2026 Guide Dover, DE Kent County

Legal Costs in Dover, DE (2026)

Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Dover — all sourced from official Delaware state records.

$90

LLC filing fee

$165

Divorce fee

$25,000

Small claims max

Notary fee cap

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

Dover is a city in Kent County, Delaware. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the Delaware state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $90 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $25,000 in the Justice of the Peace Court. Divorce filing fees in Delaware start at $165. All figures on this page are verified from official Delaware government sources and updated for 2026.

Form an LLC in Dover, DE

To form an LLC with a Dover address, you file with the Delaware Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $90. Standard processing takes 7 business days. There is also an annual report fee of $300.

State filing fee	$90
Annual report fee	$300
Standard processing	7 business days
Expedited processing	1
Publication cost	Not required

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Small Claims Court in Dover

Small claims cases in Dover are heard at the Justice of the Peace Court in Kent County. The maximum you can sue for is $25,000. Filing fees range from $35–$100 depending on the claim amount.

Court name	Justice of the Peace Court
Filing location	Kent County
Maximum claim limit	$25,000
Filing fee	$35–$100
Written contract SOL	3 years
Oral contract SOL	3 years

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Where to File in Dover

Kent County Court of Common Pleas

Address

38 The Green, Dover, DE 19901

Phone

(302) 739-6590

Hours

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Official Website

courts.delaware.gov/ccp

Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.

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Filing for Divorce in Dover

Divorce petitions in Dover are filed at the Kent County courthouse. The Delaware state filing fee is $165. Sheriff service costs $60.

Filing location	Kent County Courthouse
Filing fee	$165 (Delaware state)
Sheriff service fee	$60
Children surcharge	None
Parenting class	Not required
Certified copy fee	$10

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Find a Notary in Dover, DE

Delaware caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act ($25 for remote online notarization). Common places to find a notary in Dover: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.

Delaware also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) — get documents notarized via video call from anywhere, capped at $25. Useful if you can't travel to a Dover notary in person.

Acknowledgment fee cap	$5
Jurat fee cap	$5
RON (remote online)	$25
State fee law	Yes — fee cap enforced

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Dover, DE?

Forming an LLC in Dover costs $90 for the Delaware state filing fee. The annual report fee is $300/year. This is a statewide fee — the same amount regardless of which city you're in. Use a registered agent service for privacy and compliance.

Where is the small claims court in Dover?

Small claims cases in Dover are filed in the Justice of the Peace Court serving Kent County. Contact the Kent County courthouse to confirm the address, hours, and accepted payment methods before you go. The maximum claim limit is $25,000 and the filing fee is $35–$100.

How much does a notary cost in Dover?

In Dover, notary fees are capped at $5 per notarial act. Typical in-person fees at UPS Store or FedEx are $10–$15 per signature. Many banks offer free notary service to account holders. For RON (remote online notarization), the cap is $25.

How do I file for divorce in Dover?

To file for divorce in Dover, file your petition at the Kent County courthouse. The Delaware base divorce filing fee is $165. You must meet Delaware's residency requirement (typically 6+ months in the state). For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all your paperwork.

What is the small claims limit in Dover?

The small claims limit in Dover is $25,000 — the maximum you can sue for in Justice of the Peace Court in Delaware. This limit applies throughout the state regardless of city. Filing fees are $35–$100. If your claim exceeds the limit, you can reduce it to qualify for small claims or file in a higher civil court.

Where do I file small claims in Kent County?

Small claims cases in Kent County are filed at the local courthouse in Kent County. The Delaware small claims court (Justice of the Peace Court) handles all monetary disputes up to $25,000. Filing fees are $35–$100. Contact the Kent County court clerk for the current address, hours, and filing procedures.