Get your certified Michigan Divorce Certificate

Michigan divorce certificates serve as important documents that verify several critical aspects related to the dissolution of marriage. They confirm the legal end of marriage, provide evidence of a change in marital status, and indicate the date and location of the divorce.

A certified copy of your Michigan divorce certificate serves as official proof of your marital status change. Whether you’re updating legal documents or handling financial matters, a certified record is often required.

Here are common reasons you may need one:

• Legal Name Change – Required for updating identification, passports, and Social Security records.
• Remarriage – Some states or countries require proof of divorce before issuing a marriage license.
• Child Custody & Support – Courts and government agencies may request certified copies for custody, visitation, or financial support modifications.
• Property & Asset Division – Used in real estate transactions, retirement account settlements, or dividing shared assets.
• Government Benefits & Insurance – Needed for Social Security, military benefits, and updating life insurance policies.
• Immigration & Travel – Some visa or citizenship applications require proof of marital history.

💡 Pro Tip: Always order multiple copies to avoid delays when handling legal and personal affairs.

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

• 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. 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 [state vital record department name].
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The MDHHS does not accept walk-ins at its location.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the MDHHS at:
      Michigan Vital Records Office P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909
      
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. MDHHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

If incorrect information was recorded on a Michigan divorce certificate during its original preparation, amendments may be required. The MDHHS Vital Records Office oversees this process, which must comply with state law requirements.

Steps to Amend a Michigan Divorce Certificate

• Submit a formal request to the MDHHS Vital Records Office with supporting documentation.
• Provide legal proof verifying the correct information.
• Certain changes may require a court order before they can be processed.
• Submit certified copies of necessary documents, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other official records, to support the amendment request.

Common Errors That May Require Correction

• Misspelled names of either party
• Incorrect divorce date
• Wrong location of divorce issuance

Required Documentation for Amendments

The MDHHS

Vital Records Office may require:

• Legal documentation to confirm requested changes.
• Court orders for specific corrections, such as changes to names or dates.
• Original or certified copies of supporting documents, depending on the type of correction requested.

To begin the amendment process, applicants should contact the MVRO or visit their official website for detailed instructions and application forms.

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

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

When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for Michigan vital records can be acquired through the Michigan Department of State or Vital Records Online (VRO).

VRO offers online apostille services that are accepted by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. Their service includes professional assistance for obtaining apostilles for divorce certificates in all 50 states, starting at $149, plus government fees.

Once the apostille is issued, it will be sent to you by FedEx or DHL for global delivery. This ensures that your documents arrive at your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or internationally.

If you request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following:

1. Completed and signed the Authentication Request Form
2. Payment for the Document Certification Fee ($1.00 per document) either by money order or check made payable to the State of Michigan.
3. Self-addressed and stamped return envelope or pre-paid air bill sent by a service such as FedEx, UPS, USPS Priority, or USPS. (If sending by mail with courier service, you must list yourself as the sender and receiver on the courier return air bill.)
4. All documents for authentication, including the signature of an authorized official or commissioned notary.
   
   For simultaneous requests, complete the appropriate form from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and follow the instructions. Simultaneous Divorce / Apostille Request Form
   
   

Mail-in Orders:

Express Courier Orders:

In-Person Orders: