When you need proof of your divorce, getting a Missouri divorce certificate becomes an essential task. Whether you're applying for a new marriage license, updating social security records, or handling legal matters, understanding how to obtain divorce certificates in Missouri helps you move forward efficiently. This guide explains everything you need to know about getting copies of Missouri divorce records.
What Are Missouri Divorce Records?
In the state of Missouri, two main types of divorce documents exist. A divorce decree is the complete court record showing all details of your case, including property division, custody arrangements, and financial obligations. A divorce certificate is a simpler document from the Bureau of Vital Records that confirms the basic facts of your divorce without all the specific details.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains divorce certificates through its vital records office located at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City MO. However, complete divorce decrees come from the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Understanding which document you need and where to get it saves time and frustration.
What Information Appears on Divorce Certificates
A certified copy of a divorce certificate from the Bureau of Vital Records includes basic information about the dissolution. You'll find the full names of both spouses, the date the divorce was finalized, and the county where the divorce was recorded. This simple format works well for many official purposes where you just need to prove your marital status changed.
Unlike birth certificate or death certificate records that contain extensive details, divorce certificates provide only this essential information. If you need comprehensive information about settlement terms, custody decisions, or financial arrangements, you'll need the actual divorce decree from the circuit clerk.
Where to Get Your Missouri Divorce Certificate
The location where you request your divorce certificate depends on what type of document you need and when your divorce occurred. Vital records in Missouri began maintaining divorce information in July 1948, so records before this date may require different procedures.
From the Bureau of Vital Records
You can obtain a certified statement relating to divorce from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. These statements are available for divorces recorded from July 1948 to the present. The office at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City processes these requests through mail, in person, or online methods.
From the Circuit Clerk
For a complete divorce decree, contact the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Each county maintains its own divorce records, and procedures vary by location. The clerk in the county that handled your case has the original documents and can provide certified copies.
Online Services
The Bureau of Vital Records partners with VitalChek to process online requests. This convenient option allows you to order divorce certificates from home and have them delivered by mail. VitalChek verifies your identity electronically and processes requests quickly.
How to Request Divorce Records by Mail
Mail requests require specific documentation to ensure you receive the correct records. You'll need to complete an application form with details about the divorce, including both spouses' names, the approximate date of divorce, and the county where it occurred.
Your application must be notarized by a notary public before mailing. Missouri requires this notarization for all mail-in vital record requests to verify your identity and prevent fraud. Include payment for the search fee with your request, typically using a check or money order made payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Send your completed, notarized application and payment to:
Bureau of Vital Records930 Wildwood DriveJefferson City, MO 65109
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive your certificate. Processing times vary but generally take several weeks for standard mail requests.
Obtaining Records in Person
If you need your divorce certificate quickly, visiting the vital records office in person offers the fastest service. The Jefferson City Vital Records lobby at 930 Wildwood processes walk-in requests during business hours.
Bring valid photo identification when you visit. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. You'll complete an application form at the office and pay the required fee. Most in-person requests are processed while you wait or within the same day.
For divorce decrees rather than certificates, visit the circuit clerk's office in the county where your divorce was granted. These offices also process requests in person, though hours and procedures vary by county. Call ahead to confirm what identification and information you'll need.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek provides convenient online ordering for Missouri divorce certificates. Visit their website and select Missouri divorce records to begin your request. The system guides you through entering the required information about your divorce.
VitalChek verifies your identity electronically using public record data. This eliminates the need for notarization that mail requests require. You'll pay processing fees and shipping charges online using a credit or debit card.
Standard delivery typically takes 7-10 business days after processing. Express options are available for faster service. VitalChek forwards your request to the Bureau of Vital Records, which prepares and ships your certificate directly to you.
Who Can Request Divorce Records
Not everyone can obtain copies of Missouri divorce records. The state protects privacy by limiting access to people with a direct interest in the records. Generally, the following individuals qualify to receive divorce certificates:
- Either spouse is named in the divorce
- Immediate family members of either spouse
- Legal representatives or attorneys acting on behalf of qualified individuals
- People who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record
Immediate family members include parents, children, siblings, and spouses in the direct line of descent. This protection prevents unauthorized access to personal information while ensuring those with legitimate needs can obtain records.
When requesting records, you may need to prove your relationship to the individuals named in the divorce. Acceptable documentation includes your own birth certificate showing you're a child or parent of someone in the divorce, marriage license showing you're a sibling's spouse, or other official records establishing your connection.
Costs and Fees
Fees for Missouri divorce certificates vary depending on where and how you request them. The Bureau of Vital Records charges $15 for the first certified copy of a divorce statement. Additional copies ordered at the same time typically cost less.
Circuit clerk offices set their own fees for divorce decrees. Most charge per page, with costs ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per page. Since divorce decrees can be lengthy documents, the total cost depends on how many pages your decree contains.
Online ordering through VitalChek includes additional service and shipping fees beyond the base certificate cost. These convenience fees vary based on delivery speed and payment method. Express delivery costs more than standard shipping.
Using Divorce Certificates for Official Purposes
You'll need your divorce certificate or decree for various official purposes. Common situations requiring proof of divorce include:
Marriage License Applications
Before you can obtain a new marriage license, you must prove any previous marriage ended legally. The recorder of deeds in the county where the license was obtained requires this documentation.
Social Security Updates
Notifying Social Security about name changes or marital status requires official divorce documentation. This ensures your benefits and records reflect accurate information.
Passport Applications
When applying for or renewing a passport after a divorce, you may need to show divorce records, especially if your name has changed.
Property Transactions
Buying or selling real estate sometimes requires proof of divorce, particularly when ownership or rights were affected by the dissolution.
Insurance and Benefits
Updating beneficiaries or coverage on insurance policies often requires divorce documentation.
Financial Accounts
Banks and investment companies may request divorce certificates when changing account ownership or removing a former spouse.
Correcting Errors on Divorce Records
Mistakes on divorce certificates occasionally occur. If you notice incorrect information, contact the office that issued the record. For errors on divorce certificates from the Bureau of Vital Records, reach out to their office in Jefferson City MO.
Corrections typically require submitting a correction affidavit along with supporting documentation proving the correct information. Court orders may be necessary for substantial changes. The bureau reviews correction requests and updates records when appropriate documentation is provided.
For errors on divorce decrees, you'll need to work with the circuit clerk and possibly file a motion with the court that granted your divorce. These corrections often require more extensive legal procedures since they involve official court orders.
Accessing Historical Divorce Records
Older divorce records require different procedures. The Bureau of Vital Records maintains divorce information from July 1948 forward. For divorces occurring before this date, contact the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce occurred.
Some counties have records dating back much further, though availability varies. Historical records may not be computerized, requiring manual searches through archived documents. This process takes longer and may involve additional research fees.
County courthouses sometimes transfer very old records to state archives or historical societies. If you're researching genealogy or need records from many decades ago, these archives can help locate divorce information.
Sealed or Restricted Records
Some divorce records are sealed by court order and not available to the public. Sealed records typically involve sensitive situations like cases with minor children, domestic violence, or other circumstances requiring privacy protection.
If you need access to sealed records, you must petition the court that sealed them. This requires demonstrating a valid legal reason for access. The court reviews your request and decides whether to grant access. Only the court can unseal records it previously sealed.
Differences Between Certificates and Decrees
Understanding the distinction between divorce certificates and divorce decrees helps you request the right document. A certificate is a vital record similar to a birth certificate or death certificate. It confirms the divorce occurred and provides basic facts but includes no details about the settlement terms.
A decree is the actual court order that dissolved your marriage. It contains all the specifics of your divorce agreement or court decision, including custody arrangements, property division, spousal support, and other important details. When legal matters require knowing the terms of your divorce, you need the decree, not just the certificate.
Getting Copies for Multiple States
If you were married in one state but divorced in Missouri, you'll get divorce records from Missouri since that's where the divorce was granted. The county where the divorce was granted maintains the records, regardless of where you lived when married.
Similarly, if you married in Missouri but divorced elsewhere, Missouri won't have your divorce records. Contact vital records or court offices in the state where your divorce was finalized.
Replacing Lost Divorce Papers
Lost or damaged divorce documents can be replaced by requesting new certified copies. Whether you lost your original certificate or decree years ago or recently, the recording offices maintain permanent records and can issue replacement copies.
You'll follow the same procedures as obtaining copies initially. Complete the required application, pay applicable fees, and provide identification. The new certified copy serves the same legal purpose as your original documents.
Expedited Processing Options
When you need divorce records urgently, expedited processing gets them to you faster. The Bureau of Vital Records offers rush processing for additional fees. VitalChek provides express delivery options when ordering online.
For divorce decrees from circuit clerks, ask about expedited service when you call. Some counties offer same-day service for in-person requests or faster mail processing for urgent situations. Explain your deadline, and the office staff can advise you on the fastest available option.