Get your certified Maine Divorce Certificate

A certified copy of a Maine divorce certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time from the Maine CDC Office of Vital Records. For a full divorce decree, contact the court where the divorce was finalized.

A Maine divorce certificate is a short-form document from the Office of Vital Records confirming the divorce occurred. A divorce decree (judgment) is the full court order containing all settlement details such as property division, custody, and support orders. Most legal purposes require the decree.

In Maine, eligible requesters include either party named in the divorce, immediate family members, or a legal representative. If you need someone else to request the record on your behalf, they may use a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) from an authorized party.

Maine divorce records are generally public records unless sealed by court order. You can obtain a divorce certificate from the Maine CDC Office of Vital Records or request the full decree from the court where the divorce was finalized.

When obtaining a certified Maine divorce certificate, it's important to note that each state's vital records office has unique authentication features, leading to variations in appearance based on the issue year. Official divorce certificates generally include a raised state seal, are printed on secure paper, and contain the registrar's signature, the full names of both parties, the date and location of the divorce, and a unique certificate number. Additionally, there are two main types of documents: long-form (official) certificates and short-form (informational) certificates, with layouts and security features differing by county guidelines. The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from state to state.

• 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. A lost divorce certificate can be used for identity fraud if it falls into the wrong hands. 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 DHHS-DRVS.
   
   Maine CDC Vital Records Office
   Maine Department of Health and Human Services,
   Office of Data Research and Vital Statistics
   11 State House Station
   220 Capitol Street
   Augusta, ME 04333-0011
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The DHHS-DRVS does not accept walk-ins at their location.
   2. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
   3. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DHHS-DRVS at:
3. Maine DHHS-DRVS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Amendments to divorce certificates can be made when inaccuracies are found in the original documentation. The process must:

1. Comply with Maine state law requirements
2. Specific documentation is necessary to verify the changes
3. In some cases, court orders may be required for certain modifications
4. Original or certified copies of supporting documents might also be needed.

Common errors that may require correction include misspelled names, incorrect dates, and inaccurate location information. It is important to note that the Maine CDC Vital Records Office may require legal documentation to verify changes, court orders for specific amendments, and original or certified copies of supporting documents.

Typically, requests to correct or amend a divorce certificate will require the following:

• A completed amendment application
• Supporting documentation
• Appropriate fee(s)

When seeking an apostille for a Maine divorce certificate, you have the option to request this service through the Maine Secretary of State's Office or online via VRO's Apostille Express Service.

It is important to note that an apostille is necessary for submitting your divorce certificate to a foreign government that is a member of the Hague Convention. Additionally, apostilles are exclusively issued by the Maine Secretary of State's Office for records that were originally filed with the Maine DHHS-DRVS.

Steps for manual apostille requests:

1. Obtain certified copy of your divorce certificate.
2. Complete the apostille request form from the Apostille Request Form.
3. Include Payment for the apostille fee of $10.00 per document, as a check or money order, payable to the Maine Secretary of State.
4. Self addressed prepaid envelope (if recommended or required).
5. Submit the apostille application form, certified copy of your divorce certificate, payment, and required information to one of the following address:

Standard Mail/Express Courier Submissions:

Maine Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101

In-Person Submissions:

Maine Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101