Divorce Record Search: How to Find a Divorce Record
A divorce record search is the process of finding where a divorce was recorded so you can request the decree or certificate. You need to know the state and county where the divorce was granted.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
Where to look
- The court: USA.gov says to contact the clerk of the county or city where the divorce was granted to request the decree.
- The state vital records office: Some states issue a divorce certificate. USA.gov advises confirming this with the state office in the state where the divorce took place.
- State indexes: Texas publishes divorce and annulment indexes for 1968 to 2017 as downloadable files, with the 2018 to 2024 files listed as coming in 2026. They contain the file number, names, ages, marriage date, number of children under 18, the date the marriage was dissolved and the county where the decree is filed.
Limits of a search
Texas says its indexes cannot be considered comprehensive, may contain data entry errors and are aids to find the county of filing, not legal documents. For earlier years or records not in the index, it points to the county or district clerk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the federal government does not distribute certificates, files or indexes with identifying information. Start with the state or the court.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a national database of divorces?
No. The CDC says the federal government does not distribute certificates or indexes with identifying information.
What do I need to search?
At least the names, the approximate year and the county or state where the divorce was granted.
Are divorce records public?
Access rules vary by state and court. Ask the clerk what is available.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
Most popular definitions
- Birth Certificate Number: What It Is and What the Digits Mean
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
- Authorized Requester: Who Can Order a Certified Vital Record
- Beneficiary: Who Receives Insurance, Accounts or an Estate
Recent definitions
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries