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Get Your Certified California Divorce Certificate

Get your California divorce certificate quickly and securely through the California Department of Public Health. Submit your request online or by mail with a simple, guided process designed to save time. Start today and receive your official divorce record by mail without unnecessary delays.

Order California Divorce Certificate

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Legal Disclaimer

Vital Records Online is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with or operated by any government agency. We provide a secure, guided online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. We are listed as an approved third-party vendor by the California Department of Public Health. Blank application forms are available free of charge directly from the relevant government offices. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to these

California Divorce Certificate

Order with confidence

What Is a California Divorce Certificate?

Learn to order a California Divorce Certificate from the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records (CDPH-VR). The cost to order a divorce record in California is $18.00 per copy. Wait times are about 5 to 7 weeks or more to process.

Vital Records Online also helps you order other California vital records, including a California birth certificate, California death certificate, or California marriage certificate. Browse our blog for guides on why you might need a divorce certificate years later and buying a home after divorce.

Where to Get a California Divorce Certificate

California divorce records are handled differently depending on the type of document you need and when the divorce was finalized.

A Certificate of Record may be available through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for divorces filed between 1962 and June 1984. CDPH does not hold records outside this date range.

A divorce decree (also called a judgment of dissolution) must be obtained from the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. This is the full legal document containing the terms of the divorce.

Using the correct office is important to avoid delays. If you are unsure where your divorce was filed, start by contacting the county court where the divorce was finalized. The California Courts self-help website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp provides directories and guidance for locating your local court clerk's office.

California Divorce Certificate vs Divorce Decree

A California divorce certificate is not the same as a divorce decree. Understanding the difference is important so you request the right record for your situation.

A Certificate of Record is a summary document issued by the California Department of Public Health. It confirms that a divorce occurred and lists basic information such as the names of both parties, the date and county of the divorce, and a state file number. This is the document most commonly needed for legal name changes, remarriage, insurance updates, and government applications.

A divorce decree (also called a judgment of dissolution) is the full court order issued by the Superior Court that finalized the divorce. It contains detailed terms including property division, spousal support arrangements, child custody schedules, and any other court-ordered conditions.

To obtain a divorce certificate, contact CDPH (for divorces filed 1962 to June 1984) or the county clerk. To obtain a divorce decree, contact the Superior Court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.

How to Order a California Divorce Certificate

There are several convenient methods to obtain your California Divorce Certificate. You can order online through VRO's secure platform, visit the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) in person, or submit your request by mail through the CDPH-VR.

The CDPH-VR only maintains divorce records from 1962 to June 1984. If you need a divorce record from outside of that time frame, contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was recorded.

How to order Divorce Certificate on Mobile

Ordering Online with VRO


Our experts are ready to guide you through the entire process and file your application for you.

Avoid the hassle of endless internet searches or complicated instructions, and order certified divorce certificate copies from the comfort of your home, starting from $29!

Government fees are not included.

If you’d like to make this process as easy as possible, order your divorce record online with the help of VRO. Our service includes just two steps, and you can be done in a matter of minutes.

  1. Complete our online application and upload the necessary documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online

required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a California Divorce Record?

To request a divorce record from 1962 - June 1984 from the CDPH-VR, you will not need to produce any forms of identification. Fill out all of the fields on the order form and submit the form along with the appropriate payment. The processing time for this type of request can extend beyond six months. Note that the required documents may vary by county if you request your divorce certificate in person from a local county clerk where the divorce was recorded.

How to Get a California Divorce Certificate Without ID

You do not need to provide an ID to the CDPH-VR to order a divorce certificate.

Cost & fees

California Divorce Certificate Costs and Fees

The total cost associated with replacing a divorce certificate can vary based on several factors. The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) currently charges a fee of $18.00 for each certified copy of a divorce certificate. The method chosen for ordering—whether online with VRO, by mail, or in person—can impact the total cost of obtaining copies.

Using VRO’s online application assistant costs an additional $29.00. Review your options to choose the most efficient and cost-effective method.

State Fee

$18.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $18.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Divorce Record in California?

Processing times vary depending on the office handling the request and how the application is submitted.

Requests through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) can take several weeks and may sometimes exceed six months, depending on record availability and current processing volume. Standard mail-in requests typically take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.

Requests made directly through the county Superior Court may be significantly faster, depending on the court's procedures. Many courts can process requests within 5 to 10 business days.

Submitting a complete and accurate application with all required documentation helps avoid additional delays. You can also order through Vital Records Online for faster processing and tracking of your application status.

Processing Time

5 to 7 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not Available

AUTHORIZATION

Who is Authorized to Order a California Divorce Record?


There are no restrictions on who can order a divorce record from the CDPH-VR. As long as sufficient information is provided on the order form regarding the divorce record information, and the appropriate fee is submitted, you should be able to receive the record regardless of your connection to the divorced parties.

Do I Need to Notarize My California Divorce Certificate Application?

The CDPH-VR generally does not require notarization of divorce certificate applications.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your California Divorce Certificate

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the health department.

When manually mailing your divorce certificate request to the CDPH-VR, it is optional to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. It's recommended to purchase mail tracking to guarantee the timely handling and secure delivery of your vital records to your address. Once your certificate is mailed from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

Order Other California Vital Records

You can also request other California vital records through Vital Records Online:

You can also explore our related guides:

frequently asked questions

California Divorce Certificate FAQs


  • How to Get a California Divorce Record

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    You can obtain a California divorce record from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. CDPH only maintains divorce records filed between 1962 and June 1984. For divorces outside that window, you must contact the Superior Court directly. CDPH requests can be submitted by mail or online. Court requests typically require visiting the clerk's office or using the court's online portal if available.

  • How Much Does a California Divorce Record Cost?

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    A certified copy of a California divorce record from CDPH costs $14. Superior Court fees vary by county and are typically higher. Additional copies ordered at the same time from CDPH may be available at a reduced per-copy rate. Online orders may include convenience and processing fees. If you need certified copies for legal proceedings such as remarriage, immigration, or property settlement, order enough copies to cover each requirement.

  • What Is the Difference Between a California Divorce Certificate and a Divorce Decree?

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    A California divorce certificate and a divorce decree are two different documents that serve distinct purposes. Understanding the difference is important so you request the right record for your situation.

    A divorce certificate is a summary document issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). It confirms that a divorce occurred and lists basic information such as the names of both parties, the date and county of the divorce, and a state file number. This is the document most commonly needed for legal name changes, remarriage, insurance updates, and government applications.

    A divorce decree (also called a judgment of dissolution) is the full court order issued by the Superior Court that finalized the divorce. It contains detailed terms including property division, spousal support or alimony arrangements, child custody and visitation schedules, and any other court-ordered conditions. You would need the decree if a legal matter requires you to reference specific terms of the divorce settlement.

    To obtain a divorce certificate, contact CDPH (for divorces filed 1962–June 1984) or the county clerk. To obtain a divorce decree, contact the Superior Court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. You can search for your county court through the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov.

    Read more about the 9 legal and everyday uses for a divorce certificate to determine which document you need.

  • Does CDPH Have My California Divorce Record?

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    The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) only maintains divorce records that were filed between 1962 and June 1984. If your divorce falls within this date range, you can request a certified copy or a certificate of record directly from CDPH by mail or through an authorized online service.

    For divorces finalized before 1962 or after June 1984, CDPH does not have your record. Instead, you must contact the Superior Court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Most California counties maintain their own divorce records and can provide certified copies of both the divorce certificate and the divorce decree.

    California also offers a divorce verification letter through CDPH. This is a non-certified document that confirms a divorce occurred but cannot be used for legal purposes. Verification letters are available to the general public and do not require proof of eligibility, making them useful for quick confirmation when a certified copy is not necessary.

    If you are unsure where your divorce was filed or which agency has your record, start by contacting the county court where the divorce was finalized. The California Courts self-help website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp provides directories and guidance for locating your local court clerk's office.

    Need help ordering? You can start your California divorce certificate application online through Vital Records Online for guided assistance.

  • Can I Order a California Divorce Record Online?

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    Yes. For divorce records within the 1962 to June 1984 range, you can order online through the CDPH vital records portal or through authorized third-party services. You will need the full names of both parties and the date of the divorce. For divorces outside this range, check with the relevant Superior Court, as some courts offer online ordering through their clerk's portal. An authorized applicant may also designate a representative through a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) to request the record on their behalf.

  • What Does a California Divorce Record Look Like?

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    When seeking a California 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 California 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:

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen California Divorce Record

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    If you need to replace a lost or stolen California divorce record, you can request a copy through the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR).

    To apply by mail, complete the required application form and send it along with payment to:

    California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
    MS 5103
    P.O. Box 997410
    Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

    Include a check or money order payable to CDPH-Vital Records. Once your request is processed, the record will be mailed to you.

    Processing times may exceed six months, so plan accordingly when submitting your request.

  • How to Correct or Amend a California Divorce Record

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    The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) does not publish detailed instructions for correcting or amending a divorce record. For guidance, you may need to contact the appropriate office directly.

    Corrections or amendments to divorce records often require legal documentation and may involve the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. Requirements can vary depending on the type of correction requested.

  • How to Get an Apostille for a California Divorce Record

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    To use your California 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 California divorce record.

    You may choose to manually send your certificates to the California Secretary of State, or you may place an order through VRO. VRO provides apostille services for divorce certificates in California 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.

    We ship apostille documents via FedEx or DHL. International shipping is also available, so you can use this service no matter where you are physically located.

    To order the apostille manually, follow these steps:

    1. Fill out this cover sheet provided by the California Secretary of State’s Office.
    2. Include the divorce record you want to have certified, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
    3. Provide payment of $20.00 per apostille requested. A check or money order made out to the “Secretary of State” will be accepted.

    Send your documents, along with the payment, via USPS to the following address:


  • Can Anyone Get a Copy of a California Divorce Certificate?

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    Not just anyone can obtain a certified copy of a California divorce certificate. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) restricts access to authorized individuals, which typically includes the parties named in the divorce record, their legal representatives, or immediate family members with a direct and tangible interest.

    To request a certified copy, you must complete a sworn statement confirming your eligibility and provide valid identification. Unauthorized individuals may be able to obtain an informational (non-certified) copy, which cannot be used for legal purposes but can confirm that a divorce occurred.

    For more details on eligibility requirements, read our guide on tangible interest vs. public access in vital records requests.

  • How Long Does It Take to Get a California Divorce Certificate?

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    Processing times for a California divorce certificate depend on how you submit your request and which agency handles it. If you order through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), standard mail-in requests typically take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to process.

    If your divorce was finalized outside the 1962–1984 window that CDPH covers, you will need to contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Court processing times vary by county but are generally faster, often taking 5 to 10 business days.

    You can also order through Vital Records Online for faster processing and tracking of your application status.

  • Do I Need a California Divorce Certificate to Remarry in California?

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    Yes, if you were previously married, you will typically need proof that your prior marriage was legally dissolved before you can obtain a new marriage license in California. A certified divorce certificate or a certified copy of your divorce decree serves as that proof.

    When applying for a marriage license at the county clerk’s office, you will be asked about prior marriages. While some counties may accept a verbal declaration, many require documentation. Having your certified divorce certificate on hand avoids delays and ensures a smooth application process.

    Learn more about the 9 legal and everyday uses for a divorce certificate to understand when you may need this document.

  • Are California Divorce Records Public?

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    California divorce records are generally considered court records, but access to certified copies depends on who is requesting them and the type of record involved.

    The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) restricts certified copies to authorized individuals, which typically includes the parties named in the record, their legal representatives, or immediate family members with a direct and tangible interest. Unauthorized individuals may be able to obtain an informational (non-certified) copy, which cannot be used for legal purposes but can confirm that a divorce occurred.

    Court records held by the Superior Court may have different access rules depending on the county. Some case documents may be sealed or restricted by court order. Contact the Superior Court clerk in the county where the divorce was filed for specific access policies.

  • What if I Do Not Know the County of My California Divorce?

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    If you do not know which county your California divorce was filed in, there are several ways to locate the information.

    You can start by contacting the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which maintains a statewide index of divorce records filed between 1962 and June 1984. Even if CDPH does not hold the full record, they may be able to confirm the county where the divorce was filed.

    You can also search individual county Superior Court websites for case records. Many California courts offer online case lookup tools. The California Courts self-help website at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp provides a directory of all county courts and guidance for locating your records.

    If you still cannot locate the county, you may want to consult a legal professional or records search service for assistance.