Delaware Vital Records Search

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What are Delaware Vital Records?

The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics is the government agency in charge of all vital records for the state. They keep track of and issue copies of birth, death, adoption, marriage, same-sex marriage, and death certificates. They allow people to order certificates online using GoCertificates or VitalChek and also in person at one of their three offices. They issue Heirloom certificates for newborn babies upon request, but these do cost more than an official certified copy. Their website has information on another service offered called Baby's Background, allowing parents to enter personal details about their newborns at their leisure rather than immediately after birth. This agency also handles health and wellness, emergency preparedness, and also health data and statistics for all residents.

Delaware Birth Records

Delaware birth records are necessary when you go to get a driver's license, apply for a passport, and other legal reasons where you need to prove your identity. The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics is the agency in charge of all birth records. You can contact them for a copy anytime. They allow people to get copies through the mail, online, or in-person at one of their three offices. Only specific people can obtain a copy of your birth certificate. When ordering a certified copy, you will need to fill out an application form and pay the required fee. It is a felony to obtain a Delaware birth record unlawfully. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Delaware?

You must contact The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics to search for and get a copy of a Delaware birth record. They offer you three options to get one: online, through the mail, or in person.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Delaware?

Download the application form from The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics' website. You can drop it in the mail or bring it in person to get a certified copy of your birth certificate. You can also use GoCertificates or VitalChek online to order copies.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Delaware?

Each certified copy of a birth certificate is $25 in Delaware. You are not limited to just one and can order as many as you like at one time.

Who can request birth records?

In Delaware, only certain people can obtain a copy of your birth certificate. They include:

  1. Yourself.
  2. Your current husband or wife.
  3. Your child.
  4. Your parent.
  5. Your legal guardian (court order required).
  6. An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of the person listed on the birth certificate.

You must provide proof of the relationship along with your own ID at the time of ordering.

What birth records are available in Delaware?

Delaware has birth records dating back to 1913. However, you must get copies of those from the archives. The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, has records that are 72 years old and younger.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Delaware birth certificate?

When you request a copy of your birth certificate in Delaware, you must supply the following information:

  1. Full name on the birth certificate.
  2. Gender.
  3. Place of birth.
  4. Date of birth.
  5. Hospital.
  6. Full name of mother (including maiden name).
  7. Full name of the father.

Where can I find historical vital records in Delaware for genealogy research?

The Delaware Public Archives is the government agency in charge of historical vital records. They have birth records going back to 1913. Birth records become public records after they reach 72 years old.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

You must contact The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, to help get records changed. They have a phone number and email you can use to contact them.

Can I get a refund if my Delaware birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Delaware Death Records

Delaware death records are kept private until they reach the age of 72 years then they are moved to the archives where they become public records. The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, is the government agency that collects, stores, issues, and maintains all death records for the state. Delaware has death records going back to 1913. If you need one that is more than 72 years old, you have to contact the Delaware Public Archives office to get copies. To get a copy of one younger than 72 years old, you can purchase one easily online through GoCertificates or VitalChek, through the mail or in person at one of the three public health offices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Death Records

How do I find death records in Delaware?

If you need a recent death record, you will need to contact The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics. If the death record is older than 72 years, you will need to contact the Delaware Public Archives to get a copy.

Are death records public in Delaware?

Not right away. Most vital records are kept private until they reach the age of 72, then they become public records. They are also stored with another office at that time. 

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Delaware?

Each death certificate in Delaware costs $25. There is no limit, and you can order as many as you need at one time.

How long does it take to get a copy of a Delaware death record?

If you visit in person, you can get one within minutes. If you order online or by mail, you will have to wait a few days to get your copy.

Who can request death records?

Because death records are kept private for 72 years, only certain people may get copies. That list includes:

  1. Your current husband or wife.
  2. Your child.
  3. Your parent.
  4. A legal guardian (court order required).
  5. A person who is doing genealogy (proof required).
  6. An authorized representative.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Delaware death certificate?

When requesting copies of someone's Delaware death certificate, you need the following information?

  1. Full name on the death certificate.
  2. Gender.
  3. Date of death.
  4. Place of death.
  5. Full names of both parents.
  6. Proof of authorization or relationship to the deceased.

Where can I find historical death records in Delaware?

The Delaware Public Archives is the agency in charge of all public records after they reach the age of 72. At that time, they become public records, and anyone can access them.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The Delaware Department of Public Health handles amendments to death certificates, Office of Vital Statistics. You must contact them in person, by phone, email, or online to request a correction for a death record.

Can I get a refund if my Delaware death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Delaware Marriage Records

Delaware has been keeping marriage records since 1913. Marriage records are kept private for 50 years; then they become public records. Marriage records younger than 50 years old are kept with The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, and they can issue you a copy upon request and payment of the fee. If you require a copy of a marriage certificate older than 50 years old, you would need to contact the Delaware Public Archives. At that point, they are public records, and anyone may access them. A certified copy of a marriage certificate may come in handy when you try to change your name, apply for licensing, or validating your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Marriage Records

Are Delaware marriage records public?

Not until after 50 years. Marriage records younger than 50 years old are kept with The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics. Marriage records older than 50 years are managed and issued by the Delaware Public Archives. 

What Delaware marriage records are available?

Delaware began keeping marriage records in 1913. They may have a smattering of older records but there is no guarantee they will have what you need.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Delaware?

You can visit one of the three public health offices and get a copy instantly. Or if you order online, by mail or other methods, you may wait a few days before your copy arrives.

How much does a Delaware marriage certificate cost?

Each copy of a Delaware marriage certificate costs $25 each. There is no limit, and you can order as many copies as you like.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

To request a copy of a marriage certificate, you must provide the following information:

  1. Wife's full name (including maiden name).
  2. Wife's date of birth.
  3. Husband's full name.
  4. Husband's date of birth.
  5. Date of marriage.
  6. Place of marriage.

How do I get a copy of a Delaware marriage record?

You contact The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, or Delaware Public Archives depending on how old the marriage certificate is.

What if I didn't get married in Delaware?

The state of Delaware only deals with marriages that occurred in the state. If you were married outside of Delaware, you must contact that state for a copy.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Only certain people can get a copy of your marriage certificate for 50 years. The list includes:

  1. Yourself.
  2. Your child.
  3. Your parent.
  4. A legal guardian (court order required).
  5. An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative (proof required).
  6. A person who is performing genealogy (proof required).

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Delaware?

The Delaware Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, handles all amendments to vital records, and you must contact then to correct any errors.

Delaware Divorce Records

Unlike other vital records, divorce records are handled exclusively by the courts in Delaware. For divorce decrees from 1978 to present, you have to contact the family court in either Kent, New Castle, or Sussex counties. If you need divorce records from 1977 or older, you must contact the Prothonotary in Kent, New Castle, Sussex counties. Divorce records are important to use when you get remarried, change your name, or they may also be used to verify your identity or apply for insurance or other benefits. You can contact the courts and obtain copies pretty easily.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Delaware?

Yes. Divorce records are pretty easy to find through the Delaware Courts. Unlike birth, death, and marriage records, divorce records are public records. For records 1978 or newer, you need to contact the family court in either Kent, New Castle, or Sussex counties.

How do I find old divorce records?

If you are looking for divorce records that date back further than 1977, you will need to contact the Prothonotary in Kent, New Castle, Sussex counties.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Contact the local county courthouse and either the family court or Prothonotary office to get a copy. You may get a copy in person or through the mail.

How much does it cost for a certified copy of my divorce certificate?

Each certified copy of your divorce decree costs only $4 each. If you need a non-certified copy, it costs $1.

What information is needed to search for a Delaware divorce record?

When you request a copy of the divorce decree, you must supply your name and date of birth and a copy of your photo ID. You may pay the fee with cash, credit card, check, or money order,

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of Delaware?

Delaware courts only have records for divorces that were filed and granted within the state. If you were divorced in another state, contact their vital records office to inquire about how to get a copy.

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