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Delaware · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (state level - 3 locations statewide)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Delaware vital records are restricted until 72 years after the event. Eligible requesters include the registrant (if 18+), parents, legal guardian, spouse, children, and others with a documented legal interest. Records 72+ years old are public.
  2. Determine which office holds the record:
  3. - Birth records from 1942 to present: Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (any of 3 locations)
  4. - Birth records prior to 1942: Delaware Public Archives - contact (302) 744-5000 or via their Contact Form (choose "Birth Records")
  5. Choose your method:
  6. IN PERSON: Visit any of the 3 Delaware Office of Vital Statistics locations with valid photo ID
  7. BY MAIL: Complete the application; include copy of photo ID and payment (check or money order payable to "Office of Vital Statistics"); mail to Jesse S. Cooper Building, 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
  8. ONLINE: Order through the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics online portal or VitalChek - credit card accepted online (additional processing fee)
  9. Submit application with valid government-issued photo ID (required for all transactions; copy required for mail orders)
  10. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (required for ALL transactions; photocopy required for mail orders)
  • Proof of relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; credit card accepted online with surcharge; cash or check in person - verify with specific office)
Fee
$25 per certified copy; heirloom (decorative) birth certificate: $35; fee retained as search fee if no record found; additional processing fee for online/phone orders
Processing Time
In person: same day (most records); mail: 2-5 weeks; online: 2-5 weeks (rush processing not available)
Online Option
Yes - through Delaware's online vital records portal or VitalChek
Where to Go
Three Delaware Office of Vital Statistics locations: - Dover: Jesse S. Cooper Building, 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901 - Newark: Chopin Building, 258 Chapman Road, Newark, DE 19702 - Georgetown: Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947
Delaware Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Delaware vital records become public 72 years after the event - earlier than most states.
  • Records maintained since 1942 at the state Office of Vital Statistics; pre-1942 records at Delaware Public Archives.
  • Photo ID is REQUIRED for all transactions - no exceptions; for mail orders, a photocopy of ID must be included.
  • Heirloom birth certificate ($35): specially designed decorative certificate with calligraphed name, suitable for framing.
  • Veteran exemption: one free certified copy of a veteran's death certificate to immediate family member - present valid photo ID and proof of relationship.
  • Adoptee birth certificates: contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 744-4549 - special procedures apply.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Delaware Office of Vital Statistics - dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ss/vitalstats.html | (302) 744-4549 | Dover: 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901