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Where To Get Divorce Records
Identify where the divorce occurred and which document you need before choosing a clerk, vital-record office or historical-record request.
Direct answer
Choose Where to Request Divorce Records
USA.gov distinguishes a divorce decree from a divorce certificate: decree copies route to the court clerk where the divorce occurred, while certificates route to the state vital-record office. CDC/NCHS explains that vital records are maintained by state or local offices and lists common details used to request marriage or divorce records.
Steps
Request the right vital record
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01
Specify the document
Identify the final document before comparing court and vital-record routes. This prevents an online locator from being mistaken for a decree or certificate.
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02
Locate the event
Identify where the event was recorded before ordering a document. This keeps the request tied to the office that actually recorded the event.
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03
Finish with the record owner
Use the search to find the record and the custodian to obtain the document. It also keeps certification requirements tied to the office that can actually issue them.
Route
Where divorce records are usually requested
| Need | Official source | What it can establish |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing route. | USAGov - Divorce decree or certificate. | A divorce decree is obtained from the court clerk where the divorce occurred. |
| Historical supplement. | CDC/NCHS - Where to Write for Vital Records. | CDC does not issue state vital-record certificates. |
Important
Certificate and court-file routes can differ
Use event-era names. Use the names associated with the event, including prior surnames or spelling variants.
Related Record Guides
Sources
Authoritative next stops
Official federal public-service source; United States
USAGov - Divorce decree or certificate
A divorce decree is a court order; copies route to the clerk where the divorce occurred, while divorce certificates route to state vital-record offices.
United States
Official federal public-health guidance; United States
CDC - Guidelines for Ordering Vital Records
General state/local vital-record custody and common marriage/divorce request identifiers.
United States
Official federal health navigation source; United States
CDC/NCHS - Where to Write for Vital Records
CDC/NCHS directs users to the state or local office where the vital event occurred and states the federal government does not distribute identifying vital-record certificates or indexes.
United States