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Application Procedures
Step 1: Download and complete the Notary Public Application
Delaware Notary Application
If you are a non-resident but employed in the state, you will need to download and complete the Affidavit of Nonresident Applicant
The application form can be filled out online using the following instructions:
- After activating the form using Adobe Acrobat Reader, select the hand tool in the toolbar if it is not already selected.
- Move the "hand" cursor to a field underlined in color or to a checkbox. You'll know you're in an updateable field when the hand cursor changes to an I-beam or to an arrow.
- When the hand changes to an I-beam, click your left mouse button, and then enter text in the field. For checkboxes, when the hand changes to an arrow, click the left mouse button to put a checkmark in the appropriate box.
- After entering text in a field, do one of the following to proceed:
- Press Tab to accept the field change and go to the next field.
- Press Shift Tab to accept the field change and go to the previous field.
- Press Return or Enter to accept the field change and deselect the current field.
- NOTE: In a multi-line text field (indicated by a box with dashed lines), Return goes to the next line; it does not accept the field change or deselect the current field.
- Press the Escape key to reject the field change and deselect the current field.
- Print out the form.
NOTE: When completing the name section you must indicate your first, middle and last name. You may use one initial only for either your first name or your middle name. However, if you prefer to use both names in full, it will be acceptable. What the office of the Secretary of State wishes to avoid is a name such as "J. L. Jones". If you have neither a middle name nor an initial, please indicate on the name line: NMN (No Middle Name) Please sign the application at the bottom the same as it appears on the name line at the top of the Application form.
Step 2: Prepare your application packet and mail to the office of the Secretary of State:
The application packet you will need to prepare should contain the following items:
NOTE: Your application fee will be returned to you if your application is not accepted.
NOTE for NEW applicants: Your application, as a new applicant, will not be considered unless accompanied by two reference letters in sealed envelopes.
Once you have verified these items are present and correctly completed, send them to the following address and await your commission information.
Secretary of State, Notary Division
401 Federal Street, Suite 3
Dover, DE 19901
Step 3: Post commission instructions:
UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR COMMISSION.. The Oath of Office must be taken in the presence of a Notary Public who will notarize your signature. A copy of the completed Oath of Office must be returned to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section preferably via email, or alternatively by mail or fax (contact information below). There is no fee charged for this recordation. IMPORTANT: A Notary Public may not perform any notarial acts until the Oath of Office is received by the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section. A confirmation of receipt will be sent back to the Notary Public. New Castle County residents must also register with the Prothonotary's Office. For more information about these requirements, click:
Post Commission Instructions
New Castle County's Prothonotary Requirement
New and Renewing Notary Packages
Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal
Step 4: Order your supplies from The Notary's Store and begin your duties as a Notary Public for the State of Delaware.
Once you have recorded your commission with the Recorder of Deeds in your county, please visit The Notary's Store, you will be entering the Delaware section for your notary supplies. We offer a New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which include your required Delaware Notary Seal /Stamp and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price. There is no legal requirement in Delaware that a notary public keep a record book or journal. However, a notary may keep a journal for his or her own record keeping and protection should a notarial act ever be called into question. The Delaware Notary Journal, offered at The Notary's Store, was designed specifically for notaries public. To order, enter the required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or you can purchase your notary supplies separately. Follow the onscreen instructions through checkout and your supplies will be sent to you as soon as your order is processed, and will be shipped in approximately 2-3 business days.
Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued.
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