How to Get Divorce Decrees in New York?

There are two types of divorce records in New York: Divorce Decrees and Divorce Certificates. Know which one you need.

1. Divorce Decree

What is it: A divorce decree is the court document that finalizes your divorce. It outlines all the details of the divorce, including asset division, child custody, spousal support, and more.
Who prepares it: The judge in the case prepares and signs it.
Where it’s filed: It’s filed with the County Clerk in the county where the plaintiff lived during the divorce.
Availability: If your divorce was granted before January 1, 1963, this is the only type of divorce record.
How to get it: Contact the County Clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was granted.

2. Divorce Certificate

What is it: A divorce certificate is a simpler document than a decree. It has basic information: names of both spouses, date of divorce, and place of divorce.
Who prepares it: Filed with the New York State Department of Health for all divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963.
When you might need it: A divorce certificate is usually sufficient for non-legal purposes like changing your name or proof of divorce for remarriage.

Who Can Get a Divorce Certificate

Only the following individuals can request a copy of a divorce certificate in New York:

Either spouse.
Individuals with a valid New York State Court Order granting them access to the record.

Required ID

To get a divorce certificate, you must provide an ID with your application. Here are the accepted forms of ID:

Option A: One of the following photo ID

Option B: Two of the following, showing the applicant’s name and address

If you are applying from a foreign country that requires a passport for travel, you must also submit a copy of your U.S. passport.

Reasons for Denial

Missing or invalid ID: Not submitting ID.
Incomplete applications from abroad: Not including a copy of your U.S. passport when applying from a foreign country that requires one for travel.

Fees

The cost to get a divorce certificate varies by submission method:

Online or Phone Orders: $45 per copy + vendor processing fee (vendor processing fee is determined by the vendor; check the vendor’s website for the current rate).
Mail Orders: $30 per copy.

Processing Time The Department of Health is currently experiencing a backlog, so order accordingly if you need your document by a specific date.

How to Get a Divorce Certificate

1. Online or Phone Orders

Payment Methods: MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express or ACH (Electronic Check).
Vendor Website: Go to the Department of Health’s vendor website to order online.
Mail Orders

2. Mail Orders