DHSS Press Release

Josette Manning, Secretary
DPH Media Relations Coordinator Contact:
Laura Matusheski
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: January 18, 2023
DHSS-1-2024

SCHEDULED CLOSURE OF THE OFFICE OF VITAL STATISTICS IN DOVER FOR RENOVATIONS

Alternative options to access vital records are made available

CORRECTION: The kiosk mentioned in the previous version of this news is no longer available. Delawareans are encouraged to explore other options or contact OVS for more information.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 18, 2024) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announces that the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) in Dover will be closed to the public for renovations beginning February 12 through April 5, 2024. During the closure period, Kent County residents will be able to request vital records by mail or through the two authorized online ordering systems, GoCertificates (www.GoCertificates.com) and VitalChek (www.vitalchek.com). Funeral homes will have designated times to drop off their requests and will be notified by OVS.

The requests will be processed by OVS and certificates will be mailed to the requester. Please note that the requester for vital records must be the registrant's spouse, child, parent or guardian (16 Del. C., §3110 (b)); otherwise, it may become a legal request that needs further review. Guardians must include approved guardianship paperwork.

All mail must be addressed to the OVS below with the full (not abbreviated) office name included.

Office of Vital Statistics
Jesse Cooper Building
417 Federal St.
Dover, DE 19901

All legal requests must be mailed to the OVS in Dover and must include the legal purpose in the attorney template, supporting documentation, valid ID and check/money order. Attorney templates are found on the Office of Vital Statistics' website at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/vitalstats.html.

OVS locations in New Castle and Sussex Counties will remain open to the public to provide same day service requests except for long-form birth certificates, death certificates prior to 2007 and corrections/amendments to vital records. For more information on the Office of Vital Statistics, visit: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/vitalstats.html (16 Del. C., c. 31).

Individuals with general questions about the Office of Vital Statistics should call 302-744-4549 or 302-744-4541. Hours of operation for the public are Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except State holidays.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

SCHEDULED CLOSURE OF THE OFFICE OF VITAL STATISTICS IN DOVER FOR RENOVATIONS

Delaware's Government