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Additional death certificates

Ordering a Death Certificate

Once the initial death certificate has been filed, Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium cannot retrieve additional certified copies of the death certificate. This page will help guide you through the process.

If the Death Occurred in 1983 or Earlier

Death certificates older than 40 years are held by the Delaware Public Archives.

To make a request, use their Contact Form (select "Death Certificates" for the category) or call (302) 744-5000.

If the Death Occurred from 1984 to the Present

Death certificates newer than 40 years are available through the Office of Vital Statistics.

To Request: Call the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 744-4549 or visit their website for online requests.

Methods for Obtaining a Death Certificate

In Person:

You can visit one of the three statewide locations, or you may send a written request to the Office of Vital Statistics, Jesse S. Cooper Building, Dover. 

By Mail:

You may send a written request to the Office of Vital Statistics, Jesse S. Cooper Building, Dover. The following forms may be of help as you make the request by mail:

Order Online:

The public can also obtain individual copies of birth, death, adoptee, marriage and same-gender marriage online. The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics does not accept credit cards through the internet or online orders for records. For your convenience, however, you can process online requests for records through the independent companies that we have partnered with to provide you this service. The Office of Vital Statistics also protects the confidentiality and legality of all vital records in its possession. The Vital Statistics Review Subcommittee, an interdivisional panel, reviews all requests for information for research and investigation prior to the release of information to others.

  • GoCertificates: Visit www.GoCertificates.com. Additional service fees apply. Accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.
  • VitalChek Network: Visit www.vitalchek.com or call 1-877-888-0248. Additional service fees apply. Accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.

Legal Requests

Authorized representatives must use the OVS legal template, be on official letterhead, and clearly state the request's purpose.

Demonstrate the relationship to the registrant and how the record will be used. Attach necessary documents (e.g., birth or marriage certificates).

Include the specific law or regulation granting eligibility for the requested record.

For assistance or more detailed instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We're here to help guide you through this process.