Category: Delaware Notary Answers

Short answer: Delaware apostilles and authentications are issued by the Delaware Division of Corporations. Its apostille office is at the John G. Townsend Building, 401 Federal Street, Suite 4, Dover, Delaware 19901.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026.

Does every document receive an apostille?

No. The destination country determines whether the document receives an apostille or another form of authentication. The document type also determines how it must be certified before submission.

Which Delaware documents can the state process?

The Delaware Division of Corporations states that it can authenticate or apostille documents signed by a Delaware notary or Delaware public official. Corporate records, vital records, school records, background checks, and privately signed documents can follow different preparation routes.

What information is needed?

• The country where the document will be used
• The purpose of the document
• The document type and issuing authority
• Whether the request is personal or commercial
• The desired processing speed and return-shipping method

Can a foreign-language document be submitted?

Delaware says a foreign-language document submitted for apostille or authentication must include an English translation, and both the foreign-language document and English version must be notarized.

Can Delaware Mobile Signings handle the submission?

Yes. We review the route, identify obvious preparation gaps, hand-deliver eligible Delaware requests in Dover, monitor the order, and arrange return shipping. Some federal and out-of-state records require a different authority.

Start with our Delaware apostille service. We will ask for the destination country before confirming the route.

Short answer: Yes. Delaware permits remote online notarization for eligible documents. The notary must be physically located in Delaware and must use an approved remote-notarization technology provider.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026.

Does the signer have to be in Delaware?

No. The Delaware Notary Public FAQ states that a remotely located signer does not have to be in Delaware, although the Delaware notary must be physically within the state when performing the act.

What happens during an online notarization?

1. You submit the document and appointment information securely.
2. The platform verifies identity using at least two types of identity proofing.
3. You meet the notary by live audio-video connection.
4. You sign as directed and the notary completes the electronic certificate and seal.
5. The completed electronic document is delivered according to the service instructions.

Will every recipient accept an electronically notarized document?

Not necessarily. The receiving organization controls its own document requirements. Ask whether it accepts electronic signatures, electronic notarial certificates, and a digital document. If the recipient requires an original ink signature or paper document, ask about remote ink notarization with document shipping.

What do I need?

You generally need an acceptable identification document, a device with camera and microphone, reliable internet access, and the unsigned electronic document. Additional platform requirements may apply.

Review Delaware remote online notary service or book a remote appointment.

Short answer: Yes. A mobile notary can travel to a Delaware hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, assisted-living community, or hospice location when the facility permits the visit.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026.

What must be true before the notarization can proceed?

The signer must personally appear before the notary, communicate willingness to sign, and appear able to understand the document and the act of signing. The notary is an impartial witness and may stop the appointment if the signer appears coerced, heavily sedated, or unable to communicate an informed choice.

How should the family prepare?

• Confirm the facility’s visitor rules and room number
• Have acceptable signer identification ready
• Make sure the document is complete but unsigned unless the instructions say otherwise
• Confirm witness requirements before the appointment
• Ask the issuing organization or attorney which notarial act is required
• Choose a time when the signer is normally most alert

Can the notary explain or prepare the document?

No. A notary who is not acting as the signer’s attorney cannot draft legal documents, explain legal consequences, or choose a certificate for the signer. For powers of attorney, wills, advance directives, or other legal documents, obtain the completed document and legal guidance before scheduling.

How much does a facility visit cost?

The notarial act is itemized at no more than $5 each under Delaware rules. Travel, waiting time, witnesses, printing, and after-hours service may be separate charges disclosed before the appointment. See our notary fees and terms.

Delaware Mobile Signings serves facilities across all three counties. Review mobile notary service or request an appointment.

Short answer: Delaware permits a notary to charge no more than $5 for each notarization. A mobile appointment can cost more because travel and other requested services are separate from the notarial act.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026.

What does the $5 limit cover?

The $5 limit applies to the notarial act itself, such as taking an acknowledgment, witnessing a signature, or administering an oath or affirmation. The Delaware Notary Public FAQ says the notarial fee should be itemized separately from travel and other charges.

Why can a mobile notary appointment cost more?

A mobile notary travels to your home, hospital, care facility, office, or another agreed location. The total can include:

• The notarial act, itemized at no more than $5 each
• Travel based on the appointment location
• Printing, scanning, shipping, or document return when requested
• Witness coordination when the document requires witnesses and the client asks us to provide them
• Evening or overnight service surcharges

Delaware Mobile Signings provides the service price before the appointment so the notarial fee and convenience charges are clear. Review our Delaware notary fees and service terms or book an appointment.

How can I get an accurate quote?

Tell us the number of signers, number of notarial acts, appointment address, preferred time, document page count, and whether witnesses, printing, or shipping are needed. We do not need private document details just to prepare a quote.

Can a notary choose the notarial certificate for me?

No. A non-attorney notary cannot provide legal advice or decide which notarial certificate your document needs. Ask the document’s issuing or receiving organization, or an attorney, if the document does not state the required notarial act.

Short answer: A Delaware notary may identify a signer through personal knowledge, qualifying government photo identification, or credible witnesses who meet the state requirements.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026.

Which identification documents does Delaware recognize?

The Delaware Notary Public FAQ lists documents bearing the person’s photograph and signature, including:

• United States passport
• Certificate of United States citizenship or naturalization
• Unexpired foreign passport
• Alien registration card with photograph
• State-issued driver’s license or identification card
• United States military card

The notary must be satisfied that the identification belongs to the signer. Bring the original identification document, not a photograph or photocopy.

What if the signer does not have acceptable identification?

Delaware law provides a credible-witness route in certain circumstances. The witness requirements are specific, so contact the notary before the appointment. Do not assume that a relative or caregiver can automatically serve as the witness.

What is different for remote online notarization?

For a remotely located signer, Delaware requires at least two different types of identity proofing. The approved remote-notarization platform handles this process before or during the live video session. Learn more about remote online notarization.

What else should I bring?

• The complete document, with blanks filled in or marked not applicable
• Every person whose signature must be notarized
• Any required witnesses who are not being arranged through the service
• Instructions from the receiving organization if the notarial wording is unclear

Book a Delaware notary appointment after confirming the signer’s identification.