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Order Montana Divorce Certificate

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Montana Divorce Certificate

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Montana Divorce Certificate

Learn how to order a Montana Divorce Certificate. Unlike birth and death records, divorce certificate are not issued at the state level. 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 Montana Divorce Certificate

In Montana, divorce certificates are issued by the county that recorded the divorce. Requests cannot be fulfilled by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records (DPHHS - Office of Vital Records). 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 Montana 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 Montana 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, so verify what documents are required before submitting your request.

Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Varies by the county office that granted the divorce.

Varies by the county office that granted the divorce.

How Do I Get a Montana Divorce Certificate Without ID?

In Montana, divorce certificates are issued by the county where the divorce was filed. Each county sets its own identification requirements, so if you don’t have a valid ID, you’ll need to contact the county court directly to ask about alternative options or documentation they may accept.

Cost & fees

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

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

State Fee

Varies by county


Rush Processing

Varies by county


Additional Copy

Varies by county

Processing time

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

Processing times depend on the county. Some 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

Rush Processing Time

Varies by county




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Montana Divorce Certificate?

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.



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 Montana, the requirements for notarizing divorce documents vary by county. Each county 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 Montana, requests for divorce records are processed by individual county 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 Montana Divorce Certificate Cost?

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    A certified copy of a Montana divorce certificate costs $10 from the Montana DPHHS. Additional copies are $5 each. Certified copies of the actual divorce decree must be obtained from the clerk of district court in the county where the divorce was granted, and fees vary by county.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Montana Divorce Records?

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    Yes. A legal representative, attorney, or authorized agent may request Montana 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 Montana Divorce Certificate and a Divorce Decree?

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    A Montana divorce certificate is a summary record from the DPHHS 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 district 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 certificate.

  • What Does a Montana Divorce Certificate Look Like?

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    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 Divorce: 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.


  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Montana Divorce Certificate

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    If your divorce certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement from the county where the divorce was recorded.

    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.
      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 Montana 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 Obtain an Apostille for a Montana Divorce Certificate

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    When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for Montana 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. Original, notarized, or certified divorce record. Copies of official records must be issued within the last five years. If you have a court record that was issued more than five years ago, you must obtain a new certified copy from the appropriate county office.
    2. Apostille request form.
    3. A fee of $10.00 per document, paid with check or money order payable to Montana Secretary of State, or by card through the online portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov.
    4. A pre-paid, addressed envelope or shipping label (unless picking up in person).

    Standard Mail:

    Notary & Certifications Division
    Montana Secretary of State’s Office
    PO Box 202801
    Helena, MT 59620 -2801

    Courier Submissions:

    Notary & Certifications Division,
    Montana Secretary of State’s Office
    1301 E. 6th Ave
    Helena, MT 59601