A divorce decree is a crucial legal document, but obtaining an official copy means navigating your state's vital records system—and costs, timelines, and procedures vary significantly by location. Whether you need one copy for personal records or multiple certified copies for legal proceedings, knowing where to order and what to expect will save you time and frustration. This guide walks you through the process and helps you understand typical costs so you can plan accordingly.
Understanding What You're Ordering
A divorce decree vital record is an official certified copy issued by your state or county vital records office, not a photocopy from your attorney or court file. This certified document carries the state or county seal and signature, making it legally valid for remarriage applications, name changes, insurance updates, and other official purposes. Courts and vital records offices are separate entities—the court issues the original decree, but the vital records office maintains and distributes certified copies.
Most states distinguish between a "divorce decree" (the final judgment) and a "divorce certificate" (a summary document). Some vital records offices issue both; others issue only one. Confirm which document you actually need before ordering, as fees and processing times may differ.
Where to Order: Finding Your Vital Records Office
Your first step is identifying which office holds your divorce records. This depends on where your divorce was finalized, not where you currently live.
By state: Start with your state's vital records office website. Search "[your state] vital records divorce decree" to locate the correct office and their ordering process. Most states maintain a centralized office in the capital city, though some allow county-level offices to issue copies.
By county: If your state directs you to county offices, contact the county clerk's office or vital records division in the county where your divorce was filed. County websites typically list fees, processing times, and acceptable ordering methods.
Online portals: Many states and counties now offer online ordering through their vital records portals. These often provide the fastest processing and clearest pricing. VitalChek, a third-party authorized vendor, handles orders for numerous states and provides expedited options—but charges a service fee on top of the state fee.
Typical Costs and Processing Times
Standard fees: A single certified copy of a divorce decree typically costs $10–$30 at the state or county level. Additional copies ordered at the same time usually cost $3–$10 each. Some counties charge a flat retrieval fee plus per-copy fees.
Service fees: Using an online ordering portal or third-party vendor like VitalChek adds $10–$25 in convenience fees. Expedited processing (usually 2–5 business days instead of 5–10) typically costs an additional $10–$20.
Expedited mail options: Express or overnight shipping ranges from $15–$50 depending on your location and urgency.
Total realistic range: Expect to spend $25–$60 for a single certified copy ordered online with standard processing and standard mail, or $50–$100 if you need expedited processing and shipping.
How to Place Your Order
Most vital records offices accept orders through one or more of these channels:
- Online portal: fastest and usually cheapest if your state offers it
- Mail: send a signed application form with payment (check or money order); typically the slowest option (2–3 weeks)
- Phone: available in some states; confirm acceptable payment methods
- In person: walk-in service at the office's location; immediate or same-day processing in many cases
- Third-party vendors: VitalChek and similar services handle mail and online orders for multiple states
What to Provide When Ordering
Vital records offices require specific information to locate your divorce record:
- Full names of both spouses (maiden names if applicable)
- Date of divorce decree
- County or city where divorce was finalized
- Your relationship to the parties (self, attorney, etc.)
- Reason for the request (many states ask this)
- Proof of eligibility (some states restrict who can order copies)
Have this information ready before contacting the office. Incomplete applications delay processing.
Special Considerations
If your divorce was finalized decades ago, records may be archived, requiring longer processing times. Some counties maintain older records off-site and charge retrieval fees ($5–$15). Sealed or confidential divorces may have restrictions on who can obtain copies; you may need to provide a court order or attorney certification.
Mercoly helps you locate and compare trusted vital records offices in your area, making it easier to find the right provider for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I order a divorce decree from any vital records office, or only from where my divorce was finalized? You must order from the specific county or state where your divorce was finalized; they maintain the official record and can issue certified copies.
Q: How long will it take to receive my certified copy? Standard processing typically takes 5–10 business days by mail, with online orders sometimes arriving in 7–14 days; expedited options can reduce this to 2–5 business days but cost extra.
Q: Do I need an original certified copy, or will a photocopy from my lawyer work? Most official purposes (remarriage, name changes, legal proceedings) require a certified copy with the state or county seal; photocopies are generally not acceptable.
Start your search today by identifying your county vital records office and checking their website for current fees and processing times.