How to Search Delaware Vital Records

Delaware vital records (births, deaths, marriages, divorces) are maintained by the state Department of Health (or equivalent). Older records may be at county clerks or the state archives. Some records are restricted by privacy law.

  • Order birth, death, marriage, divorce: through the Delaware Department of Health Vital Records office.
  • Order online: vitalchek.com — authorized vendor for most states.
  • Historic records: contact the Delaware State Archives.
  • Marriage license: apply at any county clerk's office.
  • Genealogy research: state historical societies and FamilySearch.org carry many historical vital records.
Population
1,031,890
Households
407,800
Median Income
$79,325
Median Home Value
$305,200

Vital Records Databases

9 official Delaware vital records sources.

Vital Records

Deaths | New Castle County Wills
Official Free
Use this New Castle County service to search for the status of Wills on file. Search by name, file number, and/or date of death.
Births | Births & Christenings 1710-1896
Official Free
Delaware births, baptisms, and christenings recorded between 1710 and 1896.
Deaths | Deaths & Burials 1815-1955
Official Free
Delaware Deaths & Burials recorded between 1815 and 1955.
Marriages | 1713-1953
Official Free
Delaware marriage records filed between 1713 and 1953.
Births | 1861-1922
Official Free
Delaware birth records filed between 1861 and 1922 and view document images.
Deaths | Social Security Administration
Official Free
Social Security Administration records of deaths in Delaware.
Delaware Office of Vital Statistics
Official Free
Order birth, death, and marriage certificates from the Delaware Division of Public Health.
Delaware Public Archives | Vital Statistics Guide
Official Free
Guide to historical vital statistics records including births, deaths, and marriages in Delaware.
Delaware Vital Records
Official Free
Order birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from the Delaware Division of Public Health.

Delaware Counties

All 3 Delaware counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Order from the Delaware Department of Health Vital Records office, online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at a county clerk.

Most Delaware vital records have access restrictions. Recent records may require proof of relationship. Older records (typically 50+ years for births, 25+ for deaths) are usually public.

Marriage licenses are issued by county clerks. Both parties typically apply in person. Fees and waiting periods vary by county.

For records before state-level recording began, contact the Delaware State Archives or the county where the event occurred.

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