Get your certified Delaware Birth Certificate

A certified copy of a Delaware birth certificate costs $25 through the Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics. Additional copies ordered at the same time are also $25 each. Online orders through authorized providers may include convenience and processing fees.

Ready to order? Start your Delaware birth certificate application today.

Yes. You can order a Delaware birth certificate online through the Delaware Division of Public Health or authorized third-party providers. Online orders require a credit or debit card. Standard processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will need the full name on the certificate, date of birth, and place of birth.

Order your Delaware birth certificate online now.

Yes. Delaware allows authorized individuals to request a birth certificate on someone else's behalf. Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate, a parent, legal guardian, spouse, adult child, or legal representative. Valid photo ID and proof of relationship are required. You may also authorize a representative through a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) to apply on your behalf.

Need to request a certificate for a family member? Begin the application process here.

An officially certified birth certificate will have distinct features to indicate the DHSS-DPH issues it. The appearance of an official birth certificate may differ depending on the year it was issued. It will often include key information to verify a person's identity and the legitimacy of their citizenship at birth. A long-form (official) birth certificate is used legally, whereas a short-form (informational) copy is usually not. The DHSS-DPH defines specific guidelines for counties that may use unique colors and layouts. In all cases, official birth certificates will generally display features such as:

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

• Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

• Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

• Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

• Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

• Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

• Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

You may also need to order a Delaware death certificate through our secure online service.

If you lose your birth certificate:

1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the DHSS-DPH.

a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a DHSS-DPH vital records office during hours of availability

b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DHSS-DPH at:

c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

2. DHSS-DPH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Replace your lost certificate today — start your application. You may also need your birth certificate for a REAL ID or passport application.

The Delaware DHSS-DPH provides a straightforward process for correcting or amending birth certificates as authorized by law. Amendments are necessary when a vital record requires a correction. Additions to the vital records are supplementary addendums, as no entity can change the original certificate. The process and requirements will depend on the information that needs to be changed.

Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:

1. Submit a written request to Delaware DHHS - DPH
2. Supporting documentation: If the birth was registered more than one year ago, provide documentary proof of the needed change.
3. A notarized sworn statement completed by an authorized person (required for certain amendments such as gender reassignment)

Learn more about updating your name on vital records or start your Delaware birth certificate application.

Foreign governments often require apostilles when filing US birth certificates. The DHSS-DPH Delaware Secretary of State issues Apostilles for Delaware birth records. You can obtain apostilles for Delaware birth records online through VRO or at the Secretary of State’s office.

If you opt to ship your certificate to the Secretary of State manually, you are required to provide:

1. Your certified birth certificate(s).
2. A payment of $30.00.
3. Submit apostille requests for birth certificates to the Delaware Secretary of State at the following addresses:

Express courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx):

Standard mail:

A long-form birth certificate (also called the "full" or "certified" copy) is a complete reproduction of the original Delaware birth record. It includes your full legal name, date and place of birth, parents' names, birthplaces, and occupations, the attending physician or midwife, and the file date and registration number. This is the version you'll need for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, adoption, immigration, dual citizenship, and most legal purposes.

A short-form birth certificate (sometimes called a "certification" or "abstract") is a condensed version that shows only your name, date of birth, place of birth, and sex. It does not include parents' information. The short form is accepted for many everyday purposes, like enrolling in school, applying for a driver's license, or joining sports leagues, but it is not always accepted for federal documents or international travel.

When you order a Delaware birth certificate through VitalRecordsOnline, you receive the long-form version by default, since it is the most widely accepted. If you're unsure which version you need, check with the agency requesting the document.

Read our detailed guide on long form vs short form birth certificates. Order your Delaware birth certificate here.

Processing times for a Delaware birth certificate depend on how you order and which delivery speed you choose. Standard government processing through the Delaware vital records office generally takes 4 to 12 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the state office or authorized county location are often completed the same day or within a few business days.

When you order online through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application within 24 hours to catch errors before submission, then forward it to the issuing authority. Most customers receive their certified Delaware birth certificate in 2 to 3 weeks with standard shipping. Expedited processing and rush shipping options are available at checkout for urgent needs like passport applications or upcoming travel.

If the issuing office returns your request because of missing information, our team contacts you immediately so the correction can be made without starting over. You can track your order status at any time through your account.

Looking for a different document? Order a Delaware marriage certificate through our secure online service.

Delaware residents in Wilmington and New Castle County can obtain birth certificates through the Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics. The main office is located at the Jesse Cooper Building in Dover, which processes all birth certificate requests statewide.

While there is no dedicated vital records office in Wilmington itself, residents can order online or by mail. Wilmington residents often find online ordering to be the fastest option, as mail-in requests can take several weeks to process.

For those who need their certificate quickly, order your Delaware birth certificate online through our secure portal. You may also need your birth certificate for a Delaware REAL ID or passport application.

The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics does not offer same-day birth certificate processing. Walk-in requests at the Dover office typically take 5 to 10 business days, and mail-in requests may take longer.

If you need your Delaware birth certificate urgently, third-party services like ours can help expedite the process. While same-day turnaround is not available through the state, expedited processing options can significantly reduce your wait time compared to standard mail-in requests.

Start your expedited Delaware birth certificate order today. A certified copy may be required for REAL ID, passport, or Social Security purposes.

Dover is home to the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics, located at the Jesse Cooper Building on Federal Street. This is the only state office in Delaware where you can request birth certificates in person. Walk-in hours are typically Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Dover residents can also order birth certificates by mail or online. In-person requests at the Dover office are processed within 5 to 10 business days and are not issued on the spot.

Skip the trip to Dover and order your Delaware birth certificate online from home. Your certified copy can be used for REAL ID and passport applications.