Delaware does not require state licensure or certification for court reporters in order for a deposition transcript to be used in Delaware courts. Deposition practice is governed primarily by the Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 28, Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 30, and Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 32.
Under Rule 28, a deposition must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths under the law of the United States or the State of Delaware, or before a person otherwise authorized by the rule. In practice, this typically includes notaries public, court reporters, or other individuals legally authorized to administer oaths.
Rule 30 requires the deposition officer to administer the oath to the witness and to certify that the transcript accurately records the testimony given. The officer’s certification becomes part of the official deposition record relied upon when deposition testimony is later used in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, or at trial.
Rule 32 governs the use of depositions in court proceedings and addresses objections to the manner in which a deposition was taken. Certain procedural irregularities—including issues relating to the qualification of the deposition officer or the manner in which testimony was recorded—may be waived if not raised during the deposition.
Because Delaware does not impose a state court reporter licensing requirement, the principal considerations for practitioners are the authority of the deposition officer, proper administration of the oath, and compliance with the procedural requirements set forth in the Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure.
Under Rule 28, a deposition must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths under the law of the United States or the State of Delaware, or before a person otherwise authorized by the rule. In practice, this typically includes notaries public, court reporters, or other individuals legally authorized to administer oaths.
Rule 30 requires the deposition officer to administer the oath to the witness and to certify that the transcript accurately records the testimony given. The officer’s certification becomes part of the official deposition record relied upon when deposition testimony is later used in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, or at trial.
Rule 32 governs the use of depositions in court proceedings and addresses objections to the manner in which a deposition was taken. Certain procedural irregularities—including issues relating to the qualification of the deposition officer or the manner in which testimony was recorded—may be waived if not raised during the deposition.
Because Delaware does not impose a state court reporter licensing requirement, the principal considerations for practitioners are the authority of the deposition officer, proper administration of the oath, and compliance with the procedural requirements set forth in the Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure.
Last reviewed for accuracy: April 2026
