Getting Familiar with Delaware Vital Records

Delaware vital records are kept at the state's Public Archives building and its vital statistics office. Records of births, deaths and marriages are stored in these facilities and are available for public use. Copies of vital records can be used as proof of identity when applying for other documents like passports. Information contained in vital records are especially useful in locating missing family members since important names and dates included in such vital statistical records.


The Delaware Public Archives serves up a variety of useful resources for researching Delaware vital records statistics. Without the information kept by these government departments, people would have a tough time locating birth certificates and other important documents. A vital record can be someone's ticket to obtaining other critical papers like passports and whatnot. Delaware vital records also aid in filling up missing links in one's family tree.

DE Vital Records – A Bit of History

Vital record statistics consist of marriages, births and deaths. State legislations have required the recording of these vital events since 1913. The vital records in Delaware that are housed in its public archives are limited to those that have become part of public record. Delaware law says that once birth records hit 72 years (of age) and death and marriage records reach 40 years, they become open to public access.

Publicly accessible vital records created by the Bureau of Vital Statistics are now also available in microfilm version at the DE Public Archives. Before 1913, each county had a Recorder of Deeds that recorded deaths, births and marriages occurring within the state. The Recorder furnished copies of the records to the State Board of Health secretary every three months. 1913 saw the establishment of the Bureau of Vital Statistics with the Board of Health Secretary serving as the first state registrar.

Delaware Vital Records – A Record of Vital Events

What info will vital statistics records of births, deaths and/or marriages provide? All the forms provide space for certain information but not all of them are completely filled out by users.

With birth records, they contain the kid's name, sex, race, birth date and place and parents' names and occupations. Marriage records include names of the bride and groom, age, birthplace, parents' names and birthplaces, any previous marriages (number of), and the names of officials and witnesses present. Death records usually contain the deceased's name, age, birthplace, last-known residence, death cause and place, parents' and spouse's names, burial location and witnesses and officials in attendance.

Delaware records can be obtained in different formats. Whenever possible, vital records have been converted into microfilm versions to better preserve them. The state's Public Archives exerts every effort to make sure original copies or manuscripts are handled with the utmost care so all important details are protected to enable access by future generations.

People can get individual copies of death, birth and marriage certificates a number of ways. They can do it in person at any of the locations of the vital records offices in Delaware. Another option would be to send a written request to the Office of Vital Statistics in Dover. People could also send in a request for Delaware vital records online or ask for copies via telephone.

Useful Delaware Vital Records Resource

Office of Vital Statistics
Division of Public Health
P.O. Box 637
Dover, DE 19903
 

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