Get your certified Maryland Divorce Certificate

Fees for a Maryland divorce certificate vary by county. Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was finalized for exact pricing. Maryland does not issue divorce certificates through its Vital Records office; you must obtain documents from the court.

Maryland does not issue a separate short-form divorce certificate like some states. Instead, you would obtain a divorce decree (judgment) from the Circuit Court where the divorce was finalized. This document contains the full details of the divorce settlement including property division, custody, and support orders.

In Maryland, eligible requesters include either party named in the divorce, their attorney, 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.

Maryland divorce records are generally public records unless sealed by court order. You can request divorce documents from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was finalized.

You can check the document's appearance to ensure you have the official certified copy of your divorce certificate. Each state, county, and municipality issues unique designs for divorce records.

A stamp or large print can identify informational copies of vital records on the document stating "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity" or something similar. To verify if your certificate is a certified copy, you can refer to the official, certified documents in the county where it was issued.

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.
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 Maryland MDH-DVR
3. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the Maryland MDH-DVR at:
      Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records,
      P.O. Box 68760
      Baltimore, Maryland 21215-0036
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
4. Maryland MDH-DVR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

The MDH-DVR provides a straightforward process for correcting or amending divorce certificates as authorized by law. An amendment is necessary when a marriage record needs to be changed, and different forms are required based on the specific information that needs to be amended.

Supplemental changes are added as addendums to the original record, but no entity can alter the original document.

Correcting or amending divorce records usually will require the following:

1. A completed amendment application;
2. Supporting documentation;
3. Appropriate fee(s);
4. A notarized statement completed by an authorized person.

Apostilles for Maryland-issued vital records can be obtained through the Secretary of State or via Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is acknowledged by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. Their service covers apostilles for Divorce Certificates, all with professional assistance.

VRO Apostille Express service starts at $149 (plus government fees); the entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps:

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

If you are having certifications done by mail, make sure to include your check or money order, a note stating in which country the documents will be used, and how to contact you if there are any questions concerning your documents. Also, provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope or prepaid express delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS.

To request an apostille manually, you will need to provide the following information:

• A check or money order.
• Maryland Apostille Check list or a note stating in which country the documents will be used and how to contact you if a small question should arise concerning your documents.
• A stamped, self-addressed envelope or prepaid express delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS.

You can submit requests for divorce record apostilles to the Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) at the following addresses:

Standard Mail/Express Courier Submissions:

Office of the Secretary of State
16 Francis Street,
Annapolis, MD 21401

In-Person Submissions:

16 Francis Street
Wineland Building
Annapolis, MD 21401