Delaware Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for Delaware background checks issued by state or county legal documents offices. Required for dual citizenship, visas, marriage abroad, study, and residency. Complete guide with 10 detailed FAQs.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | FBI or Delaware Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Delaware Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Delaware background check (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $20 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Dover) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 128 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026 |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Background Check Cost | $15 from ADPH or county health department (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Dover: 401 Federal St (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Delaware Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an Delaware birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Delaware Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county legal documents official.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Delaware.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Hospital Certificates: Decorative hospital "birth certificates" or souvenir records are not official and cannot be apostilled.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $20 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Delaware apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from ADPH.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Delaware SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Delaware to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Canada require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ Delaware Apostille Advantages
Delaware offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $20 per document, Delaware has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 5-7 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for legal documents.
Option 1: Delaware Center for Health Statistics
The state legal documents office in Dover issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any Delaware county health department can issue certified copies of background checks for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Delaware background check issued by ADPH.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an Delaware county health department.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir background checks and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Delaware Background Check: An original or newly certified copy issued by ADPH or county health department.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "background check" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $20 per document — check or money order payable to "Delaware Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any background check without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an Delaware Background Check Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Delaware-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Delaware Background Check
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the Delaware Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or your local county health department.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from ADPH. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your background check shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the Delaware Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Delaware Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Background Check to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified background check, completed apostille request form, and $20 payment to the Secretary of State in Dover.
Mailing Address:
Delaware Secretary of State
401 Federal St Suite 3
Dover, AL 19901
Walk-in Address:
401 Federal St
Dover, AL 19901
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 5-7 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $20 (state fee) |
| Certified Delaware background check (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Background Check Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Delaware background check before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in Delaware. The certified copy from ADPH or county health department is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal legal documents and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the Delaware Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Delaware background check?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Dover office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an Delaware background check apostille cost?▼
The Delaware Secretary of State charges $20 per document for apostille services. This is one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Delaware Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Delaware?▼
Yes. The Delaware Secretary of State office at 401 Federal St in Dover accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my Delaware background check for apostille?▼
Mail to: Delaware Secretary of State, 401 Federal St Suite 3, Dover, AL 19901. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified background check, and $20 fee per document.
What countries accept an Delaware background check apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from Delaware. This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my Delaware background check for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original background check for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by ADPH or a county health department, not your original background check. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified Delaware background check for apostille?▼
Order from the Delaware Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Dover office. You can also request from any Delaware county health department. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log