Vital records in Delaware — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are handled at the state level by Delaware DHSS Office of Vital Statistics. Marriage licenses are issued locally by the Clerk of the Peace.
What this page covers: Delaware vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Delaware DHSS Office of Vital Statistics. For marriage licenses, contact the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Delaware Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Delaware Vital Records
The 4-Step Delaware Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Delaware Vital Records
Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)
- dhss.delaware.gov — Official Delaware Vital Records — State portal for Delaware vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- Delaware Court Records →
- Delaware Criminal Records →
- Delaware Property Records →
- Delaware Voter Records →
- Delaware Wants & Warrants →
- Delaware Licenses →
- Delaware Recorded Documents →
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Vital Records Databases
4 official Delaware vital records sources.
Vital Records
Delaware Counties
All 3 Delaware counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a Delaware birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in Delaware are issued by the Official Delaware Vital Records at dhss.delaware.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a Delaware death certificate?▼
Delaware death certificates are issued by the Official Delaware Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at dhss.delaware.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a Delaware marriage or divorce record online?▼
Delaware marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official Delaware Vital Records (dhss.delaware.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a Delaware vital record?▼
Standard Delaware vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official Delaware Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at dhss.delaware.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a Delaware certified vital record?▼
The Official Delaware Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at dhss.delaware.gov.