Certificates
The State of Delaware issues certificates attesting authenticity for numerous documents including: birth, marriage, death, divorce, veterans certificates, and others for use nationally and internationally.
Apostilles
Please Note
Apostille: a document used in international law that is issued by a government in accordance with the Hague Convention and that certifies that another document has been signed by a notary public. (Merriam/Webster)The Apostille is prepared by the Delaware Secretary of State, Division of Corporations. More information on the processing of an Apostille is available on their Certifications, Apostilles and Authentication of Documents page
Birth
Years 1951 and prior
The Delaware Public Archives holdings contain birth records older than 72 years. If you were born before these years, please contact the Archives via their Contact Form and choose the category "Birth Records" or call (302) 744-5000 to request a certified copy of your certificate(s).
Years 1952 to the present
The Office of Vital Statistics holdings contain birth records newer than 72 years. If you were born after 1947 contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 744-4549 or online to order a certified copy of your certificate(s).
Adoptees
The Office of Vital Statistics holdings contain birth records for all adoptees. If you were adopted contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 744-4549 or online to order a certified copy of your certificate(s).
Death
1983 and prior
The Delaware Public Archives holdings contain death certificates older than 40 years. Please contact the Archives via their Contact Form and choose the category "Death Certificates" or call (302) 744-5000 to request a certified copy of your certificate(s).
1984 to the present
The Office of Vital Statistics holdings contain death certificates newer than 40 years. Please contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 744-4549 or online to order a certified copy of your certificate(s).
Divorce
Please Note
Divorce records are obtained from the county where the divorce was granted.Years 1978 to Present
Kent County
Family Court
400 Court Street
Dover, DE 19901
Records Section
New Castle County
Family Court
Divorce Unit
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Sussex County
Family Court
Divorce Section
22 The Circle
Georgetown, DE 19947
Years 1977 and Before
Kent County
Prothonotary
Kent County Court House
38 The Green
Dover, DE 19901
New Castle County
Prothonotary
Superior Court
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Sussex County
Delaware Public Archives
121 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd N
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 744-5000
Marriage
Years 1973 and prior
The Delaware Public Archives holdings contain marriage records older than 50 years. If you were married before these years, please contact the Archives via their Contact Form and choose the category "Marriage Certificates" or call (302) 744-5000 to request a certified copy of your certificate(s).
Years 1974 to the present
The Office of Vital Statistics holdings contain marriage certificates newer than 50 years. If you were married after 1969 contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 744-4549 or online to order a certified copy of your certificate(s).
Pardons
The Delaware Public Archives research room staff can supply you with a certified copy of your pardon if you provide them with your name at the time of the pardon, the year of the pardon, and the Governor that granted your pardon. Please contact the Archives via their Contact Form and choose the category "Pardons" or call (302) 744-5000 to request a copy of your pardon.
Veteran
DD 214
The Office of Veteran's Services maintains the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD 214) on many Delaware veterans. If you listed Delaware as your home of record when separated from the service, or have ever visited one of our Veteran Service Officers, we may have a copy of your DD 214 on file and can provide you with a certified copy. If your records are not on file with OVS, our Veterans Service Officers can assist you in requesting a certified copy from the National Archives. Email of the Office of Veteran Servies via the link on their Contact Page.
