Get your certified Michigan Divorce Certificate

MDHHS charges $34 for the first certified copy of the record of divorce and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Rush processing is $12 more. Ordering through VRO adds a service fee starting at $19. A certified copy of the full judgment of divorce comes from the county clerk of the circuit court where the divorce was granted, and each county sets its own fee.

Yes. Divorce records are not restricted in Michigan, so anyone can request a search for a record of divorce. No proof of relationship, notarized statement or power of attorney is required. The person applying signs the application by hand.

A Michigan divorce certificate is the state's record of divorce. It confirms that the divorce took place, with the names of the spouses and the date and county of the divorce, and is issued by MDHHS. A divorce decree (judgment of divorce) is the full court order issued by the circuit court, with the terms of the divorce such as property division, custody and support. MDHHS does not issue the judgment: order it from the county clerk of the circuit court where the divorce was granted.

A certified copy of a Michigan record of divorce from MDHHS typically shows:

• Names of the spouses: The full legal names of both parties.
• Date of divorce: The date the divorce was granted.
• County: The county where the divorce was granted.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed 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 copy.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

If you lose your divorce certificate:

1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. Complete the application, sign it by hand, and pay the fees set by MDHHS.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Schedule an appointment at the MDHHS Vital Records office, 333 S. Grand Avenue, Lansing (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm). The office does not take walk-ins.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application and a check or money order payable to the "State of Michigan" to:
      Vital Records Requests, 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).
3. MDHHS mails the certified copy after processing.

MDHHS does not correct divorce records. If information on a Michigan record of divorce is wrong, contact the county clerk of the circuit court where the divorce was granted. The county corrects its record and the updated information is sent to the state.

Common Errors That May Require Correction

• Misspelled names of either party
• Incorrect divorce date
• Wrong county of divorce

Changes to the terms of the divorce itself require a court order from the circuit court. Ask the county clerk which documents and fees apply.

When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille is often required. Apostilles for Michigan vital records are issued by the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal. You can also order through Vital Records Online (VRO): our apostille service starts at $49, plus government fees.

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

1. The completed and signed Authentication Request Form.
2. The certified copy of the divorce record. The Office of the Great Seal only authenticates copies issued within the last 15 years.
3. Payment of $1.00 per document by money order or check payable to the State of Michigan.
4. A self-addressed stamped return envelope or prepaid air bill.

The Secretary of State says turnaround is 1 to 2 weeks. MDHHS also offers an authenticated (apostilled) copy in a single request for $42 ($26 for each additional copy, $25 more for rush) using the Simultaneous Divorce / Apostille Request Form; MDHHS sends the record to the Office of the Great Seal for you.

Mail-in Orders:

In-Person Orders: