Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics
Delaware · Vital Records
dhss.delaware.gov/dph/homepage/about/sections/ehdishome/vitalstatsState Vital Records in Delaware
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Delaware. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •Online: Order through VitalChek or GoCertificates
- •By phone: Call VitalChek at 1-877-888-0248
- •By mail: Mail the death certificate application with a check or money order payable to the State of Delaware to the Office of Vital Statistics
- •In person: Visit one of three office locations: Dover, Newark, or Georgetown
- •Copy of valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID or work ID)
- •Proof of relationship (e.g. birth or marriage certificate) for a spouse, parent or other relative
- •Court order for a legal guardian
State Vital Records in Delaware: key facts
What Delaware says8
- Administering office
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics.1
- Office location and hours
James Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901. Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (except holidays).1
- Mail orders
Office of Vital Statistics, Jesse S. Cooper Building, 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901.1
- Certificate fee
$25 for the first certified copy; $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Who may order
Immediate family (proof of relationship); Legal guardian or legal representative; Genealogy requester (proof required); Others who show the record is needed to determine or protect their personal or property rights.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 3 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 40 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1986. Death certificates older than 40 years (1985 and prior) are held by the Delaware Public Archives: call (302) 744-5000; certified copies are $25.00 per certificate.1
Governing law: 16 DE Admin. Code 4602 §§ 10.1, 11.1
Sources2
- 1.Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics
- 2.Delaware death-certificate filing rule (16 DE Admin. Code 4602 §§ 10.1, 11.1; Del. Code tit. 16, § 3151; Del. Code tit. 16, § 3123; Del. Code tit. 16, § 3152; Del. Code tit. 16, § 3153; Del. Code tit. 24, § 3101; Del. Code tit. 29, §§ 7902A, 7906A; 16 DE Admin. Code 4602 §§ 4.1, 12.2, 14.1, 15.0, 16.0)
Delaware vital records offices
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Delaware
Free tools for settling an estate in Delaware: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Delaware, certified death certificates come from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital StatisticsDelaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $25Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Delaware: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysDel. Code tit. 12, §§ 1904, 1905, 1908, 1910Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 8 months12 Del. C. §§ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2109Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 9 months to 12 months.
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