Delaware apostille services: document preparation and processing coordination
Delaware apostilles are issued by the Division of Corporations for notarized and public-official-signed documents. Getting the right document format before you submit is the most important step.
Delaware apostille: authority and document rules
Miami Dade Apostille coordinates apostille processing for Delaware documents by mail. We are a private document coordination service — not a government agency, not a law firm, and not the Delaware Division of Corporations. We do not issue apostilles or government records.
The Delaware Division of Corporations issues apostilles for Delaware notary and public official signatures. It cannot process out-of-state, foreign, or federal documents, or photocopies. Each document filed with the Secretary of State must be separately certified — combined cover certifications for multiple documents are not accepted. The destination country determines whether an apostille or authentication is required; additional federal or consular steps may be needed depending on the applicable Hague relationship.
Official public records — vital records and court documents — must be obtained as official certified copies from the issuing office. Use the issuing office's certified copy; do not substitute a notarized photocopy. The Division apostilles the custodian's official signature on the certified copy.
Delaware does not accept remote or electronic notarizations for apostille. Foreign-language private documents need an English translation, with both versions notarized. Eligible Florida RON documents follow Florida routing, subject to Florida requirements and recipient acceptance; RON does not reclassify Delaware public records.
Delaware document routing
| Document | Issuing office | Apostille note | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (DHSS) — in person, mail, or authorized online channel | Official certified copy only; do not notarize | DE Div. of Corps. |
| Death certificate | Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (DHSS) | Official certified copy only; do not notarize | DE Div. of Corps. |
| Marriage certificate | Delaware Office of Vital Statistics (DHSS) | Official certified copy only; do not notarize | DE Div. of Corps. |
| Divorce / annulment decree | Family Court Records Department in the county where granted (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex). Records through 1975 may be held by the Prothonotary; after 1975 by Family Court. Mail requests require a notarized signature on the request form — not on the certified decree. | Certified decree only; do not notarize the decree itself | DE Div. of Corps. |
| Notarized private document (POA, affidavit, etc.) | Delaware notary public | See preparation rules above. | DE Div. of Corps. |
| Academic records (diploma, transcript) | Obtain a suitable signed or notarized document from the school custodian; confirm requirements before altering the original | Confirm preparation method with school and Division before submitting | DE Div. of Corps. |
| Corporate / business records | Delaware Secretary of State certified record | See separate-certification rule above. | DE Div. of Corps. |
| FBI Identity History Summary | FBI (via approved channeler or direct) | Federal document — routes to U.S. Department of State, not Delaware Division of Corporations | U.S. DoS |
Out-of-state and foreign documents must use the appropriate issuing-jurisdiction authentication process based on the destination country's requirements. Delaware residence does not reroute a document.
Preparation checklist
Official guidance indicates personal requests are typically processed the same business day — this is not a guarantee and does not include return shipping time.
Confirm destination requirements
Determine whether the Hague Apostille Convention applies between the U.S. and the destination country. Obtain the receiving authority's current document checklist — requirements change.
Send scans for review
Send clear scans before committing originals to the mail. This step catches notarized public records, remote notarizations, missing translations, or wrong document types before they cause delays.
Submit with cover memo and required payment; choose return method
Mail with a cover memo giving purpose and destination; use current Division instructions for payment and return options. Hand delivery requires an appointment at 302-739-3077.
Working toward a deadline? Send us a scan before committing originals — we can review requirements and help coordinate the correct process. If mailing, use a trackable shipping method and keep your tracking number.
Frequently asked questions
Delaware cities and areas served
Miami Dade Apostille serves clients throughout Delaware by mail. Documents can be sent from anywhere in the state — no in-person visit is required.
- Wilmington
- Dover
- Newark
- Middletown
- Smyrna
- Milford
- Seaford
- Georgetown
- Elsmere
- New Castle
- Lewes
- Rehoboth Beach
Sources
- Delaware Division of Corporations: Apostille and authentication information ↗
- Delaware Division of Corporations: Submitting non-commercial documents ↗
- Delaware DHSS: Office of Vital Statistics ↗
- Delaware Family Court: Divorce and annulment decree copies ↗
- CDC: Where to Write for Delaware Vital Records ↗
Sample Delaware apostille certificate
MIAMI DADE APOSTILLE IS NOT A LAW FIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. WE ARE A PRIVATE DOCUMENT COORDINATION SERVICE. THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. FOR LEGAL QUESTIONS, CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY.
Ready to start your Delaware apostille?
Send us your documents by mail from anywhere in Delaware. We review, coordinate submission to the Delaware Division of Corporations, and return your apostilled documents.
Submissions are accepted 24/7, 365 days a year. We typically reply within approximately two hours during regular business hours.
If you're working toward a deadline, message us before sending your documents. We can review the requirements, help avoid preventable delays, and coordinate the correct process for you.
State documents: same day to 4 days. Federal documents (FBI, U.S. Department of State): 7–14 days. Contact us with your document type and deadline to confirm availability.
Miami Dade Apostille is a private document coordination service. We are not the Delaware Division of Corporations, a government agency, or a law firm. We do not issue apostilles or government records.