Conveniently order your Delaware birth, marriage, and death certificates with Vital Records Online – a secure and simple US-based online service for ordering vital records. Rest assured, your personal information will remain confidential, and your documents will arrive safely.
Summary:
Delaware, “the First State,” was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and had a population of just over 1 million residents.
Delaware Dept of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is a hospital and health care company located at 1901 N. Dupont Hwy, New Castle. The Office of Vital Statistics (VS) maintains the confidential and legal status of all birth, adoption, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce records.
The individual named on the birth certificate, a parent, an adult child or sibling, a legal guardian, or an authorized agent may request a certified copy of the certificate. A husband, wife, parent, adult child, or legal representative may order a death certificate. The person named on the marriage certificate, spouse, parent, adult child, other family relative, or legal representative may request a marriage certificate copy.
Learn how to obtain certified copies of official Delaware vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for DE vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Births, deaths, and marriages are cornerstones of life, and vital records serve as official documentation of these events. These certificates are used to prove identity, citizenship, and family ties. They are also utilized in settling legal disputes, claiming inheritances, and researching ancestry. They can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ full names, dates of birth and death, and places of residence. If you have misplaced or lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, file a police report immediately and request a certified replacement.
Every county in the state of Delaware issues and certifies vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. If you are seeking a replacement for a vital record, search the comprehensive list below for each Delaware’s county vital record-issuing agency, where you can access contact information and online birth, death, and marriage certificate applications.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Delaware, they are freely available.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
In Delaware, residents have several options available for obtaining vital records. Those who need vital records replacements can make requests in person, by mail, or by submitting an online request, which is typically the most convenient and accessible option. The Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health makes obtaining copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates easy. Delaware residents must meet the requirements and follow the instructions for each type of vital record requested. Once the requirements are met, the ordering process is straightforward.
When ordering vital records by mail or in person, it’s essential to research the associated costs, eligibility criteria, requirements, and processing times of a certified vital records copy from the DHSS-DPH. The type of certificate you need and the ordering method can influence the time it takes to process your request.
Ordering Delaware Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves 2 simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit an online application to order a Delaware birth, death, or marriage certificate. Before starting the online application process, confirm that you have the necessary documents.
Vital Records Online is an innovative, streamlined system that helps you gather the required documents and submit your application to the Delaware Dept. of Health and Social Services (DHSS).
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and finding a notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
For those living within commuting distance of the state health department office, in-person applications for obtaining certified copies of vital records are possible. Ensure that the office is open on the date you plan to visit, and be prepared for potentially long queues. Those residing overseas may find online ordering the most convenient option for requesting vital records. Opting for mail or online services can offer a more streamlined process, bypassing challenges associated with in-person submissions.
The requirements for requesting vital records are similar whether you prefer to apply in person, by mail, or online. When ordering in person, the application will include the following steps:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Familiarizing yourself with the requirements for requesting vital records is necessary prior to collecting the required documents for your vital records application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The table below lists the required information and documents to order a Delaware vital record replacement. A secondary ID may be accepted if you do not have a valid form of identification.
Every applicant who submits a vital record request to the Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health must establish proof of their identity with a photocopy of their ID confirming that they are authorized to receive the vital record. For most types of vital records requests, driver’s licenses or state photo IDs are acceptable. However, applicants should also check the specific requirements to determine if other forms of identification are acceptable.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Delaware?
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health (DHSS-DPH) sets distinct requisites for each certificate based on individual circumstances. Review the chart below for eligibility criteria and prerequisites for obtaining Delaware birth, death, and marriage certificate replacements.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parents Names, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, State ID, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name at Birth, Place of Death, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, State ID, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Groom Name Before Marriage, Groom's Date of Birth, Mailing Address, Place of Marriage, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record |
Driver's License, State ID, Work ID |
Who can request vital records in Delaware?
The person on record can request certified copies of their vital record. If you need to request a vital record on another person’s behalf, it is important to examine the requirements for birth, death, and marriage certificates to verify your eligibility.
Relatives of the individual on record or legal representatives may lawfully request a copy of a vital record as defined by the DHSS-DPH. Legal representatives or family members must provide proof of their authorization to act on behalf of the individual on record.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Genealogists, Legal Guardian, Parents, Person on Record, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Genealogists, Legal Guardian, Parents, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Genealogists, Legal Guardian, Person on Record |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
❗️ In Delaware, when a third-party legal representative requests a birth, death, or marriage certificate on behalf of their client, a notarized sworn statement is not explicitly required.
❗️ Third-Party with Legal or Authorized Representatives Must include a letter from the OVS legal template.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Delaware Health Department does not require applicants to prove their identity by notarizing a sworn statement with their application and documents.
❗️The Delaware Health Department will require a photocopy of your primary ID to verify your identity.
The total expense for replacing vital records depends on the DHSS-DPH’s fees for each certificate type. The method of application submission and notary requirements can affect the overall cost.
DHSS-DPH will charge a $25.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage record, including additional copies for the same fee of $25.00
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Death Certificate | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $25.00 | $25.00 |
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Delaware?
Processing times for replacing birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary depending on various circumstances. Check the current processing and delivery times below.
| Certificate | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks |
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
You can easily track your application’s progress when ordering your certificate with Vital Records Online. You can check the processing of your application by viewing your order status. When your package ships, you can monitor its journey to the Delaware Department of Public Health & Environment with prepaid first-class mail tracking included in your order.
If mailing your application manually, purchasing first-class mail tracking is advised to let you know when your application arrives successfully. The CDPHE ships all documents via first-class mail for extra security; however, it is not responsible for any lost documents. If your birth certificate is lost, you should file a report immediately. Note that any simple errors, typos, or missing documents can delay waiting times, incur repeat shipping costs, or risk exposure of your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Delaware counties office locations directory.
| Address | Hours | Application |
|
(DHSS-DPH) Delaware has 3 Offices of Vital Statistics: JESSE S. COOPER BLDG CHOPIN BUILDING THURMAN ADAMS STATE SERV CTR Mailing Address: JESSE S. COOPER BLDG. |
Monday to Fridays at 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m (all offices) | Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate |
|
Kent County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
New Castle County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Sussex County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
| ❗️ Displays the first 20 counties. Use the search to find your county. | ||
| Find additional Delaware Vital Records locations at onlinevitals.com | ||
Apostilles are necessary for vital records to be accepted by foreign governments. Apostilles can be acquired through the DHSS-DPH Delaware Secretary of State, where the vital record was initially filed.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can procure Apostilles for Delaware vital records online via Vital Records Online or physically at the Secretary of State’s office.
Vital Records Online offers legally valid apostille services in all 50 US states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. Specializing in Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, this service is complemented with professional support. Starting at $149, (plus government fees), the process can be completed entirely online in just three simple steps.
In most instances, the apostille application can be completed entirely online, eliminating the need for physical copies. Upon preparation of your apostille document, it will be shipped to your doorstep via FedEx or DHL. Our utilization of global shipping couriers ensures that your documents reach you, whether you reside in the US or abroad.
If you are manually sending your certificates, you will need to provide the following information:
❗️ A notarized sworn statement is not explicitly required when requesting an apostille for a Delaware Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate.
❗️ A notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) may be required, depending on the circumstances.
You must submit requests for vital record apostilles to the DHSS-DPH Delaware Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Delaware Secretary of State
Division of Corporations
John G Townsend Building
401 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
For standard mail, use the following address:
Division of Corporations
PO Box 898
Dover, DE 19903
You can reach the office at (302) 739-3073 or online at https://corp.delaware.gov/apost_info/
The DHSS-DPH provides a straightforward process for correcting or amending birth, marriage, or death certificatesas authorized by law. Different forms correspond to the information that needs to be amended. Amendments are necessary when a vital record requires an alteration. Additions to the vital records take the form of supplementary modifications, as no entity can change the original certificate.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Delaware Vital Records are made accessible to the public after 72 years. While public vital records are available free of charge, searching for them can be difficult. You can search publicly available records of births, marriages, deaths, and divorces to find the information you are searching for. However, analyzing and reviewing the records may take a substantial time.
Are Delaware Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Delaware, many state records are open to the public. Access can be restricted depending on the type of vital record and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Third-party websites can simplify exploring different types of vital records. Generally, these websites do not have geographical restrictions, providing a good starting point for searching and examining records. However, information from external sources may differ from official government records. To find a record from a third-party website, the requester can expect to prepare general information, including:
Delaware residents have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act.
Vital records vary across states, counties, and municipalities. Examine the document’s appearance based on its issuing agency to verify the authenticity of your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate. Officially certified copies can be distinguished from informational versions, which feature a stamp or conspicuous text such as “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies of vital records are only issued by the appropriate governmental agency, such as the Department of Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health in Delaware, to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document. This typically includes the individual named on the record, certain family members, and legal representatives. These copies often have a raised seal or other security features to confirm their authenticity. Authorized vital records are considered official documents that can be used for official identification or legal purposes, while informational copies cannot be used to establish a person’s identity.
❗️ A notary is not generally required to obtain authorized copies of Delaware Vital Records.
Informational Copy:
In contrast, informational copies are not considered valid for establishing identity. They are typically marked with a statement such as “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.” Informational copies are generally available to anyone interested in the information they contain. Note: they cannot be used for legal purposes.
If you seek an informational copy of a public vital record, you are not required to submit any documentation or a Sworn Statement. Citizens of Delaware are guaranteed the privilege of inspecting or receiving copies of public records in accordance with the Delaware Freedom of Information Act.
Check the resources section below for additional birth, death, and marriage certificate references.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Delaware government website at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/vitalstats.html
