Office of Vital Statistics in Dover to Close for Renovations
The Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) in Dover will be closed to the public for renovations beginning February 12th through April 5th, according to The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Alternative options to access vital records will be available. During the closure period, Kent County residents will be able to request vital records in a variety of ways: orders for certified copies of vital records may be submitted by mail; through the two authorized online ordering systems, GoCertificates (www.GoCertificates.com) and VitalChek (www.vitalchek.com); or through a new kiosk at the Dover Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Funeral homes will have designated times to drop off their requests and will be notified by OVS.
Additional Information from The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services:
The kiosk located at the DMV will have the option to submit orders/requests for certified copies of vital records. 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.
