Delaware Public Records

Delaware is one of the original states formed by Europeans in the U.S. While many historic records are available as a result of its long history, many current records are available as well. Certain records have restrictions in place for privacy reasons, such as vital records. Delaware birth records, death and marriage records are available through the Division of Public Health to authorized individuals. Delaware public records also include unrestricted access to divorce records, which are maintained by the Family Courts, while access to civil and criminal court records is overseen by the Superior Courts. Limited online access is available to Delaware court records, while the State Bureau of Identification controls access to Delaware criminal records. Only the person of record is permitted to review criminal history. For historic Delaware public records, visit the Delaware Public Archives in Dover to access military, cemetery and vital records.

About Delaware Public Records

Delaware is an open records state; however, certain records are restricted from public viewing. Delaware birth records are restricted from public inspection for 72 years. Death and marriage records are restricted for 40 years. Prior to this time period, authorized individuals, to include the person of record, immediate family member or legal representative may request copies from the Division of Public Health. Other Delaware public records that are restricted f rom public inspection are criminal records maintained by the State Police Bureau of Identification.

Individuals have the right to inspect personal Delaware criminal records and request amendments if necessary. These require fingerprints to establish positive identity. This means that any criminal records associated with those fingerprints, regardless of name or identifying characteristics, will be returned. Delaware divorce records are not restricted, although these are maintained by the Family Court that handled the case and must be requested there.

Accessing Delaware Gov Public Records

The Delaware State Courts website gives an overview of all the courts and their functions. It also provides a link to the online public access tool to search certain types of Delaware court records. These include civil and criminal cases heard by the Superior Courts, Courts of Common Pleas and Justice of the Peace courts. These Delaware gov public records are available to the public. The online tool provides an overview of the case details, but copies or specifics should be requested from the specific court listed on the case record.

The Family Court system, which hears divorce cases, does not offer online access to its court cases. However, in person requests are allowed. Although certain Family Court records are protected, divorce records are not.

Search Public Records in Delaware

The Delaware Public Archives is a goldmine of historic information and records that are readily available to the public. Although Delaware is not a large state, a visit to this Dover facility might not be possible. The good news is that copies of records can be requested by phone, mail or by filling out an online form and emailing it to library staff. However, genealogy research can’t be performed by library staff, as it’s too time consuming. Search public records in Delaware for historic military records, cemetery and vital records by making a trip to the Public Archives.

Also, the Public Archives offers free access to its Digital Archives, which offers limited online access to Delaware military records from the Civil War and World War II. Although a public records search for Delaware vital records will yield many results, these are not available online. Instead, use the online resources to plan your visit.