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Order Missouri Divorce Certificate
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Learn how to order Missouri Divorce Certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR). The current processing time is typically 5–10 business days, and the state fee is $15.00 for each certified copy. Access to official divorce records is restricted to the persons named on the record, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.
You can order your Missouri divorce certificate (divorce statement) electronically now through VRO (Vital Records Online) or in person or by mail from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR). Before ordering, review the costs, eligibility terms, required documents, and processing times.
You can order a Missouri Divorce certificate online through VRO in two simple steps:
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR) requires all applicants to provide proof of identity when requesting certified copies of divorce records (divorce statements). Review the table below for the required information and documents:
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Drivers License | Notarized Application |
If you do not have a valid government-issued ID, you may still be able to request a Missouri divorce certificate (divorce statement) by providing alternative forms of identification. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS-BVR) may accept supporting documents such as utility bills, signed affidavits, or other official records that help verify your identity. Requirements may vary, and additional documentation may be requested. It is recommended to contact the issuing office directly or use a guided service to ensure your application meets all requirements and avoids delays.
Cost & fees
The total cost to obtain a Missouri divorce certificate (divorce statement) will depend on the application method and whether additional identity verification is required. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS-BVR) charges a state fee of $15.00 for each certified copy.
State Fee |
|---|
$15.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not offered |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $20.00 |
Processing time
The current processing and delivery time defined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS-BVR) is typically 5 to 10 business days; however, the total time it takes to process and receive the divorce certificate (divorce statement) depends on how you apply, whether additional identity verification is required, and the volume of orders being processed by the DHSS-BVR.
Processing Time |
|---|
5-10 business days |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not offered |
Authorization
Missouri divorce records (divorce statements) are considered restricted records and are not publicly available to all individuals. Only the persons named on the record and certain eligible parties are authorized to request certified copies.
Eligible applicants typically include the individuals listed on the divorce record, immediate family members, and authorized representatives with proper documentation. All applicants must provide valid proof of identity when submitting their request.
In some cases, third-party requesters, such as legal representatives, must provide documentation demonstrating legal interest or authority to obtain the record. Requirements may vary depending on the request method and the information provided.
A notarization is generally not required when requesting certified copies of a Missouri divorce certificate (divorce statement) if the applicant can provide a valid government-issued photo ID. However, if the applicant is unable to present an acceptable primary ID, additional identity verification may be required, which could include a notarized application or supporting documentation. This policy applies to all applicants, including third-party requesters, and requirements may vary depending on the submission method and the information provided.
Tracking
After you submit your application and documents electronically through VRO, you can track the status of your application verification and dispatch through the online support portal. You can also monitor your application's journey to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR) with mail tracking included by VRO.
If you manually send your application packet to the health department, it is recommended to use first-class mail tracking to confirm its arrival. The DHSS-BVR ships certified documents via standard mail; however, they are not liable for misdirected or lost certificates.
frequently asked questions
A divorce verification from the Missouri DHSS costs $15. Certified copies of the actual divorce decree must be obtained from the circuit court in the county where the divorce was granted. Court fees vary by county, so contact the relevant circuit clerk’s office for exact pricing.
Yes. A legal representative, attorney, or authorized agent may request Missouri 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.
A Missouri divorce verification is a summary record from the DHSS confirming that a divorce took place, including the names of the parties and the date of the divorce. A divorce decree is the full court order issued by the circuit court that includes the terms of the divorce such as property division, custody, and support. Most legal and government purposes require the actual divorce decree from the court rather than just a verification.
An officially certified Missouri divorce certificate (divorce statement) will display distinct features indicating it was issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR). The appearance of the document may vary depending on the year it was issued; however, it will include key details used to verify the dissolution of a marriage.
Missouri issues a divorce statement, which is a certified summary of the divorce. This document does not contain all the details of the divorce decree. Certified copies are issued for legal and identification purposes, while the full divorce decree must be obtained from the circuit court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Official Missouri divorce certificates generally include the following information:
• Full Names of Both Parties: The legal names of both individuals involved in the divorce.
• Date of Divorce: The date the divorce was finalized.
• County of Divorce: The Missouri county where the divorce was granted.
• State Seal: An official seal (embossed or printed) validating the authenticity of the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the authorized official issuing the record.
• Date of Issuance: The date the document was officially issued.
• Printed on Security Paper: Issued on secure paper to prevent alteration or fraud.
In some cases, additional identifying details may be included depending on the record and year of issuance.
If you lose your divorce certificate (divorce statement):
a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a local Missouri county health department that offers vital records services during business hours. Availability may vary by location.
b. For applying by mail: Send your application, required documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
USA
c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR) provides limited services for correcting divorce records (divorce statements). Since Missouri issues a divorce statement (summary record) rather than the full divorce decree, most corrections cannot be made directly through the Bureau of Vital Records. Instead, amendments typically require updates through the circuit court where the divorce was originally granted.
The process and requirements for correcting a divorce record may vary depending on the type of correction needed and where the original record was filed.
Before initiating a correction or amendment request, it is important to determine eligibility and identify the type of change required, as different types of corrections may involve different authorities and documentation.
Only eligible individuals may request corrections, including:
Requests to correct or amend a Missouri divorce record may require the following:
You can request an apostille for a Missouri divorce certificate (divorce statement) through the Missouri Secretary of State or online via VRO's Apostille Express Service. An apostille is required when submitting your divorce certificate to a foreign government. Apostilles are only issued by the Missouri Secretary of State for records initially filed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR).
If you are manually submitting your certificate, you will need to provide the following:
Standard Mail Submissions:
Missouri Secretary of State
Commissions Division
P.O. Box 1767
Jefferson City, MO 65102
USA
In-Person Submissions:
Missouri Secretary of State
600 W. Main Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
USA