How to Get a Divorce Certificate From Another State

If you were divorced in one state and now live in another, you may need to request a certified copy of your divorce certificate from the state where the divorce was granted — not where you currently live. This is a common situation, and there are a few straightforward ways to handle it.

Why You Have to Order From the State Where the Divorce Was Granted

Divorce records are maintained by the state that granted the divorce. Your current state of residence has no record of a divorce that took place elsewhere, and moving does not transfer your vital records.

Depending on the state, certified copies are issued by the state vital records office, the county clerk’s office of the court that granted the divorce, or sometimes both. The process for requesting from afar is essentially the same as ordering locally, just without the option to walk in.

Step 1 — Identify the Correct State and County

You’ll need to know the state and county where the divorce was finalized. In most cases, this is the same county where the divorce case was filed — often the county where one of the spouses was living at the time.

If you don’t remember the exact county, don’t worry — many states index divorce records at the state level, so the state vital records office can often locate a record even without the specific county. If you need help, see our guide on getting a divorce certificate without the case number.

Step 2 — Confirm Who Issues the Certificate

Each state handles divorce certificates differently:

• State vital records: Most states issue certified divorce certificates through their state vital records office (examples: California, New York, Florida, Montana).
• County clerk / court of record: In some states (Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and others), the county court is the primary source.
• Both: Some states allow you to request from either the state or the county, often at different fees.

Step 3 — Gather Required Information and Documents

• Both former spouses’ full legal names at the time of the divorce (including maiden names)
• The date the divorce was finalized (approximate year is usually OK)
• The state and county where the divorce was granted
• A copy of your government-issued photo ID
• Your current mailing address for delivery
• Your relationship to the record and reason for the request

Step 4 — Submit Your Request (Without Visiting In Person)

Because you don’t live in the state where the divorce was granted, in-person pickup is typically not an option. Your best choices:

Option 1: Through Vital Records Online (Recommended)

VRO is designed specifically for out-of-state vital records requests. You complete the application online, upload your ID, and we handle the rest. In California and Montana, we’re an approved vendor that files electronically directly into the state’s system. For all other states, we prepare a complete packet and ship your certified copy directly to your current address. Start here.

Option 2: By Mail to the State or County

Send the completed application form, a photocopy of your ID, payment (typically a check or money order), and a self-addressed return envelope to the state vital records office or county clerk. Processing times vary — this is typically the slowest option.

Option 3: State or County Online Ordering

Some states offer direct online ordering with ID verification handled digitally. Check the vital records office website of the state where the divorce was granted.

Step 5 — Pay State Fees and Wait for Delivery

Fees range from about $10 to $35 per copy (see our divorce certificate cost guide). Add expedited handling with a 2-Day Air return envelope if you need the document quickly — this is especially useful for out-of-state requests, where standard mail can add a week or more.

Tips for Out-of-State Requests

• Order multiple copies at once. It’s more efficient than ordering a second time later.
• Use your current address for delivery. The state ships to the address you list on the application.
• Make sure your ID matches the name on the application. If your name has changed since the divorce, include supporting documentation.
• Allow extra time for mail transit. Both outbound (application to state) and return (certificate to you) can add days.

What About Divorce Decrees From Another State?

If you need the full divorce decree (the court order, not the summary certificate), you’ll contact the court clerk of the county where the divorce was filed. You’ll typically need the case number. See divorce certificate vs. divorce decree to confirm which document you need.

Ready to Get Your Out-of-State Divorce Certificate?

Start your divorce certificate request through VRO. We handle requests from every U.S. state and ship directly to your current address, wherever that is.

Related FAQs

• How to Get a Divorce Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Get a Divorce Certificate Without a Case Number
• How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce Certificate?
• How Much Does a Divorce Certificate Cost?