If you need a New York divorce certificate, you're likely wondering where to start. Whether you need proof of divorce for legal reasons, remarriage, Social Security, or simply for personal records, New York has specific steps and requirements for obtaining this document.
What Is a New York Divorce Certificate?
In New York, divorce records come in two forms. The first is a Certificate of Divorce, sometimes called a Certificate of Disposition. This is a brief document that shows the names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the index number assigned by the court. It doesn’t list financial settlements, custody arrangements, or property division. For most legal processes, like applying for a marriage license or proving marital status to government agencies, the certificate is all you need.
The second type is a Judgment of Divorce, also known as a Divorce Decree. This document is more detailed. It outlines the full terms of the divorce, including child support, spousal support (maintenance), division of assets, custody agreements, and any other conditions the court ordered. If you need to prove these terms or enforce part of the settlement, you’ll need a certified copy of the divorce decree issued by the Supreme Court.
Where to Get a New York Divorce Certificate
For Divorces After January 1, 1963. If your divorce occurred anywhere in New York State (including NYC), you can request a Certificate of Divorce from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
Request Online, By Mail, or By Phone:
- New York State Vital Records – Divorce Certificates
- Phone Orders: Through VitalChek for expedited processing.
Fees:
- $30 for the first copy
- $15 for additional copies
- Processing time: 10–12 weeks by mail, or faster with expedited options.
For Certified Copies of a Divorce Decree (Judgment of Divorce)
To get a certified copy of your divorce decree, you need to contact the County Clerk where your divorce was filed. The Supreme Court Clerk’s Office in the county where the divorce occurred is responsible for these records.
You’ll need to provide:
- The index number of the case
- Proof you are a party to the action or an attorney of record
- A valid photo ID
- An addressed stamped envelope (if applying by mail)
- Money orders or certified checks (most counties do not accept personal checks)
For older cases (pre-1963) or if you don’t know the county, check with the New York State Archives.
How Much Does a Certified Divorce Decree Cost?
Document Type | Where to Get It | Cost |
Certificate of Divorce (Short Form) | $30 for the first copy $15 for each additional copy | |
Certified Divorce Decree (Judgment of Divorce) | County Clerk’s Office where divorce was filed | $8 certification fee $0.25–$0.65 per page for copying |
Exemplified Divorce Decree (For international/legal use) | County Clerk’s Office | $25 additional fee (in addition to certification and copy fees) |
Index Number Search (if needed) | County Clerk’s Office | $5–$10 per two-year search period |
Fee Waiver (If eligible) | Free (subject to court approval) |
Who Can Request a New York Divorce Certificate?
Because divorce records are sealed for 100 years, only the following people can access a copy of a divorce decree:
- The Plaintiff or Defendant
- The attorney of record
- A third party with a notarized letter from one of the parties granting permission
For a Certificate of Divorce, you do not need to be a party to the case. If you cannot afford the filing or copy fees, you may apply for a fee waiver through the court using an Affidavit to Proceed as a Poor Person.