Mail-In Request for Copies of Divorce Records

Note: Processing fees are deposited upon receiving your request. Before submitting your application to CDPH Vital Records, please view our Processing Times to make sure they are acceptable for your needs and if this is the best option. If not, you should submit your request to the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed.

Step 1 – Determine whether the divorce record you want is available from CDPH Vital Records

• Certified copies of actual divorce decrees are only available from the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. CDPH Vital Records can only issue a Certificate of Record – and only for divorces that occurred between 1962 and June 1984. A Certificate of Record includes the names of the parties to the divorce, the county where the divorce was filed, filing date, and the court case number. A Certificate of Record is not a certified copy of the divorce decree and does not indicate whether the divorce was ever finalized in court.

For more information about obtaining these records from the county, contact the county offices directly.

• California Superior Courts

Step 2 – Download and complete application for obtaining copies of divorce records

• How to Obtain a Certificate of Record for a Divorce (PDF)
• Cómo Obtener Certificado de Registro de Divorcio (PDF)

Step 3 – Determine divorce copy fee

A fee must accompany all requests for copies of vital records. Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned to the sender. Make your check or money order payable to CDPH Vital Records. Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. Money orders must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service.

Please do not send cash by mail. CDPH cannot be held responsible for fees paid that are lost, misdirected, or undelivered.

If no record is found, we will issue a Certificate of No Public Record and retain the fee for the search according to State law.

• Vital Record Fees

Step 4 – Mail your request to CDPH Vital Records

CDPH Vital Records sends all certificates via Standard Mail through the United States Postal Service. If you would like to track the item once it leaves the Vital Records office, please include a self-addressed, pre-paid, certified envelope with the application (this is optional). Include completed application form, notarized sworn statement if requesting an authorized copy, and check or money order for the certified copy fee.

Please do not send cash by mail. CDPH cannot be held responsible for fees paid that are lost, misdirected, or undelivered.

Mail to:

                California Department of Public Health

                Vital Records – MS 5103

                PO Box 997410

                Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

If using a courier service that requires a physical address for delivery, please use the following address:

                California Department of Public Health

                Vital Records – MS 5103

                1501 Capitol Avenue

                Sacramento, CA 95814