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What types of divorce records are available?

There are two (2) types of divorce records.

First, there is the divorce decree. This is the document prepared by the court, setting forth the terms and conditions of the divorce. It is signed by the judge and filed with the County Clerk of the County where the decree was issued. This is usually the County where the plaintiff resided. For information about obtaining a copy of a divorce decree, contact the appropriate County Clerk. Please note that if the divorce was granted before January 1, 1963, the divorce decree is the only type of document available.

Second, there is a divorce certificate filed with the New York State Department of Health for divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963. The divorce certificate contains basic information about the spouses, and the date and place the marriage ended. For information about obtaining a divorce certificate copy from the New York State Department of Health, please continue.

Who is eligible to obtain a divorce certificate copy?

• Either Spouse
• Other persons with a New York State Court Order

What is the fee for a divorce certificate copy?

• The fee is $30.00 per divorce certificate copy.
• For Priority Handling: There is an additional fee of $15.00 per divorce certificate copy. (Total per copy is $45.00)
• Internet and telephone orders require a major credit card. These orders receive priority handling and the fee is $30.00 + $15.00 priority handling fee for a total of $45.00 per divorce certificate copy. There is an additional $8.00 vendor processing fee which is charged per transaction (not per copy).
• Payment of mail order copies may be made by check or money order payable to the New York State Department of Health - Do not send cash.
• Payment of mail order copies submitted from foreign countries must be made by a check drawn on a United States bank or by international money order - Do not send cash.

How long will it take?

• Internet or telephone requests receive priority handling and are processed within five (5) to ten (10) business days of receipt. The cost is $45.00 per copy ordered plus $8.00 (per transaction) vendor processing fee. If you chose to have the copy returned to you by UPS overnight delivery, there is an additional UPS fee of $15.50.
• Mail requests ordered with priority handling ($45.00 per copy ordered) are currently processed within two (2) to four (4) weeks from when they are received. Submitting the application to the Vital Records Processing Center by overnight delivery is recommended. Completed requests will be returned by first class mail unless a prepaid return mailer for overnight delivery is provided with the request.
• Mail requests ordered with regular handling ($30.00 per copy ordered) are currently processed within ten (10) to twelve (12) weeks from when they are received.

Identification Requirements - application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:

1. One (1) of the following forms of valid photo-ID:
   • Driver license
   • State issued non-driver photo-ID card
   • Passport
   • U.S. Military issued photo-ID
   
   
2. Two (2) of the following showing the applicant's name and address:
   • Utility or telephone bills
   • Letter from a government agency dated within the last six (6) months

• Failure to include necessary identification will result in rejection of your application.
• Copy of Passport required in addition to the above ID if request is made from a foreign country that requires a U.S. Passport for travel.

Ordering a divorce certificate copy

Choose a method of ordering and follow the appropriate link below. You will find ordering information and forms to download.

• Order over the Internet
• Order by telephone
• Order by mail

Welcome to the New York State Vital Records web site. The Vital Records Section of the New York State Department of Health files certificates for births and deaths that occur in New York State outside of New York City and for marriage licenses issued in New York State outside of New York City. Also on file are divorce records for all of New York State since 1963. The Vital Records Section provides qualified applicants with certified copies of the certificates associated with these events. Uncertified copies of older certificates are available for genealogy research.

Birth and Death records are also available from the Local Registrar of the municipality where the event occurred. Marriage records are available from the Town or City Clerk of the municipality where the Marriage License was issued. For further information about these services, please contact the appropriate office of the municipality involved. Telephone numbers are available from the local phone directory or telephone information.

Vital Records Walk-in Services

The Vital Records Office provides eligible applicants with copies of birth and death certificates for births and deaths in New York State outside of New York City (1881-present), marriage licenses obtained in New York State outside of New York City (1880-present) and dissolution of marriage certificates for all of New York State (1963-present).

For more information and directions to our office visit our Walk-in Services web page.

Ordering Certified Copies by Mail, Internet or Phone

For important information about ordering and to download forms visit these pages:

Genealogy Copies

For information on obtaining genealogy copies, links to other resources and to download an application form visit:

Adoption Information Registry

While adoption and birth records remain confidential and under court seal, an adoptee who was born or adopted in New York State, the birth parent of that adoptee or the biological sibling of that adoptee can register with the Adoption Information Registry to obtain certain kinds of information.

The Registry helps adoptees obtain available non-identifying information about their birth parents and enables the reunion of registered adoptees with their birth parents and biological siblings. Finally, the Registry provides a place for birth parents to file medical information updates which may be shared with registered adoptees.

To learn more about the New York State Adoption Information Registry Program and to download registration forms visit:

Getting Married in New York State

For information on getting married in New York State visit:

Questions About Correcting or Amending Records

If you have questions about correcting or amending vital records you may contact New York State Vital Records by email at vr@health.ny.gov or by telephone, toll-free, at 855-322-1022.

Questions and Comments

If you have questions or comments you may contact New York State Vital Records by email at vr@health.ny.gov or by telephone, toll-free, at 855-322-1022.

Please note -- we are unable to provide a record or verify the existence or facts of a record based on email requests. To apply for a record, follow the links above for important information, select an ordering method, and follow the links to download the appropriate form.

Freedom of Information (FOIL)

Vital Records are not available through FOIL. If you would like information about FOIL and access to other Department of Health information, please visit the following link...