Get your certified Wisconsin Divorce Certificate

Divorce certificates serve important purposes. They confirm the legal end of a marriage, changes in marital status, and the date and place of the divorce. You often need divorce certificates for legal matters like marriage licenses, passports, and name changes. They are also required for financial matters such as pensions, Social Security, and insurance, as well as personal records for genealogy, legal status, and employment.

The document is officially issued by the state, it includes details about the divorce and the court, and you may need it for different government and private services.

Divorce certificates are often helpful or required for:

Applying for a driver's license

Applying for a new passport

Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

Applying for Social Security benefits

Claiming pension or insurance benefits

Genealogy research

Claiming family inheritance

Applying for a new job

Remarriage

Enlisting in the military

Obtaining a marriage license

Divorce Certificate vs. Divorce Decree

A Wisconsin divorce certificate is an official summary document issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. It includes basic information such as the names of the individuals, the date of divorce, and the location where the divorce was granted.

A divorce decree, also known as a judgment of divorce, is a detailed court document issued by the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. It includes the full terms of the divorce, such as property division, custody arrangements, and other legal agreements.

If you need a copy of your divorce decree, you must contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

When you consider certified divorce certificates, it's important to note that each state's vital records office incorporates unique authentication features. The appearance of the certificate may also vary based on the year it was issued.

Key features of official divorce certificates include a raised, embossed, or multicolored state seal, which is printed on secure, specialized paper. You will find the registrar's signature, along with the full names of both parties involved. Additionally, the certificate indicates the date and location of the divorce and features a unique certificate number.

Keep in mind that the specific features of divorce certificates can differ based on county guidelines, varying layouts, and security features. States typically issue two types of divorce certificates: long-form (official) certificates and short-form (informational) certificates.

• 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:

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 Secretary of State.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The WDHS-VRO does not accept walk-ins at their location.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the WDHS-VRO at:
      Secretary of State Certification Desk
      State Vital Records Office
      PO Box 309
      Madison, WI 53701-0309
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. WDHS-VRO will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Corrections or amendments to a Wisconsin divorce certificate must be requested through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The process depends on the type of correction needed.

A divorce certificate is a summary record. If you need to correct information such as names, dates, or other details, you may be required to provide supporting legal documentation.

Requests to amend a divorce certificate are typically made by the individuals named on the record or their legal representatives. Supporting documents, such as court orders or legal name change documents, may be required depending on the correction.

To request a correction or amendment, submit a written request along with any required supporting documentation to:

State Vital Records Office
PO Box 309
Madison, WI 53701-0309

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services will review your request and provide further instructions if additional documentation is needed.

Who Can Amend a Death Certificate in Wisconsin?

Personal and location information changes, including misspelled names, marital status, occupation, and age, can be corrected through the amendment process by:

• Parent
• Child
• Spouse
• Informant
• Attorney Representing the Decedent or Estate
• Court Appointed Individual for the Decedent
• Funeral Home

1. Obtain the Necessary Form: To request an amendment or correction, you must send a certified copy of the record with a statement stating what needs to be corrected. A court order may be required for legal name changes or other significant amendments.
2. Submit the Application: You can apply to amend or correct a death certificate by mail. Send the completed form and supporting documents to:
   State Vital Records Office
   PO Box 309
   Madison, WI 53701-0309
3. Pay the Amendment Fee: If you don’t have a certified copy of the death record, the cost is $20.00.
   Legal Requirements: Due to the legal issues involved with amending some items, questions regarding amendments to a death certificate should be referred to 608-266-1373.
4. Receive an Amended Death Certificate: Once the correction is approved and processed, the amended death certificate will be issued. Review it carefully for accuracy upon receipt.

You can request an apostille through the Wisconsin Secretary of State or use VRO's Express Apostille Service for online orders. Apostilles are issued exclusively by the Wisconsin Secretary of State and are generally needed when submitting a death certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

To manually obtain an apostille for a Wisconsin death certificate, complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Authentication & Apostille Order Form: Obtain and complete the appropriate Authentication & Apostille Form from the Wisconsin Secretary of State's office.
2. Prepare the Required Documents: Include a certified copy of your divorce certificate and the completed Authentication & Apostille Form.
3. Pay the Applicable Fees: Ensure you include the payment with a check or money for the apostille service fee ($10.00 standard; $35.00 expedited), made out to the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
4. Include a prepaid self-addressed envelope or courier label for the return delivery unless you opt to pick your certificate up in person at the State Capitol Building.
5. Submit Your Request: You can submit your request by mail or in person. If submitting by mail, send the form, documents, and payment to the following address:

Standard Mail Submissions:

Wisconsin Secretary of State Certification Desk
Apostille Request
P.O. Box 7848
Madison, WI 53707-7848

Express Courier Submissions:

Secretary of State
Certification Desk, State Capitol Mailroom
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703-3960

In-Person Submissions:

Wisconsin State Capitol
2 E Main St
Room B41W
Madison, WI 53702