State 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.
Administering agency
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics
State Vital Records in Delaware: key facts
- Administering office
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics.
- Contact
- Phone 302-744-4549.
- Office location
- Jesse S. Cooper Bldg., 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Certificate fee
- $25 for the first certified copy.
- Who may order
- Immediate family (proof of relationship); Legal guardian or legal representative; Genealogy requester (proof required).
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 3 days. The certificate must also be filed before final disposition, so the operative deadline is whichever comes first — 3 days after death, or the burial, cremation, or natural organic reduction (Del. Code tit. 16, § 3123(a)).
- Public record
- Death records become public 40 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1881. Death certificates older than 40 years available from Delaware Public Archives.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Delaware — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order through VitalChek or GoCertificates
- By mail: Mail written request with check or money order to Office of Vital Statistics
- In person: Visit one of three office locations: Dover, Newark, or Georgetown
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid photo ID
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics
Phone: 302-744-4549
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail written request with check or money order to Office of Vital Statistics. in person: Visit one of three office locations: Dover, Newark, or Georgetown. The office is at Jesse S. Cooper Bldg., 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901.
The death certificate must be filed within 3 days. The certificate must also be filed before final disposition, so the operative deadline is whichever comes first — 3 days after death, or the burial, cremation, or natural organic reduction (Del. Code tit. 16, § 3123(a)). The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid photo ID. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Delaware primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics