How Do I Get a Death Certificate in Delaware?

Death certificates in Delaware are issued by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics. Contact the office directly for ordering options. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Processing times in Delaware vary. Contact the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics for current turnaround times. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In Delaware, death certificates can be requested by: Registrant, Immediate family, Legal representative. Requesters typically need to provide Valid photo ID.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services - Office of Vital Statistics has death records from 1881 to present. Death certificates older than 40 years available from Delaware Public Archives Records become public 40 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The Delaware executor checklist lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.