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Delaware · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (state level) / Delaware Public Archives (records 40+ years old)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility and which office holds the record:
  2. - Death records less than 40 years old: RESTRICTED - available to immediate family, legal representatives, and those with documented legal interest; obtainable from the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics
  3. - Death records 40 or more years old: PUBLIC - available to anyone; maintained by the Delaware Public Archives (contact (302) 744-5000 or via Delaware Public Archives Contact Form, choose "Death Certificates")
  4. For restricted records (less than 40 years old): choose your method:
  5. IN PERSON: Visit any of the 3 Delaware Office of Vital Statistics locations with valid photo ID and proof of relationship/interest
  6. BY MAIL: Complete application; include copy of photo ID, proof of relationship, and payment; mail to Dover office
  7. ONLINE: Order through Delaware's online vital records portal or VitalChek - credit card accepted with surcharge
  8. Submit application with valid photo ID and proof of relationship or legal interest
  9. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (required for all transactions)
  • Proof of relationship or legal interest (for records less than 40 years old)
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; credit card online with surcharge; cash or check in person)
Fee
$25 per certified copy; fee retained as search fee if no record found; online/phone orders have additional processing fee; veteran's family: one free copy (see State Notes)
Processing Time
In person: same day; mail: 2-5 weeks; online: 2-5 weeks
Online Option
Yes - through Delaware's online vital records portal or VitalChek
Where to Go
Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (3 locations - Dover, Newark, Georgetown); Delaware Public Archives for records 40+ years old
Delaware Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Death records less than 40 years old are RESTRICTED to eligible requesters in Delaware.
  • Death records 40+ years old are PUBLIC - anyone may obtain them through the Delaware Public Archives.
  • VETERAN'S EXEMPTION: One free certified copy of a veteran's death certificate is provided to immediate family member; present valid photo ID and proof of relationship.
  • Order multiple certified copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, and VA each require a certified copy; most families need 6-10 copies.
  • Funeral homes typically assist with initial death certificate filing - contact them first for recent deaths.
  • Photo ID REQUIRED for all transactions; photocopy required for mail orders.
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; Delaware Public Archives - archives.delaware.gov | (302) 744-5000