Get your certified Arkansas Divorce Certificate

Arkansas divorce certificates serve as important documents that verify several critical aspects related to the dissolution of marriage. They confirm the legal end of marriage, provide evidence of a change in marital status, and indicate the date and location of the divorce. These certificates are official state-issued documents that contain essential details about the divorce proceedings and the relevant court information and are frequently required for various legal matters, including obtaining marriage licenses and passports and executing name changes.

Important in financial matters like securing pensions, Social Security benefits, and handling insurance claims, divorce certificates also serve personal needs such as keeping records, tracing family history, proving legal status, and meeting employment requirements.

Divorce certificates are often helpful or required for:

Applying for a driver's license

Applying for a new passport

Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

Applying for Social Security benefits

Claiming pension or insurance benefits

Genealogy research

Claiming family inheritance

Applying for a new job

Enrolling in school

Enlisting in military

Obtaining a marriage license

When seeking an Arkansas certified divorce certificate, it's important to understand that each state's vital records office incorporates unique authentication features. The appearance of the certificate can vary depending on the year it was issued.

An official divorce certificate will typically include several key features: a raised, embossed, or multicolored state seal, printing on secure and specialized paper, and the registrar's signature. Additionally, you will find the full names of both parties, the date and location of the divorce, and a unique certificate number.

The specific features of the certificate can vary depending on county guidelines, leading to different layouts and security measures. Generally, states issue two types of divorce certificates: the long-form (official) certificate and the short-form (informational) certificate.

• 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:

The procedure for replacing a lost or stolen divorce record is the same as what has been provided above. You can use any of the three methods - in-person, mail, or online - to request the new record.

If you lose your divorce certificate:

1. 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 ADH Vital Records.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the state health department. The ADH Vital Records accepts walk-ins at its Little Rock location.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the ADH Vital Records at:
      its
      Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records Office
      4815 West Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205
      
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. ADH Vital Records will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

If you need to correct or amend an Arkansas divorce record, you must submit a request to the Arkansas Department of Health – Vital Records office.

To update a record, you will need to provide a completed amendment application, supporting documentation that proves the correction, and a valid form of identification. Additional fees may apply depending on the type of correction requested.

• In person: Submit your application and supporting documents at the Arkansas Department of Health – Vital Records office.
• By mail: Send your completed application, required documents, and payment (check or money order) to the Arkansas Department of Health – Vital Records office.
• Online: In some cases, you may begin your request through VRO. We prepare and submit your application on your behalf, helping ensure accuracy and avoid delays.

Processing times may vary depending on the type of amendment and the documentation provided. Once approved, an updated certified copy of the divorce record will be issued.

To use your Arkansas divorce record internationally, an apostille will be required. These can be acquired through the Secretary of State’s office. Before pursuing authentication with an apostille, you will need to have a certified copy of your Arkansas divorce record.

You may choose to manually send your certificates to the Arkansas Secretary of State, or you may place an order through VRO. VRO provides apostille services for divorce certificates in Arkansas and is legally valid in more than 100 countries. This service costs $149 (plus government fees) and is completed in three easy steps.

1. Complete the VRO Apostille Express online application.
2. Submit the required documents for approval.
3. Receive your apostille document.

When your apostille is ready, it will be mailed to you via FedEx or DHL. You don’t need to be located in the U.S. to use this service - we can ship your documents anywhere in the world.

To order the apostille manually, follow these steps:

1. Include the certified copy of your divorce record
2. Complete the Arkansas Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form
3. Provide payment of $10.00 per document. Accepted payments include a check or money order payable to the Arkansas Department of Health, or credit card information

If you wish to have the apostille returned by express mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your order. Submit the request for your divorce record apostille to the following address:

Arkansas Secretary of State

1401 W. Capitol, Suite 250

Little Rock, AR 72201