Delaware Birth Records

Delaware began centralized, statewide recording of births in 1913 with the establishment of the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Before this, birth records were consistently maintained by County Recorders of Deeds and churches, with gaps in documentation.

Delaware birth records are the official, government-maintained certificates documenting a live birth in the state. There are two birth copy types in Delaware serving different purposes:

• Authorized Copy: The authorized copy of the birth certificate is the full legal copy of a live birth, printed on security paper, bearing the embossed state seal and the Registrar's signature. The authorized copy of a birth certificate is ideal for all legal purposes. Delaware issues two types of certified birth records:
• The Standard Birth Certificate: Delaware issues a full-detailed certificate when you request an authorized copy. The standard birth certificate is a comprehensive copy of the original birth record. It includes the registrant's full name, birthplace, date of birth, attending physician's signature, parents' full names, occupation, and nationality. The standard birth certificate also contains the certificate number, filing date, and signature of the issuing officer. All standard birth certificates contain a raised seal and the official seal of the state, making them valid for all official, personal, and administrative purposes.
• Heirloom Birth Certificate: A heirloom birth certificate is a decorative version of a birth certificate designed for commemorative purposes. Unlike the standard certified birth certificate, the heirloom birth certificate is printed on high-quality archival paper and features engraved borders, gold embossed seals, and calligraphic text. Although issued by the state, it is marked as not valid for official purposes,s. It is intended for display.
• Informational Copy: Informational copies of birth certificates are the non-legal version of a birth record marked with "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity. It contains the same data as the standard birth certificate but is usually printed on plain paper and lacks the official seal of the state. Therefore, informational copies are not valid for official purposes but are best suited for personal use and genealogy research.

How to Order a Delaware Birth Certificate?

You may order certified copies of a Delaware birth certificate from the Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) Division of Public Health Office of Vital Statistics, issued from January 1942 to the present. Birth certificates may be purchased online, in person, or by mail. Online requests for marriage certificates are through two independent vendors approved by the DHSS. Both service providers charge extra fees besides the certificate cost for processing and mailing the birth certificate.

Persons ordering the birth certificate by mail or in person may complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Delaware Birth Certificate form or the Adoptees Application for a Copy of the Original Birth Certificate form. Include a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of eligibility to order the record, and the fees. In addition, birth persons obtaining the record by mail may include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the application.

It costs $25 to order a certified copy of a birth certificate in Delaware, with extra copies also charged at $25. Heirloom birth certificates cost $35. Mail the complete request or submit it at any of the following Office of Vital Statistics:

Birth certificates issued before 1942 are accessible at the Delaware Public Archives or at the County Clerk of the Peace office where the birth was reported.

Are Birth Records Public in Delaware?

Delaware treats birth certificates as confidential vital records, making them unavailable to the public for a predetermined period. During the confidentiality period, only persons with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies of the birth certificate. Birth certificates become public records after the confidentiality period expires.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Delaware?

Under Delaware law, access to certified copies of birth certificates is restricted to the following persons:

• The person named on the birth certificate
• The parents or legal guardians of the registrant
• Immediate family members, including spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents
• Legal representatives
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Delaware Birth Certificate?

The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics processes mail requests for birth certificates within 2-5 weeks, while mail requests are processed on the same day. The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics does not offer expedited processing for birth certificate requests.

Third-party vendors offer faster processing for Delaware birth certificate requests. While timeframes are not specified for standard requests, expedited processing, which attracts an extra fee of between $15 - $30, depending on the vendor, makes the document available within 1-3 business days.

Where Can I Find Delaware Birth Records Free?

While certified copies of Delaware birth records are restricted to eligible individuals, non-certified copies may be accessible for free or at low cost through specific sources.

Delaware Public Archives holds birth records older than 72 years old. Users may inspect historical records dating back to 1680, sourced from church registries, newspapers, and county documents. Uncertified copies attract a minimal fee, about $0.50 per page.

FamilySearch.org is a genealogical platform that provides free access to digitized Delaware birth records, including indexes from church registries and newspapers from 1680 to the early 1930s. Some records may require in-person access at a Family History Center.

Ancestry.com is a subscription-based genealogy platform that offers access to Delaware birth records from 1861 to 1922. Users may also access birth indexes from 1650 to 1942 via the FamilySearch Catalog on the platform. Although the platform is subscription-based, users can get free access at any public library in Delaware.

PublicRecords.us provides a searchable index of Delaware birth entries, including names, dates, and birthplaces. The platform aggregates data from local and state agencies to provide a comprehensive database of birth records from Delaware. The platform hosts more current birth records and is ideal for beginning your genealogy research.

When Would I Need My Delaware Birth Records?

A birth certificate is a vital document serving as proof of one's identity, lineage, and citizenship. Therefore, birth certificates are critical for many life events, including:

• Applying for a U.S. passport
• Obtaining a driver's license or state-issued ID
• Applying for or replacing your Social Security card
• Enrolling in public or private schools, universities, or colleges
• Applying to the U.S. Armed Forces
• Marriage license application
• Accessing government benefits and assistance
• Background checks for employment and professional licensing
• Conducting legal name changes
• Establishing familial relationships for inheritance and probate matters
• Claiming insurance and pension benefits

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Delaware?

If your birth certificate is missing, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you may order a replacement copy in Delaware. The process to replace a birth certificate in Delaware mirrors obtaining a certified copy.

You may order a replacement birth certificate at the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics by mail, in person, or online by completing the Application for a Certified Copy of a Delaware Birth Certificate form. All requests may include relevant details to locate the document, a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and the fees. Mail requests should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It costs $25 to replace your birth certificate. Extra copies ordered at the same time also cost $25.

When Can the Public Access Delaware Birth Certificates?

Delaware treats birth certificates as confidential vital records for 72 years from the date of birth. Only authorized persons may obtain certified copies during that time frame. Once 72 years pass, birth certificates become public records available to anyone without having to prove the right to access the document.

How To Correct an Error on a Delaware Birth Certificate?

You may correct the following errors on your Delaware birth certificate:

• Misspelling of names, birth dates, and birth locations.
• Transposed digits in dates.
• Omitted information, such as omitted middle names.
• Gender marker updates. Provide an affidavit signed by a licensed medical professional.
• Changing your legal name. Requires a court order.
• Adding, removing, or correcting parental information.

To amend your birth certificate in Delaware, submit a notarized affidavit to the State Office of Vital Statistics. Outline the incorrect information and specify the accurate data. Include documents supporting the correct data, such as school records, medical documents, or census data, if the birth certificate has been issued for over one year. Birth certificates under one year do not require supporting documents. Supporting documents must have been created at least five years before the request or within seven years of the birth date. Mail or submit the correction request to the state Office of Vital Statistics.

Does Delaware Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Delaware does not offer a non-binary "X" option on its birth certificates. Although Delaware permits residents to amend their gender markers on their birth certificate, it only permits switching from "Male" to "Female" or vice versa. There is no statutory provision for an "X" or gender-neutral designation.