How to Get a Divorce Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide

A divorce certificate is the official record proving that a marriage has been legally dissolved. You may need one to remarry, update your Social Security record, change your name back, apply for immigration benefits, or close joint accounts. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to get a certified copy of a divorce certificate from any U.S. state.

What Is a Divorce Certificate?

A divorce certificate is a one-page official document issued by the state vital records office that summarizes the basic facts of a divorce: the names of both spouses, the date the divorce was finalized, and the county or court where it was granted.

It is different from a divorce decree, which is the full court order issued by the judge that spells out the legal terms of the divorce — property division, custody, support, and so on. For most purposes (remarriage, name changes, Social Security), the divorce certificate is sufficient. See our full comparison in divorce certificate vs. divorce decree.

Who Can Request a Divorce Certificate?

In most states, the following individuals may request a certified copy of a divorce certificate:

• Either former spouse named on the record
• An attorney representing either spouse
• A court-appointed legal representative
• A parent, adult child, or sibling of either spouse (in some states)
• A government agency with a legitimate need

Some states restrict access more narrowly to just the former spouses or their attorneys. Check the rules for the state where the divorce was granted.

Step-by-Step: Requesting Your Divorce Certificate

Step 1 — Identify the correct state (and sometimes county)

Divorce records are maintained in the state where the divorce was granted — not where you currently live or where you were married. In some states, the state vital records office issues divorce certificates. In others, the certificate must be obtained from the county clerk of the court that granted the divorce.

Step 2 — Gather the required information

• Both former spouses’ full legal names at the time of divorce (including maiden names)
• The date the divorce was finalized (or approximate year if unknown)
• The county and state where the divorce was granted
• The court case number (if known — helpful but often not required)
• Your government-issued photo ID
• Your relationship to the record
• Your reason for requesting the document

Don’t know the case number? See our guide on how to get a divorce certificate if you don’t know the case number.

Step 3 — Choose how to submit your request

• Through VRO: The simplest route. We verify your application, submit to the correct office, and in California and Montana we file electronically as an approved vendor. Start here.
• Directly to the state vital records office by mail
• At the county clerk’s office in person, if you live nearby
• Online, in states that offer online ordering

Step 4 — Pay the required fees

State fees for a certified divorce certificate generally range from $10 to $30 per copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are usually discounted. Using VRO adds a service fee but saves you the time of identifying the correct office, preparing the application, and following up on delays.

Step 5 — Wait for processing

Processing times vary:

• Montana (VRO e-filing): A few business days
• California (VRO e-filing): Faster than mail, depending on state workload
• Other states through VRO: Typically 2 to 6 weeks
• Direct mail to state or county: Typically 4 to 12 weeks
• In-person at county clerk: Sometimes same-day

Common Reasons You Need a Divorce Certificate

• Remarrying — most states require proof of previous divorce before issuing a new marriage license
• Changing your name back to a maiden or former name
• Updating Social Security and identification
• Immigration petitions where a prior marriage must be legally resolved
• Refinancing or selling jointly-held property
• Closing joint accounts or insurance policies
• Estate planning and beneficiary updates

What if the Divorce Happened Long Ago or Out of State?

You can request a divorce certificate at any time — there’s no time limit. Older records may take longer to locate, especially if they predate the state’s digital archives. For divorces granted in a different state from where you live, see how to get a divorce certificate from another state.

Ready to Get Your Divorce Certificate?

Start your divorce certificate application through VRO. We process requests from every U.S. state and offer expedited handling with a 2-Day Air return envelope.

Related FAQs

• Divorce Certificate vs. Divorce Decree
• How to Get a Divorce Certificate If You Don’t Know the Case Number
• Does Divorce Erase Your Name Change?
• Do I Need a Divorce Certificate to Remarry?