Get your certified Maine Divorce Certificate

Maine divorce certificates serve as essential documents for verifying the legal dissolution of marriage and changes in marital status, as well as providing pertinent details such as the date and location of the divorce.

These certificates are commonly required for various legal matters, including obtaining marriage licenses, passports, and name changes, as well as for financial purposes related to pensions, Social Security, and insurance.

Additionally, they are important for personal records, such as genealogy, legal status, and employment verification. It is crucial to ensure that the divorce certificate is an official state-issued document that contains comprehensive divorce details and court information, as it is required by various government and private services.

Divorce certificates are often helpful or required for:

Applying for a driver's license

Applying for a new passport

Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

Applying for Social Security benefits

Claiming pension or insurance benefits

Genealogy research

Claiming family inheritance

Applying for a new job

Enrolling in school

Enlisting in the military

Obtaining a marriage license

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:
2. 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