A Virginia divorce certificate is the official legal document proving your marriage has been dissolved by the court. Also called a divorce decree or divorce record, this certificate serves as vital proof of your marital status when you need to remarry, change your name on official documents, update benefits, or handle various legal and financial matters.
The Division of Vital Records in Richmond, VA, maintains divorce records for the entire state and issues certified copies to eligible individuals. However, multiple options exist for obtaining your divorce certificate, and choosing the right method depends on how quickly you need it and where your divorce was finalized.
What Is a Virginia Divorce Certificate?
A Virginia divorce certificate is a certified copy of your divorce decree issued by the Division of Vital Records or by the Circuit Court Clerk where your divorce was finalized. This official document contains key information about your divorce, including the date the divorce was granted, the names of both parties, and the court that issued the decree.
The certificate serves as legal proof that your marriage has been terminated. You'll need this document for many important life events and transactions, including applying for remarriage licenses, updating your Social Security records, changing your name on your driver's license, modifying insurance beneficiaries, and proving marital status for various legal purposes.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
It's important to understand the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate. The divorce decree is the actual court order signed by the judge that officially ends your marriage and outlines all the terms of your divorce, including property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations.
A divorce certificate is a certified copy of key information from that decree, issued by the Division of Vital Records. The certificate is shorter and doesn't include all the details from the full decree. For most purposes, like remarrying or name changes, the certificate is sufficient. However, some situations require a complete divorce decree from the court.
Who Can Request a Virginia Divorce Certificate?
Virginia restricts who can obtain certified copies of divorce certificates to protect personal privacy. Divorce records become public information 25 years after the event occurred. Until that time, only certain people can request certified copies.
Eligible individuals include the husband or wife named on the divorce record, children of the divorced couple, brothers and sisters of either party, grandparents of either party, and parents (mother and father) of either party. All requesters must provide valid identification proving their identity and relationship to the divorce.
Identification Requirements
When requesting a divorce certificate, you must provide a legible photocopy of your current, valid government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, passports, military identification cards, or permanent resident cards.
The identification must be current and not expired. The name on your ID should match the name you're using on the application. If your name has changed since the divorce through remarriage or legal name change, you may need to provide additional documentation showing the name change connection.
Legal guardians cannot obtain divorce certificates even with custody papers, unlike birth certificates where guardians have access. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and other relatives who aren't immediate family members cannot obtain Virginia divorce certificates during the restricted period.
Where Can I Get My Virginia Divorce Certificate?
You have three main options for obtaining your Virginia divorce certificate: the Division of Vital Records in Richmond, local health departments throughout Virginia, or the Circuit Court Clerk's office where your divorce was finalized.
The Division of Vital Records maintains centralized records for all divorces that occurred in Virginia since 1918. Their office is located at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. You can visit in person, mail your request, or use their online ordering system.
Local Health Department Options
Many local health departments throughout Virginia can issue divorce certificates for divorces that occurred anywhere in the state. This includes health departments in counties and cities like Fairfax, Henrico, Portsmouth, Charlottesville, and many others.
Visiting a local health department can be faster than waiting for mail processing from Richmond. However, not all health departments offer the same hours or services, so call ahead to confirm they process divorce certificates and check their hours of operation.
The Blue Ridge Health District, for example, offers divorce certificates at all its locations for any divorce that occurred in Virginia. Similarly, Henrico County Health Department can issue certificates for Virginia divorces regardless of where in the state they occurred.
How Do I Order Online?
The Virginia Division of Vital Records offers a fully online system for ordering divorce certificates. This convenient option allows you to apply, pay, and receive updates on your order status from anywhere with internet access.
Visit the Division of Vital Records website at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records and click on the link to access their online ordering system. You'll need to create an account or log in if you already have one from a previous order.
Online Ordering Process
The online system guides you through completing your application step by step. You'll provide information about the divorce, including the date it occurred, the county or city where it was granted, and the names of both parties. You'll also upload a photo of your identification to verify your eligibility.
Payment is processed securely through the online system using a credit or debit card. The fee is $12 per certificate copy requested. The system accepts major credit cards and allows you to track your order through email updates.
Standard processing time is approximately 2 weeks, though the Division of Vital Records notes they're currently experiencing delays beyond this timeframe due to increased volume. If you need your certificate faster, consider visiting a local health department or DMV location in person instead of ordering online.
Can I Get It at the DMV?
Yes, Virginia DMV locations can issue certified copies of divorce certificates for divorces that occurred in Virginia. This option often provides faster service than ordering online or by mail, though not all DMV locations offer this service.
DMV customer service centers that offer vital records services can provide same-day certificates if the record is found in the system. You'll need to bring valid identification and pay the $12 fee per certificate. DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Which DMV Locations Offer This Service
Not every DMV location provides vital records services. Customer service centers in larger cities typically offer this service, while smaller satellite locations may not. Check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm your nearest DMV can issue divorce certificates before making the trip.
When visiting the DMV for a divorce certificate, bring your valid photo ID and be prepared to provide information about when and where the divorce occurred. If the divorce happened in the last 30 days, you'll need to visit the health department in the city or county where it was filed, rather than DMV.
How Do I Request by Mail?
Requesting your Virginia divorce certificate by mail is straightforward but takes longer than in-person options. Download and complete the application form from the Division of Vital Records website or request one by calling their general information number at (804) 662-6200.
Complete the application legibly, providing all requested information about the divorce. Include a photocopy of your valid identification. Write a check or money order for $12 per certificate requested, made payable to "State Health Department."
Mailing Your Request
Mail your completed application, photocopy of ID, and payment to:
Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 1000Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Processing time for mail requests is approximately 2 weeks, though current delays may extend this timeframe. The certificate will be mailed to the address you provide on your application. Make sure this address is current and accurate to avoid delivery problems.
If you're requesting multiple certificates or requesting certificates for multiple divorces, include a separate payment for each certificate. The $12 fee applies to each copy and each search performed, even if the record isn't found.
What Information Do I Need to Provide?
To successfully request a Virginia divorce certificate, you need specific information about the divorce. The more complete and accurate your information, the faster your request will be processed.
You'll need to provide the full name of the husband at the time of divorce, the full name of the wife at the time of divorce (including her maiden name if different), the date the divorce was granted (at least the year, though month and day help), and the county or city in Virginia where the divorce was granted.
Additional Helpful Information
If you're not certain of the exact date or location, provide your best estimate. The Division of Vital Records will search surrounding years and nearby jurisdictions, but this may take longer. If you know the court case number from your divorce, include it on the application to speed up the search.
You'll also need to provide your own information, including your full current name, your relationship to the divorce (whether you're one of the parties or an immediate family member), your current mailing address, and your telephone number in case they need to contact you with questions.
Include your email address if you want to receive updates about your order status. The online system automatically provides email updates, but paper applications should include email addresses for correspondence.
How Much Does a Virginia Divorce Certificate Cost?
The fee for a Virginia divorce certificate is $12.00 per certificate copy. This fee applies whether you order online, by mail, in person at a health department, through DMV, or from the Division of Vital Records in Richmond.
The $12 fee is charged for each copy you request. If you need three copies of your divorce certificate, the total cost is $36. Important: The $12 fee is also a search fee, meaning you'll be charged even if the record cannot be located. If the Division of Vital Records searches for your divorce but cannot find it, you don't receive a refund.
Accepted Payment Methods
Payment methods accepted depend on how you're requesting the certificate. The Division of Vital Records accepts cash (in person only), checks, money orders, and major credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard). Make checks and money orders payable to "State Health Department."
When ordering online, you must pay by credit or debit card through their secure payment system. DMV and local health departments also accept credit cards in addition to cash, checks, and money orders.
Some locations charge a convenience fee for credit card transactions. This fee is typically small (around 2-3% of the total) but adds to your overall cost. Ask about convenience fees before choosing your payment method.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Certificate?
Processing times for Virginia divorce certificates vary significantly depending on which method you use to request them.
In-person visits to local health departments or DMV locations typically provide the fastest service. If the record is in the system and you bring proper identification, you may receive your certificate the same day, often within an hour or less of your visit.
Online and Mail Processing Times
- Online orders through the Division of Vital Records normally take about 2 weeks to process and mail. However, the office currently notes delays beyond this timeframe due to high volume. Your actual wait time may be longer, potentially 3-4 weeks or more during busy periods.
- Mail requests also typically take about 2 weeks from when the Division of Vital Records receives your application until they mail your certificate. Add time for mail delivery in both directions, your application reaching them, and the certificate reaching you, which can add another week or more to the total timeline.
If you need your divorce certificate urgently, in-person service at a local health department or DMV is your best option. Call ahead to confirm they can issue certificates the same day and ask about current wait times at that location.
What If I Need My Certificate Quickly?
If you need your Virginia divorce certificate quickly for an upcoming deadline, you have several expedited options beyond the standard 2-week processing time.
Visit a local health department or DMV customer service center in person. Many locations can issue certificates on the spot if your record is in the system. This is the fastest option available, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is when you visit.
Rush Service Options
Some private vital records services, like VitalChek, partner with states to offer expedited processing for an additional fee. These services charge service fees on top of the state's $12 certificate fee, but they can often deliver certificates faster than ordering directly from the state.
VitalChek and similar services typically offer several delivery speeds, including standard mail, priority mail, overnight shipping, and even same-day service in some cases. The faster the service, the higher the additional fees, which can range from $10 to $60 or more, depending on speed.
Be cautious when using private ordering services. Verify they're authorized by the state of Virginia before providing personal information and payment. The Division of Vital Records website lists approved vendors.
What If My Divorce Was Recent?
If your divorce was finalized very recently, there may be a delay before the divorce certificate becomes available through the Division of Vital Records. The court must file the divorce decree with Vital Records, and this administrative process takes time.
The Circuit Court Clerk where your divorce was finalized can provide certified copies of your divorce decree immediately after the judge signs the final order. This is often the fastest option for very recent divorces. Contact the Clerk's office in the county or city where your divorce took place.
When Records Become Available
- Death certificates have a specific 30-day rule: if it's been less than 30 days since filing, you must obtain the certificate from the health department in the city or county where the death was filed.
- Divorce records don't have the same explicit rule, but similar delays can occur.
If you order from the Division of Vital Records and they can't find your recent divorce, wait a few weeks and try again. The VS-4 form that courts file with Vital Records may not have been processed yet. In the meantime, get copies directly from the Circuit Court Clerk who handled your divorce.
Keep in mind you'll pay the $12 search fee even if the record isn't found, so waiting until the record has definitely been filed saves you from paying twice.
Can I Get Copies of Old Divorce Records?
Yes, Virginia maintains divorce records dating back to 1918 in the centralized state system. You can obtain certified copies of divorces that occurred many decades ago using the same process as recent divorces.
Divorce records become public information 25 years after the event. This means anyone can request copies of divorces that occurred in 1999 or earlier without proving a relationship to the parties. For these older records, the eligibility restrictions don't apply.
Historical Divorce Records
For divorces before 1918, records may exist, but aren't maintained by the Division of Vital Records. Check with the Circuit Court Clerk's office in the county or city where the divorce occurred. Many Virginia courts maintain historical records going back much further than 1918.
The Library of Virginia in Richmond also maintains historical records, including some divorce records. Their collection may include original documents or microfilm copies of old court records. Contact their archives department for information about accessing historical divorce records.
Be prepared for longer processing times when requesting very old records. These records may need to be retrieved from archives or special storage, which takes additional time compared to more recent records that are digitized and readily accessible.
What If I Lost My Divorce Certificate?
If you previously had a divorce certificate but lost it, damaged it, or need additional copies, you can order replacements through any of the standard methods. The process is identical to requesting a certificate for the first time.
You don't need to explain why you need another copy or provide proof that you lost the original. Simply complete the application, provide identification, and pay the $12 fee per copy requested. The Division of Vital Records will issue a new certified copy.
Keeping Copies Safe
Once you receive your divorce certificate, consider making several certified copies and storing them in different safe places. You'll need divorce certificates for various purposes over the years, and having extras on hand prevents urgent last-minute requests.
Keep one certified copy in a fireproof safe at home. Store another in a safe deposit box at your bank if you have one. Give a copy to your attorney if they're handling ongoing post-divorce matters. These precautions ensure you always have access to this important document when needed.
Remember that photocopies of certified copies aren't acceptable for most official purposes. You need actual certified copies with the official seal. Order several certified copies initially rather than trying to photocopy them later.
Do I Need a Divorce Certificate or Divorce Decree?
For many purposes, a divorce certificate issued by the Division of Vital Records is sufficient. However, some situations require a complete divorce decree from the court.
A divorce certificate from Vital Records contains basic information: the names of both parties, the date the divorce was granted, and the location where it occurred. This certificate proves your divorce happened and is sufficient for remarriage licenses, Social Security updates, and most name change processes.
When You Need the Full Decree
A divorce decree from the Circuit Court contains all the details of your divorce, including property division, debt allocation, custody arrangements, child support terms, and spousal support obligations. You need the full decree when enforcing support orders, modifying custody arrangements, resolving property disputes, refinancing assets that were divided, or defending against claims about the divorce terms.
To obtain a copy of your full divorce decree, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office in the county or city where your divorce was finalized. They maintain the complete court file, including all pleadings, motions, agreements, and the final decree with all its provisions.
The fee for copies from the Circuit Court Clerk varies by jurisdiction but is typically $0.50 per page. A multi-page divorce decree can cost $10-20 for a complete certified copy, which is more expensive than the flat $12 fee for a divorce certificate from Vital Records.
How Do I Use My Divorce Certificate?
Once you receive your certified Virginia divorce certificate, you can use it for numerous important purposes. Understanding when and how to present it helps you complete post-divorce administrative tasks smoothly.
For remarriage, you'll need to present your divorce certificate when applying for a new marriage license. The Clerk's office requires proof that your previous marriage legally ended before issuing a new license. Bring a certified copy to the Circuit Court Clerk where you'll marry.
What Information Is on the Certificate?
A Virginia divorce certificate issued by the Division of Vital Records contains essential identifying information about the divorce, but not all the details from the complete divorce decree.
The certificate typically includes the full name of the husband at the time of divorce, the full name of the wife at the time of divorce, the date the divorce was granted, the county or city in Virginia where the divorce was finalized, the court that granted the divorce, and a state file number for the divorce record.
What's NOT on the Certificate
The divorce certificate does not include detailed information about property division, custody arrangements, child support amounts, spousal support terms, or the grounds for divorce. For these details, you need the complete divorce decree from the Circuit Court.
The certificate also doesn't include current addresses or personal information beyond names as they appeared at the time of divorce. It's a simple one-page document proving the divorce occurred, not a comprehensive summary of all divorce terms.
Each certificate includes an official seal and certification statement, making it a legal document suitable for official purposes. Photocopies without the seal aren't acceptable for most legal or governmental uses.
Moving Forward with Your Virginia Divorce Certificate
Obtaining your Virginia divorce certificate is a straightforward process once you understand your options and requirements.
Remember to bring valid identification proving your relationship to the divorce, provide accurate information about when and where the divorce occurred, and choose the requesting method that best fits your timeline and needs. The $12 fee per certificate is standard across all ordering methods.
Keep your certified divorce certificate in a safe place and consider ordering multiple copies during your first request. You'll likely need this document several times in the coming years for various official purposes, and having extras readily available saves time and repeat ordering costs. With your divorce certificate in hand, you can confidently complete name changes, apply for remarriage licenses, and update all the records and accounts that need to reflect your new marital status.