Delaware public records
Delaware's three counties hold local property records, while the Division of Corporations handles business filings. CourtConnect is a civil-case tool, not a comprehensive criminal-history service. A certified criminal-history report uses State Police fingerprints and a separate application.
By DeepSearch · Updated
Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsDelaware Courts | Use CourtConnect for supported civil dockets and the relevant court for other records. | Online docket lookup and document copies are distinct. CourtConnect is not a consolidated criminal-history report or a database of every court document. |
| Property and land recordsDelaware Courts / county recorder directory | Use the official court FAQ to choose the New Castle, Kent or Sussex County Recorder of Deeds. | Each county sets document-service charges. A county assessment entry and a recorded deed are different records; choose the property's county. |
| Business recordsDelaware Division of Corporations | Search entity information and select the appropriate status or certificate service. | Basic search is separate from paid status and certified-document services. Formation in Delaware does not imply the company's operating address or assets are in Delaware. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceDelaware Health and Social Services | Follow birth, death and marriage certificate ordering instructions. | Search and certificate charges apply. Eligibility must be established; divorce decrees are obtained from Family Court rather than Vital Statistics. |
| Criminal-history checksDelaware State Police SBI | Schedule fingerprints using the service code appropriate to the purpose. | Certified Delaware history is listed at $72; eligible state/federal checks at $85. The personal report is issued to the requesting citizen and does not fulfill every legally mandated check. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Delaware
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Delaware FOIA provides access to Delaware citizens. Public bodies may decline requests from nonresidents; online public searches can still be available.
- How to submit
- Identify the Delaware agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- A public body generally responds within 15 business days by providing access, denying access or explaining the need for additional time with a good-faith estimate.
- Fees and estimates
- Copy and administrative charges can apply under the public body's policy. Request an itemized estimate before approving work.
- If access is denied
- A requester can petition the Delaware Attorney General for a determination or pursue court relief. Include the request, response and reasons the denial is disputed.
Delaware records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Delaware public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Freedom of Information Act (29 Del. C. § 10001 et seq.), I request electronic copies of the county's final planning decision and approved site plan for [parcel and application number]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Delaware public records FAQ
Where can I find Delaware court records?
Use CourtConnect for supported civil dockets and the relevant court for other records. CourtConnect is not a consolidated criminal-history report or a database of every court document.
Sources: Delaware CourtsAre Delaware public records free?
Copy and administrative charges can apply under the public body's policy. Request an itemized estimate before approving work. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Delaware official public-records guidance; Delaware Courts; Delaware Health and Social ServicesHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Delaware?
Follow birth, death and marriage certificate ordering instructions. Eligibility must be established; divorce decrees are obtained from Family Court rather than Vital Statistics.
Sources: Delaware Health and Social Services; Delaware CourtsIs a Delaware court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. The personal report is issued to the requesting citizen and does not fulfill every legally mandated check. Schedule fingerprints using the service code appropriate to the purpose.
Sources: Delaware State Police SBI; Delaware CourtsSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Delaware official public-records guidance — checked
- Delaware Courts — checked
- Delaware Courts / county recorder directory — checked
- Delaware Division of Corporations — checked
- Delaware Health and Social Services — checked
- Delaware State Police SBI — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions