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Order Minnesota Divorce Certificate

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Minnesota Divorce Certificate

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Minnesota Divorce Certificate

Learn how to order Minnesota Divorce Certificate. Unlike birth and death records, divorce certificate are not issued at the Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Vital Records (MDH-OVR). Instead, they are only available from the county where the divorce was granted. The fees, processing times, document requirements, and eligibility rules vary by county.

How to Order a Minnesota Divorce Certificate

In Minnesota, divorce certificates are issued by the county district court office that recorded the divorce. Requests cannot be fulfilled by the Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Vital Records (MDH-OVR). Before ordering, confirm the specific costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times with the county where the divorce occurred.


Person ordering a divorce certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Minnesota divorce certificate online with VRO is quick and easy. It involves two simple steps:

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order. ✔️



Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online

required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a Minnesota Divorce Certificate?

Most counties require applicants to present:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID, OR
  • Two secondary forms of identification if a primary ID is not available.

Requirements may vary by county district court office, so verify what documents are accepted before submitting your request.

Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

May vary by the county district court office that granted the divorce.

May vary by the county district court office that granted the divorce.

How to Get a Minnesota Divorce Record Without ID

If an applicant does not have a valid ID, they may still obtain a divorce record by submitting alternative supporting documents that establish their right to the record. Check with the county district court's office where the divorce was filed before applying.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Divorce Certificate in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, divorce certificate fees are set by each county district court. The cost per certified copy usually ranges from $5.00 to $25.00, but this varies. Some counties also charge additional fees for expedited service, certified mail, or notarization.

State Fee

Varies by county district court.


Rush Processing

Varies by county district court.


Additional Copy

Varies by county district court.

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Divorce Certificate in Minnesota?

Processing times depend on the county district court. Some court clerks issue certificates the same day for in-person requests, while mailed applications may take several weeks. Delays are common if there is a backlog of requests or missing information.

Processing Time

Varies by county district court.

Rush Processing Time

Varies by county district court




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Minnesota Divorce Certificate?

Minnesota counties typically allow certain individuals to request a certified divorce certificate. Some counties may allow broader access under public record laws once a certain number of years have passed. Check with the county district court office where the divorce was granted.


Authorized People


  • Person(s) named in the record
  • Attorneys representing either party
  • Court-appointed legal representatives
  • Government agencies (with legal purpose)

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

In Minnesota, the requirements for notarizing divorce documents vary by county. Each district court establishes its own rules, and some may require a notarized signature before processing your request. To ensure you have the correct information, it's best to contact the court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted to confirm whether notarization is necessary before you submit your application.


Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Application

In Minnesota, requests for divorce records are processed by individual county district courts. Tracking options differ by county, so you will need to contact the court where you submitted your application to check the status or request updates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How Much Does a Minnesota Divorce Certificate Cost?

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    The cost for a Minnesota divorce record varies by source. The Minnesota Department of Health does not issue divorce certificates but may provide divorce verification. Certified copies of the actual divorce decree must be obtained from the district court in the county where the divorce was granted. Court fees vary, so contact the relevant court administrator for exact pricing.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Minnesota Divorce Records?

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    Yes. A legal representative, attorney, or authorized agent may request Minnesota divorce records on behalf of one of the parties to the divorce. You will need to provide a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your authorization, or a valid Power of Attorney (PoA) document granting you legal authority to act on the individual’s behalf.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Minnesota Divorce Verification and a Divorce Decree?

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    A Minnesota divorce verification is a summary record confirming that a divorce took place, including the names of the parties and the date. A divorce decree is the full court order issued by the district court that includes the terms of the divorce such as property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations. Most legal and government purposes require the actual divorce decree from the court rather than just a verification.

  • What Does a Minnesota Divorce Certificate Look Like?

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    The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from county to county.

    • 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:


  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Minnesota Divorce Certificate

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    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 COUNTY.
      1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the county health department. Some counties may accept walk-ins; check with the specific county where the divorce record is filed.
      2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the County.
        Varies by COUNTY.
      3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The county will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a Minnesota Divorce Certificate

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    Corrections and amendments are usually handled by the county clerk’s office that issued the certificate. Divorce certificates can be amended if information was entered incorrectly at the time the certificate was created. You must follow county law requirements and provide documentation to support any changes. Some amendments may also require court orders.

    Common errors that may need correction include:

    • Misspelled names
    • Incorrect dates
    • Wrong location information

    The County may require you to provide legal documentation to verify changes and obtain court orders for specific amendments, along with original or certified copies of supporting documents.

  • How to Get an Apostille for a Minnesota Divorce Certificate

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    When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for Minnesota vital records can be acquired through the Secretary 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. Authentication form.
    2. Certified copy of vital record certificate.
    3. Payment of $5.00 per document via check payable to the Minnesota Secretary of State.
    4. Optional prepaid FedEx, USPS Priority Mail or UPS label for express delivery.
    5. Mail-in Orders:

    Minnesota Secretary of State, Certification

    First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201 Saint Paul, MN 55101

    Courier Orders:

    Minnesota Secretary of State, Certification

    First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201 Saint Paul, MN 55101