OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

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Delaware Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Delaware. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 3 counties with multiple specialized courts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Delaware)
  • Background checks: Delaware State Police — Criminal History Background Check
  • Records law: Delaware Freedom of Information Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Delaware State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Delaware has 3 counties with multiple specialized courts. You can search court cases using Delaware Court Connect, the official online case search system. Enter a name or case number to find civil and criminal case records.

Delaware's court system includes the Court of Chancery (equity cases), Superior Court (major civil and criminal), Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, and Justice of the Peace Courts. Online case search is available through Court Connect.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Delaware are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Delaware — Wilmington

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Delaware Court Connect — Online Case Search 🏛️ Delaware Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Delaware are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, Delaware State Police, or other agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly.

For statewide criminal history, the Delaware State Police provides certified criminal history background checks through fingerprinting. You must provide photo identification and be fingerprinted at an authorized location.

🔍 Delaware State Police — Criminal History Background Check 📋 Delaware State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Delaware operates under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (29 Del. C. ch. 100). Any person can request public records. Agencies must respond within 15 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Delaware

Court records are maintained by the respective court (Superior Court, Court of Chancery, etc.) in each of Delaware's 3 counties. Criminal history is centralized through the Delaware State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Delaware

Delaware has 3 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Delaware state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Delaware for free?
Use Delaware Court Connect, the official online case search system. Search by person name, business name, or case type.
Are arrest records public in Delaware?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Delaware?
The Delaware State Police provides certified criminal history background checks through fingerprinting. Visit the DSP website for details and locations.
What is the Delaware Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 15 business days. More info at delaware.gov.
How many court systems does Delaware have?
Delaware has a specialized court system: Justice of the Peace Courts, Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, Superior Court, Court of Chancery, and the Supreme Court. Delaware's Court of Chancery is nationally recognized for corporate law cases.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026