LIMITED GOVERNMENTAL NOTARY PUBLIC - APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Notaries public are appointed by the Governor pursuant to Title 29, Chapter 43, Delaware Code. Delaware law requires that notaries meet the following requirements (29 Del. C. §4301):
- Good character and reputation;
- A reasonable need for a notary commission;
- Legal residence within the State (except non-residents who maintain a Delaware workplace); and
- Be at least 18 years of age.
In addition, to qualify under this category, you must meet the criteria in Title 29, §4306(d) which are as follows:
- the individual is an employee of a Delaware State governmental agency or unit; or
- the individual is an employee of a qualified Delaware police agency (State, County, municipal or local); and
- the individual submits both an application form and an employer request and approval form
Notary Public Commissions under this category expire upon the end of the notary’s employment with the State or qualified police agency and require no application fee. Notaries appointed under this category shall have no authority to perform any notarial acts except for those established by their respective agencies and cannot charge for any service rendered. The expiration date required by law to be contained on the notary seal shall be satisfied by the phrase "My Commission expires upon office".
In order to request appointment, the Employer Approval Form must be completed by the person at the agency who is authorized to approve submission of a Notary Public application under this category. To apply, the applicant must complete the Limited Governmental Notary Public Application and then forward both forms together to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, 401 Federal Street, Suite 4, Dover, DE, 19901. Notaries who transfer to another agency which qualifies under this category may retain their Commission by submitting an updated Employer Approval Form from the new agency within 30 days of such change.
PLEASE ALLOW 4 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING OF APPLICATION
QUESTIONS?
For additional information, contact notary@delaware.gov by email or by telephone at 302/739-4111.
