How much do death certificates cost in Delaware?
Certified copies from the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics cost $25 each. There is no discount for additional copies ordered at the same time.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Office of Vital Statistics (mail/in person) | $25 per copy |
| VitalChek (online) | $25 + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The fee is a non-refundable search fee, charged even if no record is found.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Office of Vital Statistics
The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics in Dover handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "Office of Vital Statistics." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the office in Dover. Same-day service is available for records on file.
Small state advantage
Delaware has only 3 counties (New Castle, Kent, Sussex), and all death certificate requests are handled centrally through the Office of Vital Statistics rather than at the county level.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Office of Vital Statistics (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Office of Vital Statistics (in person) | Same day |
In-person requests at the Dover office are the fastest option if you are in the area.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Delaware restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about Delaware specifically
Centralized system. Delaware's small size means one office handles all vital records. There are no county clerk alternatives to check for faster processing.
Court of Chancery handles probate. Delaware is one of the few states that uses the Court of Chancery (through the Register of Wills) for probate matters, not a standard probate court. If you are handling the estate, you will need at least one certified death certificate for filing.
Small estate threshold is $30,000. Estates under $30,000 with no solely-titled real estate may qualify for a simplified process. For more on the probate process, see our guide on how probate works in Delaware.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
Managing a Delaware estate?
Our free checklist walks you through every step, customized for your state.
Open the Checklist