DE NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DE NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When a Delaware notary legally changes their name, what action regarding the seal is required? → Obtain a new seal reflecting the new legal name and update commission records
2. Can a Delaware notary continue to perform notarizations if their commission has expired but they have submitted a renewal application? → No, they must wait until the renewal is approved
3. What must a Delaware notary include on every notarial certificate? → The notary's signature and official seal
4. Which of the following items is required to appear on a Delaware notary public's official seal? → The notary's name and 'State of Delaware'
5. May a Delaware notary charge additional fees for travel to a signer's location? → Yes, travel fees may be charged separately if agreed upon in advance
6. Which of the following describes a 'credible witness' in the context of Delaware notarial acts? → A person who vouches for a signer's identity when acceptable ID is unavailable
7. A notary's seal is an official state instrument. Which of the following uses of the seal would be a misuse under Delaware law? → Stamping a document to certify the notary's own signature on a personal affidavit
8. If a Delaware notary changes their name, how does this affect the renewal process? → They must submit a name change request before renewing
9. Under Delaware law, can a notary certify a copy of a vital record such as a birth certificate? → No, vital records may only be certified by the issuing agency
10. How should a Delaware notary respond if a signer asks them to explain the legal meaning of a document? → Decline to explain and suggest the signer consult an attorney
11. What should a Delaware notary do if they suspect a document is fraudulent? → Refuse to perform the notarization
12. A Delaware notary may NOT notarize a document if: → The notary has a financial interest in the transaction
13. Under Delaware law, what is the consequence if a notary performs notarial acts after their commission has expired? → The acts are void and the notary may face civil or criminal penalties
14. Which of the following best describes why a notary should never notarize a document for someone they cannot identify? → It could facilitate fraud and expose the notary to liability
15. When should a Delaware notary apply for commission renewal? → At least 6 months before the expiration date
16. Who bears primary responsibility for the safekeeping of a notary's official seal in Delaware? → The notary public personally
17. When must a Delaware notary personally see the signer's identification document? → At the time the notarial act is performed
18. If a Delaware notary's commission is suspended, what must they immediately do? → Stop performing all notarial acts during the suspension period
19. What is the purpose of recording the signer's thumbprint in a notary journal? → To provide an additional biometric safeguard against fraud for high-risk documents
20. What is the role of the Delaware Secretary of State with respect to notaries? → Commissions, regulates, and disciplines notaries public
21. May a Delaware notary use their notary seal to endorse a product or business? → No, the notary seal may only be used for official notarial acts
22. In Delaware, how recently must a government-issued ID have been issued to be considered current for notarial purposes? → It must not be expired at the time of the notarial act
23. Which of the following should NOT be recorded in a Delaware notary journal? → The notary's personal bank account information
24. Which of the following constitutes notarial misconduct in Delaware? → Notarizing a document without the signer being present
25. If a Delaware notary is subpoenaed, which records would they most likely need to produce? → Their notary journal and any related notarial certificates
26. Which of the following actions is considered unethical for a Delaware notary public? → Giving legal advice related to a notarized document
27. What is the legal significance of an affirmation compared to an oath in Delaware courts? → An affirmation has the same legal force as an oath
28. A Delaware notary provides immigration advice to a signer. Is this permissible? → No, unless the notary is also a licensed attorney
29. Which form of ID is generally acceptable for signer identification in Delaware? → A current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license
30. Which of the following real estate documents commonly requires notarization in Delaware? → Mortgage