Order Your Divorce Certificate Online in Minutes

You can request a certified copy of your divorce certificate from the vital records office in the state where the divorce was finalized. Most states offer mail-in, online, and in-person options. You'll typically need to provide the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the divorce, and the county where it was filed.

VitalRecordsOnline.com streamlines this process — simply select your state, fill out the guided form, and we'll route your request to the correct agency. Processing times vary by state, but online orders are generally faster than mailing in a paper application.

Processing times depend on the state and how you submit your request. In-person requests at a county clerk's office can sometimes be fulfilled the same day. Mail-in requests typically take 4–8 weeks, while online orders through services like VitalRecordsOnline.com are usually processed within 2–4 weeks.

Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce turnaround to 1–2 weeks. Rush or same-day options may be available at the county level for an extra charge.

The cost of a certified divorce certificate varies by state, typically ranging from $5 to $30 per copy. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing, shipping, or ordering through an authorized third-party service.

When you order through VitalRecordsOnline.com, the total includes the state filing fee, processing, and delivery. We display the full cost upfront before you submit your order — no hidden fees.

A divorce decree (also called a final judgment of divorce) is the court document that officially ends the marriage. It includes detailed terms like property division, child custody, spousal support, and visitation schedules. A divorce certificate is a shorter, standardized document issued by the state vital records office that confirms the divorce took place.

For most purposes — remarriage, name changes, updating IDs — a divorce certificate is sufficient. If you need the full decree (for enforcing custody terms, modifying support, or certain immigration filings), you'll need to contact the county clerk's office where the divorce was granted.

Yes. Most states allow you to order a certified copy of your divorce certificate online, either through the state vital records website or through an authorized processing service like VitalRecordsOnline.com.

Online ordering is often the fastest and most convenient option. You'll fill out an application, verify your identity, and pay the applicable fees. Your certified copy is then mailed directly to you.

Eligibility rules vary by state, but generally the following individuals can request a certified copy of a divorce certificate:

• Either spouse named in the divorce

• A legal representative or attorney acting on behalf of a named party

• A parent or legal guardian of a minor named in the proceedings

• A court-appointed representative

• Government agencies for official purposes

Some states also issue informational (non-certified) copies to members of the public for genealogical or research purposes.

To request a certified copy, you'll generally need:

• Full legal names of both spouses at the time of divorce

• Date of the divorce (or approximate year)

• County and state where the divorce was granted

• Case number (if available — helpful but not always required)

• Your relationship to the parties named in the record

• A valid government-issued photo ID for identity verification

VitalRecordsOnline.com walks you through exactly what's needed for your specific state, so you don't have to guess.

If you've lost your divorce certificate, you can request a replacement certified copy from the vital records office in the state where the divorce was finalized. The process is the same as ordering a new copy — you'll need to provide identifying information and pay the applicable fee.

If you need a replacement divorce decree (the full court order), contact the county clerk's office or the court that issued the original decree. Court records are maintained separately from vital records, so the state health department typically cannot reissue a decree.

In most states, yes. When you apply for a new marriage license, you'll be asked to provide proof that any prior marriages were legally dissolved. A certified divorce certificate is the standard document used to satisfy this requirement.

Some states may also accept a certified copy of the divorce decree. If your former spouse has passed away, a death certificate may be accepted instead. Check with your local marriage license office for specific requirements.

An apostille is an international certification that authenticates a document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. To get an apostille on your divorce certificate, you'll need to submit the certified copy to the Secretary of State's office in the state that issued the document.

The process typically involves mailing or hand-delivering the certified divorce certificate along with an apostille request form and a fee (usually $5–$25). Some states offer expedited apostille processing.

We recommend ordering at least 2–3 certified copies. Many agencies and institutions require an original certified copy (not a photocopy), and having extras avoids delays if you need to submit to multiple offices simultaneously.

Common situations where you may need to submit a certified copy include: applying for a new passport, updating your Social Security card, changing your name on a driver's license, remarrying, and updating financial or insurance accounts.

Yes. While having the case number can speed up processing, it's not required in most states. The vital records office can typically locate your record using the names of both spouses, the approximate date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was filed.

If you're unsure about any of the details, VitalRecordsOnline.com's guided form will help you provide the information needed to locate your record. In some cases, a broader search may take slightly longer, but your request can still be processed.