Delaware Birth Records

delaware

Delaware has been maintaining birth records since 1913 when the government made it mandatory to begin recording vital events such as births. Some older records are available, but may be incomplete. The vital records office that serves the city of Wilmington has vital statistics since 1881.

Delaware is a closed record state, which means that certified copies can only be requested by the person named on the certificate, as well as their immediate family members (including spouse) and lawyers representing them.

Birth records in Delaware become public once they are 72 years old, which is for births in 1952 and before.

Delaware Vital Records Office

The office that handles birth records from 1913-2024 for the entire state of Delaware is The Delaware Public Archives in Dover, where they provide birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and death records. Birth records before 1913 must be requested at the specific county office where the person was born.


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Video: Inside The Delaware Public Archives

This short video shows you exactly what to expect if you decide to visit The Delaware Public Archives.