Get Your Alabama Divorce Certificate

In Alabama, divorce certificates are official documents that signify the dissolution of marriage and adhere to unique state regulations regarding their appearance. These certificates feature distinctive authentication elements such as a raised, embossed, or multicolored state seal, ensuring their legitimacy. The printed documents are produced on specialized secure paper and include essential details such as both parties' full names before the first marriage, the date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted. While these general state rules bind all divorce certificates, the design and layout may vary based on the year issued.

Additionally, due to localized guidelines, the features of divorce certificates can differ among counties in Alabama. Each county may implement various security features and layouts, contributing to the uniqueness of the documents issued within its jurisdiction.

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal names of the spouses.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of divorce of the spouses.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the divorce certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

In some instances, a certified divorce certificate may also include:

If you lose your divorce certificate:

1. Request a replacement copy. A divorce certificate can be used for identity fraud if it falls into the wrong hands.
2. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the ADPH-CHS.
3. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The ADPH-CHS does not accept walk-ins at its location.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the ADPH-CHS at:
      Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics
      P.O. Box 5625 Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
3. ADPH-CHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Amendments to a divorce certificate are permissible when inaccuracies arise from the original preparation process. By Alabama state law, it is essential to adhere to specific requirements for this procedure. Supporting documentation is necessary to corroborate any proposed changes. In some cases, a court order may be required for particular amendments. Common errors that may necessitate correction include misspelled names, incorrect dates, and inaccurate location information. Additionally, the ADPH-CHS may request legal documentation to validate changes and original or certified copies of supporting documents.

1. File a petition through the circuit court that granted the divorce.
2. Provide an order from the circuit court containing the following information:
3. • Names of the spouses
   • Date the divorce was granted
   • Trial docket number
   • Identification of items with incorrect information
   • Correct information.
3. Submit a certified copy of the court order to the ADPH-CHS.
4. 1. Include supporting documentation.
   2. Pay for the appropriate fee(s).
4. The ADPH-CHS will incorporate the correction order as part of the divorce certificate.
5. The correction order will be appended to the certificate for future certified copies issued.

Note that corrections or amendments cannot be made directly with the ADPH-CHS. All changes must be processed through the appropriate circuit court. If you have questions about this process, contact the ADPH-CHS at (334) 206-5418 for more information.

You can request Alabama divorce certificate apostilles through the Alabama Secretary of State's Office Authentication Division or online via VRO's Apostille Express Service. An apostille is required when submitting your divorce certificate to a foreign government member of the Hague Convention.

Note that apostilles are only issued by the Alabama Secretary of State's Office Authentication Division for records initially filed with ADPH-CHS, and not at county office locations.

When manually requesting an Apostille for an Alabama Divorce Certificate, follow these steps:

1. Obtain an original certified copy of your divorce certificate from the Alabama Secretary of State's Authentication Division.
2. Complete the Authentication Request Form provided by the Alabama Secretary of State's office.
3. Include payment (check, money order, or cash) for the required fee of $5.00 for each document to be authenticated, made payable to the Secretary of State.
4. 1. Cash is only accepted for in-person requests.
   2. Credit card payments are accepted when the authentication request form is submitted with complete credit card information filled out in the payment section.
4. Submit the request form and certified divorce certificate to the Alabama Secretary of State's office for an apostille by mail at the following address.

In Person / Mail-in Orders (Standard/Express Courier):

For simultaneous orders of an “Exemplified Copy (Apostille)” of your Alabama Divorce Certificate:

1. Complete the form ADPH-HS14 from the ADPH-CHS.
2. Specify the request type and destination country: Write "Apostille" or "Exemplified" next to "Reason for Request" on the form and include the name of the foreign country where you'll use the document.
3. Include payment of $25.00 as a check or money order payable to the Center for Health Statistics.
4. 1. Additional certified copies of the divorce certificate can be ordered during the same order for $6.00 each.
   2. Expedited requests are available for $15.00.
4. Submit the request form to the following address:

(Note that apostilles are not directly available through online requests from the ADPH-CHS.)

Simultaneous Order Mailing Address:

In Person Requests:

You can obtain a certified copy of an Alabama divorce certificate by ordering through the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) or through an authorized online filing service like VitalRecordsOnline.com. The ADPH maintains divorce records from January 1950 to the present. To request a copy, you will need to provide the full names of both parties at the time of the divorce, the date the divorce was finalized, and the county where the divorce was granted. You can also contact the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was filed to obtain a copy of the divorce decree.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15.00 for the first certified copy of a divorce certificate and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Expedited shipping through the ADPH costs an additional $15.00, though this does not speed up processing time. When using an authorized online filing service like VitalRecordsOnline.com, fees start at $29.00 plus applicable state fees, which includes preparation and filing of your application.

A divorce certificate and a divorce decree are two different documents. A divorce certificate is a summary document issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health that confirms a divorce took place, listing the names of the parties, the date, and the county of the divorce. A divorce decree is the full court order issued by the circuit court that includes the judge's final ruling, property division, custody arrangements, and other terms of the divorce. Most situations requiring proof of divorce, such as remarriage or name changes, accept a divorce certificate. However, legal proceedings or immigration cases may require the full divorce decree.

Yes, you can order an Alabama divorce certificate online through the Alabama Department of Public Health or through authorized third-party services like VitalRecordsOnline.com. Online ordering allows you to submit your request without visiting a government office in person. You will need to provide identifying information about both parties and the divorce, along with a valid form of identification. Processing times for online orders typically range from 5 to 10 business days.

Alabama divorce certificates are not considered public records in the same way as marriage certificates. Access to certified copies of divorce certificates is restricted to eligible individuals, including the parties named on the certificate, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or others who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. You will need to provide valid government-issued photo identification when requesting a certified copy.