Delaware's Unique Structure for Their Notary Workforce
Unlike many states, Delaware divides their notary publics into three distinct groups. Each group has their own responsibilities, although all need Delaware notary supplies.
The largest group of notary publics in Delaware are traditional notary publics. These people must be at least 18 years of age. They must not have committed a felony. The legislature says that they must have a reasonable need to be a notary public. They must also live or have their primary place of employment in the state. Once the Delaware Secretary of State determines these facts, then they can use Delaware notary supplies.
The second group of notary publics are those that are limited governmental notary publics. Generally, these people work for the State of Delaware. Many of them are employed by the Delaware State Police. They can be employed at all levels of the government from cities and municipalities to the state. These people have the right to use their Delaware notary supplies as long as they are employed by the government.
The smallest group of notary publics are assigned to certain service organizations. Each veteran’s organization is allowed to have one notary public. This notary public may only use their Delaware notary supplies to benefit veterans. Each ambulance service can have one notary public, as can each fire service. Notary publics assigned to these services may use their Delaware notary services to benefit members of the group and their immediate family members.
Types of Supplies Which All Three Divisions Require
Regardless of the type of Delaware notary public, each is required to have their own Delaware notary supplies.
One thing that a Delaware notary public can be thankful that they do not need in their Delaware notary supplies is a surety bond. Among the supplies that a Delaware notary public will need in their Delaware notary supplies is a metal embossing seal or a rubber stamp designed to use black ink. Regardless of the type of notary public the stamp or embosser must clearly state when the person’s commission expires, the words “notary public,” and the words “State of Delaware.”
People may want to think very carefully, however, if they think that they want to become a Delaware notary public using Delaware notary supplies to earn some extra money. State law says that no person may charge over $5.00, and in some cases, such as those involving veterans, they may not be able to charge anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs Delaware notary supplies in Delaware?
Anyone serving as a Delaware notary public should have the proper notary supplies, including traditional notaries, government notaries, and notaries assigned to veterans’ organizations, ambulance services, or fire services. If you’re commissioned to notarize documents in Delaware, having the right seal or stamp is essential for compliant notarizations.
What Delaware notary supplies are required by law?
Delaware notaries generally need an official notary seal, which can be a metal embossing seal or a rubber stamp with black ink. The seal must clearly show the words “Notary Public,” “State of Delaware,” and the commission expiration date. A surety bond is not required in Delaware.
Do Delaware notary publics need different supplies depending on their type?
No, all Delaware notary publics need the basic required notary supplies. However, the group they belong to may affect how they are allowed to use their commission. Traditional notaries, government notaries, and service-organization notaries all must use compliant Delaware notary supplies for valid notarizations.
Can a Delaware notary charge for notarizing documents?
Delaware law limits notary fees to $5.00 in many situations, and some notarizations, such as those involving veterans, may not allow a fee at all. This makes it important for notaries to understand the rules before using their Delaware notary supplies for paid services.
What should I look for when buying Delaware notary supplies?
Look for supplies that meet Delaware requirements, especially a seal or stamp that includes the state name, the words “Notary Public,” and the commission expiration date. It’s also important to buy from a reliable vendor so your Delaware notary supplies are accurate, durable, and compliant.
Why is compliance important when using Delaware notary supplies?
Using compliant Delaware notary supplies helps ensure that notarized documents are secure, legally binding, and accepted without issues. If a seal or stamp is missing required information, the notarization may be questioned or rejected, which can create delays for clients, employers, and businesses.
