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Get your certified Texas Divorce Certificate

Get your Texas divorce certificate quickly and securely through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Order online, by mail, or in person with a simple process and fast processing times. Start your request today and receive your official divorce record by mail without hassle.

Order Texas Divorce Certificate

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Vital Records Online (VRO) is an officially approved third-party vendor for some state health departments, offering vital record services such as birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates. VRO is an independent, SOC 2 compliant document filing service and is not a government agency.

Texas Divorce Certificate

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Texas Divorce Records Overview

Learn how to obtain Texas divorce records from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The state fee for each divorce verification letter is divorce|texas|baseFeeLabel per copy. Processing time is divorce|texas|processingTimes for requests by mail. Authorized applicants include the registrant, their spouse, parent, legal guardian, or legal representative.

Important: Verification Letter vs. Divorce Decree. Texas DSHS does not issue certified divorce certificates. Instead, DSHS provides a divorce verification letter that confirms a divorce was recorded in Texas. If you need the full divorce decree (the complete legal document with all terms, property division, and custody arrangements), you must contact the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.

How to Order a Texas Divorce Certificate

Texas divorce records can be ordered online through VRO, by mail through DSHS-VSS, or in person at the county District Clerk’s office where the divorce was finalized.

Important: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees. DSHS only provides divorce verification letters for divorces recorded from 1968 to the present. A verification letter confirms that a divorce was recorded in Texas but is not a legal substitute for a certified divorce decree.

How to Get a Divorce Decree from a Texas County District Clerk

To obtain the full divorce decree (the complete legal document with property division, custody arrangements, and all court orders), contact the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Each county sets its own fees and processing times. Most Texas counties allow requests in person, by mail, or through their online portal. You will need to provide the case number or the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce.

Major Texas counties with high divorce filing volumes include Harris County (Houston), Dallas County, Bexar County (San Antonio), Tarrant County (Fort Worth), and Travis County (Austin). Each county’s District Clerk maintains its own records and certified copy procedures.

If you’re seeking ancestral divorce records for genealogy research, historical records may be available from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission or county courthouses.

Person ordering a divorce certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

To request a replacement Texas divorce certificate online through VRO, complete these 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

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required documents

Texas Divorce Certificate ID Requirements

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires valid identification when requesting a Texas divorce certificate (divorce verification letter). Identification must meet current DSHS acceptable ID requirements.

You must provide one valid, government-issued photo ID. This includes items such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, or other federally recognized identification. The ID must be current and not expired unless specifically accepted by DSHS.

If you do not have a primary photo ID, you may provide two forms of secondary identification. These may include supporting documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or government correspondence that verify your identity.

An expired government-issued ID is considered secondary identification, not primary.

All identification must be clear, legible, and valid according to the most recent DSHS acceptable identification guidelines. Additional documentation may be required depending on eligibility and request type.


Primary Identification (one required):

Secondary Identification (if no primary ID is available):

A valid, government-issued photo ID such as a Texas driver’s license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, or other federally recognized identification. These must be current and not expired unless specifically accepted by DSHS guidelines.

If you do not have a primary ID, you must provide two forms of secondary identification. These may include documents such as utility bills, bank statements, government correspondence, or other supporting records as defined by DSHS. An expired government-issued ID is considered secondary identification, not primary.

All identification must be clear, legible, and valid according to the most recent DSHS acceptable identification requirements. Additional documentation may be requested depending on the application method and applicant eligibility.

Getting a Texas Divorce Certificate Without ID

The DSHS-VSS requires two forms of authorized secondary ID if you do not possess a valid government-issued ID. Local requirements may vary by county. For a complete list of accepted identification types, refer to the table.

Cost & fees

Texas Divorce Certificate Fees

The cost to request a Texas divorce certificate, officially a Texas divorce verification letter, depends on the ordering method and services selected through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The state fee is $20.00 per copy.

If expedited processing is requested, the expedited service fee is $25.00, which reflects the most current update from DSHS.

Additional copies requested at the same time are $20.00 per copy.

If ordering through a third-party service, additional service fees may apply separately from the state fee.

All fees must be submitted with the application, and incorrect payment amounts may result in delays or rejection.


State Fee

$20.00


Rush Processing

$25.00


Additional Copy

1 x $20.00

Processing time

Texas Divorce Certificate Processing Time

The time it takes to receive a Texas divorce certificate, officially a divorce verification letter, depends on how the request is submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Mail-in orders: Processing typically takes 25–30 business days once the application, documents, and payment are received and approved.

Online orders (Texas.gov): Processing typically takes 20–25 business days.

Expedited requests: Processing is generally 20–25 business days, depending on delivery method and document completeness.

Processing times begin only after DSHS receives a complete and accurate application. Delays may occur if required documents are missing or additional verification is needed.

Processing times do not include shipping time.


Mail-in orders

Processing typically takes 25–30 business days once the application is received.

Online orders (Texas.gov)

Processing typically takes 20–25 business days.

Expedited requests

Processing time is generally 20–25 business days, depending on delivery method and document completeness.





Authorization

Who Can Order a Texas Divorce Certificate?

Texas DSHS restricts who can order a divorce verification letter. The following individuals are authorized to request this document: the person named on the record, their current spouse, a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal guardian, or legal representative. If you are a legal representative, you must provide documentation of your authority (such as a power of attorney or court order) when submitting your request to DSHS-VSS.

For divorce decrees from county District Clerks, eligibility requirements may differ by county. In most Texas counties, divorce decrees are public records and can be obtained by anyone, though some counties may restrict access to certain sealed records.

Authorized People

  • Children
  • Grandparents
  • Legal Guardian
  • Legal Representative
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Texas Divorce Certificate Notarization

If submitting the request by mail, the DSHS-VSS requires a notarized statement along with the application. Requests made online or in person may vary. Check with the DSHS-VSS before applying.

Tracking

Tracking Your Texas Divorce Certificate Order

When you order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section (DSHS-VSS) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the DSHS-VSS.

If you choose to manually mail your request to the DSHS-VSS, it is advised to use first-class mail with tracking to ensure it arrives.

DSHS-VSS allows you to track the status of your divorce certificate application once it has been received. You can check the status at any time by entering your confirmation number on the check status page.

frequently asked questions

Texas Divorce Certificate FAQs


  • What Is the Difference Between a Texas Divorce Certificate and a Texas Divorce Decree?

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    In Texas, the term divorce certificate typically refers to the divorce verification letter issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This document confirms that a divorce took place and includes basic details such as the names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the county where it was granted.

    A Texas divorce decree, on the other hand, is the full court order issued by the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. It contains the complete terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support.

    If you need official proof that a Texas divorce occurred, the DSHS verification letter is usually sufficient. For legal matters requiring the full terms of the divorce, you will need a certified copy of the decree from the county District Clerk.

  • Are Texas Divorce Records Public?

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    Yes, Texas divorce records are generally considered public records. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains divorce verification letters that are available to the general public. These records date back to 1968 and confirm basic divorce information.

    County-level divorce decrees filed with the District Clerk are also part of the public record, though access procedures may vary by county. Some counties allow online searches, while others require in-person or mail requests.

    In certain cases, a court may seal divorce records if sensitive information is involved, such as cases related to family violence or the protection of minor children. However, most standard Texas divorce records remain accessible to anyone who requests them.

  • Where Can I Get a Texas Divorce Record?

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    There are several ways to obtain a Texas divorce record, depending on the type of document you need:

    Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit — You can request a divorce verification letter by mail. This confirms that a divorce was recorded in the state system and includes the names of both parties, the date of the divorce, and the county.

    County District Clerk — For a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, contact the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. Many counties accept in-person, mail, or online requests.

    Authorized Online Services — You can also order Texas divorce records through an authorized online service, which can simplify the process and help you avoid the paperwork and long wait times associated with government offices.

  • How Long Does It Take to Get a Texas Divorce Record?

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    Processing times for Texas divorce records depend on the source and method of your request:

    Texas DSHS (mail requests) — Divorce verification letters typically take several weeks to process when ordered by mail from the state vital statistics office.

    County District Clerk — If you visit the District Clerk's office in person, you may be able to obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree the same day. Mail requests to the county usually take one to two weeks.

    Online orders — When you order through an authorized online service, requests are typically processed within a few business days, making this one of the fastest options available.

  • Why Would I Need a Texas Divorce Certificate?

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    A Texas divorce certificate or verification letter may be required in a variety of legal, personal, and administrative situations, including:

    Remarriage — Texas law requires proof that a prior marriage was legally dissolved before you can obtain a new marriage license.

    Name change — If your divorce decree includes a court-ordered name change, you will need a certified copy to update your name with the Social Security Administration, DMV, banks, and other institutions.

    Child custody and support — Courts and state agencies may require a copy of the divorce decree to verify custody arrangements or enforce child support orders.

    Property and financial matters — Mortgage lenders, real estate agents, and financial institutions often request proof of divorce when dividing assets or processing applications.

    Government benefits and immigration — Federal agencies such as USCIS, the VA, and the Social Security Administration may require a Texas divorce record when processing benefit claims or immigration petitions.