section before performing a remote notarization.
Can Delaware Notaries Perform Remote Online Notarizations?
Yes. Effective August 1, 2023, Delaware commissioned notaries can request the ability to perform notarial acts remotely.
The Delaware notary must be physically located in Delaware when performing the remote notarization. The signer does not have to be physically located in Delaware.
Who Can Become a Notary in Delaware?
Before you can become a Delaware online notary, you generally need to qualify for and obtain a Delaware Notary Public commission.
Delaware requires an applicant to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to read and write English.
- Be of good character and reputation.
- Have a reasonable need for a notary commission.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
- Have a legal residence with a street address in Delaware or maintain a qualifying office or place of employment in Delaware.
Apply for Your Delaware Notary Commission
Delaware notary applications are submitted online through the state's Notary Public system. During the process, you will establish a Notary Profile that you can later use to manage your commission and request remote or electronic notarization privileges.
Delaware Initial Commission Fee
A new traditional Delaware Notary Public commission currently costs $60 and is issued for a two-year term.
Delaware currently states that training is not required to obtain the standard Notary Public commission.
Receive Your Commission and Complete Your Oath
Once approved, Delaware will send your commission information electronically.
After receiving your commission certificate, you must sign and take the Oath of Office before a notary public and return a copy according to the instructions provided by the Delaware Notary Public Section.
Follow the instructions provided with your commission carefully before performing notarial acts.
Set Up Your Delaware Notary Journal
Delaware requires commissioned notaries to maintain a journal of their notarial acts.
A Delaware notary may use either:
- A permanent, bound paper journal; or
- A permanent, tamper-evident electronic journal.
Delaware requires a notary to maintain only one journal at a time for the notarial acts the notary performs.
What Goes Into the Journal?
Journal entries generally include information such as:
- Date and time of the notarization
- Type of notarial act
- Description or title of the document
- Signer information
- Evidence used to identify the signer
- Fee charged, if any
Request Remote Notarization Privileges
Having a standard Delaware notary commission does not mean you should immediately begin performing remote online notarizations.
Delaware states that commissioned notaries who want to perform remote or electronic notarizations should request those privileges through their Delaware Notary Profile.
Before performing your first remote notarization, Delaware law also requires you to notify the Secretary of State that you intend to perform notarial acts for remotely located individuals and identify the technology you intend to use.
Choose a Delaware-Approved RON Technology Provider
This is one of the most important requirements for becoming an online notary in Delaware.
Delaware requires notaries approved for remote or electronic notarization to use a technology provider approved by the Delaware Notary Department.
You must also identify the technology provider you intend to use in your Delaware Notary Profile.
Set Up Your Electronic Signature and Electronic Seal
Remote notarizations require the appropriate electronic tools rather than simply placing an image of a traditional rubber stamp onto a document.
Delaware states that electronic and remote notaries must use an electronic seal and signature that conform to generally accepted standards for secure electronic notarization.
The electronic seal must contain the required Delaware commission information, including:
- Notary Public
- State of Delaware
- My Commission expires on and the applicable commission expiration date
Your approved technology provider may provide or integrate the electronic tools necessary to complete the notarization securely.
Follow Delaware's Remote Identity Verification Rules
Identity verification is a critical part of remote online notarization.
Delaware's remote-notarization law recognizes methods including personal knowledge, credible witnesses, and identity proofing. Delaware's guidance instructs notaries working with remotely located individuals to obtain satisfactory evidence of identity using at least two different types of identity proofing when identity proofing is used.
Approved RON technology should support the identity verification processes required by Delaware.
Conduct the Notarization Using Live Audio and Video
A Delaware remote notarization must use communication technology that allows the notary and remotely located signer to communicate simultaneously by sight and sound.
During the session, the notary must be able to reasonably confirm that the document being notarized is the same document being signed or acknowledged by the remote individual.
Where Must the Delaware Notary Be?
The notary must physically be located in Delaware when performing the remote notarial act. The signer may be remotely located elsewhere.
Additional requirements apply when a remotely located signer is outside the United States.
Create and Retain the Audio-Video Recording
Delaware requires an audio-visual recording of a remote notarization.
Unless the state establishes a different retention period, Delaware law requires the recording to be retained for at least 10 years.
The recording may be retained by the notary or through a repository designated on the notary's behalf, subject to Delaware requirements.
Complete the Remote Notarial Certificate
When a Delaware notarial act is performed using communication technology, the notarial certificate must indicate that remote communication technology was used.
Delaware law provides language substantially similar to:
“This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.”
Your approved RON technology should help ensure the completed document and certificate comply with applicable electronic notarization requirements.
Does Delaware Require E&O Insurance for Online Notaries?
Delaware does not currently publish a mandatory Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage amount for Delaware notaries.
Therefore, there is no state-required E&O coverage amount included in this guide.
Does Delaware Require a Notary Bond?
No. The Delaware Notary Public Section states that Delaware notaries are not required to be bonded.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Online Notary in Delaware?
| Requirement | Delaware Requirement / Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Traditional Notary Commission | $60 for a 2-year term |
| Notary Training | Not currently required for the standard commission |
| Notary Bond | Not required |
| State-Required E&O Insurance | No mandatory coverage amount published |
| RON Technology | Varies by Delaware-approved provider |
| Electronic Signature / Seal | Varies by provider |
| Journal | Required |
| RON Audio-Video Retention | At least 10 years unless otherwise established by rule |
How Much Can a Delaware Notary Charge?
Delaware generally permits a notary to charge a maximum of $5 for specified notarial acts, including acknowledgments, witnessing signatures, verifications on oath or affirmation, and certain copy or transcript certifications.
Always confirm the current Delaware fee rules before setting your pricing.
Delaware Online Notary Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Online Notaries
Official Delaware Notary Resources
Because state notary requirements can change, always verify current information directly with Delaware before purchasing technology or performing remote notarizations.
Need a Document Notarized Online?
Learn more about online notarization options and remote notary services for Delaware.
Explore Delaware Online Notary ServicesDisclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Notary laws, administrative procedures, technology approvals, fees, and other requirements may change. Confirm current requirements directly with the Delaware Notary Public Section before performing notarial acts.