The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics houses records of birth from 1940 to the present, and records of death and marriage from 1972 to the present. Certified copies of these records are issued upon request and receipt of the proper payment. Delaware Vital Records are confidential per Delaware Statutes and are released only to the person themselves, their immediate next of kin, or someone representing them such as attorneys and /or funeral directors. This office also holds index files of divorce records granted in Delaware from 1935 to the present. Certified copies of the divorce records are obtained from Family Court in the county where divorce was granted from 1976 to the present. Certified copies of divorce records granted prior to 1976 are obtained from the Prothonotary’s Office in the county where the divorce was granted. Records in years which are prior to the holdings of the Office of Vital Statistics may be obtained from Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street, Dover; telephone 302-744-5000. Statistical data on births, deaths and health can be obtained from the Delaware Health Statistics Center, 417 Federal Street, Dover; telephone 302-739-4776. Vital Statistics also provides a service for adult adoptees searching for their birth parents. Anyone 21 or older whose adoption was completed in Delaware can apply to the Bureau of Vital Statistics for a copy of his or her birth certificate which would provide the names of their biological parents. The process may take 6-8 weeks while the state tries to contact the birth mother. If the birth mother demands privacy, the state cannot release the birth records to the adoptee. If the state does not find the mother or hear from her by the end of the 8 week period, the state automatically releases the birth certificate. TRANSFER callers to DOVER for an application.
