If you need proof that your divorce occurred in Michigan, you'll need to obtain a Michigan divorce certificate. Whether you're applying for a loan, getting remarried, updating government records, or handling legal matters, having an official divorce certificate is often essential. Understanding what a Michigan divorce certificate is, how it differs from other divorce documents, and where to get certified copies can save you time and frustration.
A Michigan divorce certificate is an official vital record issued by the State of Michigan that provides basic information about a divorce. Many people confuse divorce certificates with divorce decrees, but these are two different documents with distinct purposes.
What Is a Michigan Divorce Certificate?
Understanding exactly what a Michigan divorce certificate contains and how it differs from other divorce-related documents helps you determine which document you actually need for your situation.
Michigan Divorce Certificate Contents
A Michigan divorce certificate is a simplified vital record that contains only basic, non-confidential information about a divorce. The certificate typically includes:
- Full names of both parties (ex-spouses)
- Date the divorce became final
- County where the divorce was granted
- Court case number assigned to the divorce
- State file number
The Michigan divorce certificate is similar in concept to a birth certificate or death certificate, it provides official proof that an event (the divorce) occurred, without including private details about the circumstances.
Michigan Divorce Certificate vs. Divorce Decree
One of the most common sources of confusion involves the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree. These are entirely separate documents:
Michigan Divorce Certificate:
- Issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Contains only basic information listed above
- Easier and faster to obtain
- Generally sufficient for most purposes requiring proof of divorce
- Costs $34 for a certified copy
- Cannot be obtained until at least 90 days after the divorce was finalized
Divorce Decree (Judgment of Divorce):
- Issued by the circuit court where the divorce was finalized
- The actual legal court order that ended the marriage
- Contains detailed information about property division, custody, support, and all terms of the divorce
- Required for matters needing specific divorce terms (custody enforcement, property claims, etc.)
- Obtained from the county clerk's office where the divorce occurred
- Fees vary by county (typically $15-$25)
- Available immediately after the divorce is final
For simple proof that a divorce occurred, such as when applying to remarry, updating records with Social Security, or general verification purposes, a Michigan divorce certificate from the state usually suffices. For legal matters requiring the specific terms of your divorce, you'll need the actual divorce decree from the court.
Who Issues Michigan Divorce Certificates?
Michigan divorce certificates are issued by a specific state agency responsible for maintaining vital records throughout Michigan.
Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, is the official state agency that registers, preserves, and issues certified copies of vital records in Michigan. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates for all events that occurred in the State of Michigan.
The vital records office has been maintaining divorce records dating back to 1867, creating an extensive database covering more than 150 years of Michigan divorces. However, some divorces, especially those before 1924, may not have been filed with the state and might only exist at the county level.
The Division for Vital Records operates out of:
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics 333 S. Grand Avenue, 1st Floor Lansing, MI 48933
- Mailing Address for Applications: Michigan Vital Records P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909
- Customer Service: Phone: (517) 335-8666 Email: VRCustomerService@michigan.gov Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
The vital records office operates with limited capacity and primarily by appointment for in-person services. Most people order their Michigan divorce certificates through mail, online, or phone rather than visiting in person.
Who Can Request a Michigan Divorce Certificate?
Unlike some vital records that have restricted access, Michigan divorce certificates are generally available to the public because they contain only non-confidential information.
Public Access to Divorce Certificates
Divorce certificates are not restricted in Michigan, meaning anyone can order a certified copy. You don't need to be one of the parties involved in the divorce or demonstrate a specific relationship or reason for requesting the certificate.
This public accessibility reflects the fact that divorce certificates contain only basic information without sensitive details about finances, property, custody arrangements, or the reasons for divorce, those details remain in the court file and divorce decree.
Who Typically Requests Certificates
While anyone can technically order a Michigan divorce certificate, people commonly request them for purposes such as:
Personal Use by Divorced Individuals:
- Proof of single status when remarrying
- Updating records with government agencies (Social Security, DMV)
- Immigration and visa applications
- Name change documentation
- Loan or mortgage applications
- Insurance matters
Legal and Official Purposes:
- Background checks
- Genealogical research
- Legal proceedings requiring proof of divorce
- Estate settlements
Third Parties:
- Employers conducting background checks (with appropriate authorization)
- Researchers studying demographic trends
- Family historians tracing genealogy
Even though access is public, you'll need to provide accurate information about the divorce (names, approximate date, location) to locate the correct record.
How to Order a Michigan Divorce Certificate
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers multiple convenient methods for ordering divorce certificates, each with different processing times and fees. Choose the option that best fits your timeline and preferences.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
The fastest and most convenient way to order a Michigan divorce certificate is online through VitalChek, the only authorized online service provider for Michigan vital records.
How to Order Online:
- Visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records website
- Click the link to order records online (redirects to VitalChek)
- Select "Divorce Certificate" as your record type
- Enter required information:
- Full names of both ex-spouses
- Date of divorce (or approximate date)
- County where divorce was finalized
- Choose your delivery method and processing speed
- Provide payment information (credit or debit card)
- Enter your shipping address
- Submit your order
Online Ordering Advantages:
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
- Fastest processing times available
- Track your order status online
- Multiple delivery speed options
Online Ordering Fees:
- Base fee: $34.00 (search and first certified copy)
- Optional Rush processing: $12.00 additional
- VitalChek convenience fee: Approximately $11.50
- Shipping fees: Vary based on delivery method selected
Total online orders typically cost $45-$65 depending on processing speed and shipping choices.
Phone Ordering
You can also order Michigan divorce certificates by phone through VitalChek's toll-free number.
Phone Order Process:
- Call 1-866-443-9897 (VitalChek's Michigan vital records line)
- Follow the automated prompts or speak with a representative
- Provide divorce information when prompted
- Give payment information (credit or debit card)
- Confirm your shipping address
- Receive confirmation number for tracking
Phone ordering has the same fees as online ordering and offers similar processing time options. Some people prefer phone orders if they're uncomfortable ordering online or have questions that a customer service representative can answer.
Mail Ordering
Mail ordering is the most economical option, though it takes longer than online or phone orders.
Mail Order Process:
- Download the Divorce Certificate Application from the MDHHS website (or request one by calling 517-335-8666 and pressing option #1)
- Complete the application with:
- Names of both ex-spouses
- Date of divorce (or approximate date if unknown)
- County where divorce occurred
- Your contact information
- Number of copies needed
- Include payment:
- Personal check or money order payable to "State of Michigan"
- $34.00 for search and first certified copy
- $16.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
- Optional $12.00 rush fee for expedited processing
- Mail to: Michigan Vital Records P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909
Mail Order Timeline:
- Standard processing: Several weeks from when application is received
- Rush processing: Faster but still slower than online/phone orders
- Add shipping time for delivery to you
Mail orders work best when you're not in a hurry and want to minimize costs.
In-Person Ordering
In-person ordering at the vital records office is available by appointment only on limited days.
In-Person Process:
- Schedule an appointment through the MDHHS website
- Available Tuesdays and Thursdays only
- Time slots: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Gather required information about the divorce
- Bring valid photo ID
- Bring payment (check, money order, or card - verify accepted payment methods)
- Arrive at: 333 S. Grand Avenue, 1st Floor Lansing, MI 48933
- Complete application with staff assistance
- Pay fees
- Receive certificate same-day (standard certificates only)
In-person ordering allows same-day service for standard divorce certificate requests, making it the fastest option if you live near Lansing and can schedule during available times. However, appointment availability is limited and the office doesn't offer same-day service for corrections or complex requests.
Drop Box Service
For those in the Lansing area who don't need immediate service or can't get an appointment, the drop box offers a convenient alternative.
Drop Box Process:
- Complete your divorce certificate application
- Include payment and any required documentation
- Place everything in a sealed envelope
- Drop the envelope in the drop box located in the main lobby at: 333 S. Grand Avenue Lansing, MI 48933
- Drop box available: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Your request will be processed according to standard timelines, and your certificate will be mailed to the address on your application.
Will-Call Pickup Service
VitalChek offers will-call service allowing you to order online and pick up your certificate in person.
Will-Call Process:
- Order your certificate online through VitalChek
- Pay processing fees (no shipping charges)
- Wait 2-5 business days for processing
- Bring valid photo ID and email confirmation
- Pick up at vital records office:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays only
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- The person who placed the order must pick up
Will-call combines online convenience with faster receipt than mailing, without requiring a separate appointment.
Fees for Michigan Divorce Certificates
Understanding the complete fee structure helps you budget appropriately and choose the most cost-effective ordering method for your needs.
Standard Fees
Base Fees (All Ordering Methods):
- Search fee and first certified copy: $34.00
- Additional certified copies ordered simultaneously: $16.00 each
- Additional years searched (if divorce date uncertain): $12.00 per year
Optional Rush Processing:
- Rush fee: $12.00 additional
- Significantly faster processing than standard service
- Recommended when you need the certificate quickly
Important Note About Search Fees: The $34.00 fee is charged even if no record is found. This covers the cost of searching the vital records database. If the Michigan vital records office cannot locate a divorce record matching your information, you won't receive a refund, though you will receive notification that no record was found.
Additional Fees for Online and Phone Orders
When ordering through VitalChek (online or by phone), additional fees apply:
VitalChek Service Fees:
- Credit card handling fee: Approximately $11.50
- Shipping and handling: Varies based on delivery method selected
- Standard shipping: Usually $9-15
- Express shipping: $20-30
- Overnight delivery: $40-60
Total Online/Phone Order Cost Examples:
- One certificate, rush processing, standard shipping: Approximately $58-67
- One certificate, standard processing, standard shipping: Approximately $46-55
- Two certificates, rush processing, express shipping: Approximately $90-105
Fee Comparison by Ordering Method
Ordering Method | Base Fee | Additional Fees | Total Minimum | Processing Speed |
$34.00 | None (standard processing) | $34.00 | Slowest (weeks) | |
Mail with Rush | $34.00 | $12.00 rush | $46.00 | Moderate |
In-Person | $34.00 | None | $34.00 | Same day |
Drop Box | $34.00 | None (standard processing) | $34.00 | Standard (weeks) |
Online/Phone | $34.00 | $11.50 + $12 rush + shipping | ~$58-67 | Fastest |
Mail ordering offers the lowest cost but longest wait, while online ordering costs more but provides the fastest service and greatest convenience.
Processing Times for Michigan Divorce Certificates
Processing times vary significantly based on your ordering method and whether you request rush processing. Understanding realistic timeframes helps you order with appropriate lead time.
Current Processing Delays
Important Notice: Due to Real ID Act requirements, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has experienced a significant increase in vital record orders. Current processing times can extend up to 90 days or longer for standard processing.
This substantial delay affects primarily mail orders without rush processing. The vital records office is working through a backlog created by increased demand for official identification documents.
Estimated Processing Times by Method
Mail Orders (Standard Processing):
- Processing: 4-12 weeks (sometimes longer with current delays)
- Plus mailing time: Add 5-10 business days for delivery
- Total: 5-14+ weeks from mailing your application to receiving your certificate
Mail Orders (Rush Processing):
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
- Plus mailing time: Add 5-10 business days
- Total: 3-6 weeks
Online/Phone Orders (Standard Processing):
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
- Plus shipping time based on method selected
- Total: 2-5 weeks
Online/Phone Orders (Rush Processing):
- Processing: 3-7 business days
- Plus shipping time based on method selected
- Total: 1-3 weeks (fastest remote option)
In-Person Orders:
- Same-day service for standard divorce certificates
- Must have appointment
- Best option when urgently needed and you're in the Lansing area
Will-Call Orders:
- Processing: 2-5 business days after online order
- Pick up in person on scheduled day
- Total: Approximately 1 week
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Several factors can extend processing times:
Incomplete Applications: Missing information requires follow-up, adding weeks to processing Incorrect Information:Inaccurate names, dates, or locations make records difficult to locate Peak Periods: Holiday seasons and summer months see increased orders Complex Searches: Unusual spellings, common names, or uncertain dates require extra researchSystem Backlogs: Current high demand extends all processing times
To avoid delays, provide complete, accurate information and consider rush processing if you need your certificate within a specific timeframe.
Important Information About Michigan Divorce Certificates
Several key facts about Michigan divorce certificates affect when and how you can obtain them.
90-Day Waiting Period
Critical Restriction: You cannot order a Michigan divorce certificate until at least 90 days after your divorce was finalized. The vital records office needs this time to receive divorce information from the court and process it into the state database.
If you need proof of divorce immediately after your divorce is final, you must obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree directly from the county circuit court clerk's office where your divorce was granted. The divorce decree is available immediately, while the divorce certificate from the state becomes available after 90 days.
Records Availability
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains divorce records from 1897 to present. However:
Divorces Before 1924: Some divorces, especially those before 1924, may not be on file with the state. These records might only exist at the county level where the divorce occurred.
Very Old Divorces: Divorces from the late 1800s and early 1900s may have incomplete or missing information, as record-keeping standards varied.
If the vital records office cannot locate your divorce record, you'll need to try the county clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted.
What If Your Record Can't Be Found?
If the Michigan vital records office searches for your divorce certificate but cannot locate a record, several possibilities exist:
Common Reasons Records Aren't Found:
- The divorce occurred in another state, not Michigan
- The divorce occurred less than 90 days ago
- Information provided (names, dates, location) was incorrect
- The divorce was not reported to the state (more common for very old divorces)
- The divorce actually wasn't finalized (case was dismissed or is still pending)
If your record isn't found, the vital records office will notify you, but the search fee is not refunded. You can then:
- Contact the county clerk in the county where you believe the divorce occurred
- Verify that the divorce was actually finalized
- Search court records online through Michigan's court case search system
- Consult with the vital records office about alternative spellings or search strategies
Using Your Michigan Divorce Certificate
Understanding acceptable uses for your divorce certificate helps ensure you have the right document for your needs.
Common Uses for Divorce Certificates
Michigan divorce certificates serve as official proof of divorce for many purposes:
Government and Legal Uses:
- Applying for remarriage (obtaining a marriage license)
- Updating Social Security records after divorce
- Changing name on driver's license or state ID
- Passport applications or renewals
- Immigration and visa applications
- Military benefits determinations
Financial and Personal Uses:
- Opening new bank accounts under a different name
- Updating credit cards and financial accounts
- Applying for loans or mortgages
- Insurance policy updates
- Updating medical records
- School enrollment for name changes
Background and Verification:
- Employment background checks
- Security clearances
- Adoption proceedings
- Genealogical research
When You Need the Divorce Decree Instead
Some situations require the detailed information contained in the divorce decree rather than just the basic certificate:
Situations Requiring Divorce Decree:
- Enforcing child support or spousal support orders
- Modifying custody or parenting time arrangements
- Proving property division terms
- Establishing specific rights from the divorce judgment
- Court proceedings related to the divorce terms
- Pension or retirement account division (QDRO matters)
When in doubt about which document you need, explain your purpose to the organization or agency requesting proof of divorce. They can clarify whether a divorce certificate suffices or if they require the actual decree.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
Certified Copies from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services include:
- Official state seal
- Certification statement
- Signature of the state registrar
- Acceptance for all legal and official purposes
Uncertified Copies are simply photocopies without official certification and are not accepted for most legal purposes.
Always order certified copies when you need official proof of divorce. Uncertified copies might work for personal reference or preliminary reviews, but won't be accepted by government agencies, courts, or most official institutions.
Correcting Errors on Michigan Divorce Certificates
If you discover errors or inaccuracies on your Michigan divorce certificate, you can request corrections through the vital records office.
Types of Errors
Common errors that can be corrected include:
- Misspelled names
- Incorrect dates
- Wrong county information
- Transposed numbers in case numbers
Correction Process
Correcting a Michigan divorce certificate requires:
- Obtaining the appropriate correction application from the MDHHS website
- Completing the correction form explaining the error and providing correct information
- Including supporting documentation proving the correct information:
- Certified copy of divorce decree from the court (showing correct information)
- Government-issued ID showing correct name spelling
- Other official records demonstrating the error
- Paying any required correction fees
- Mailing the correction request to the vital records office
Corrections must be submitted by mail, they cannot be processed online, by phone, or through same-day in-person service.
The correction process can take several months, so plan accordingly if you need a corrected certificate for time-sensitive matters. In the meantime, you might need to use the divorce decree from the court, which you can obtain much more quickly from the county clerk's office.
Alternative: Obtaining Records from the County
If you need your divorce information quickly or are having trouble getting your divorce certificate from the state, remember that county circuit courts also maintain divorce records.
County Clerk's Office Records
The circuit court clerk's office in the county where your divorce was finalized has:
- Complete divorce court file
- Certified copies of the divorce decree (Judgment of Divorce)
- All motions, orders, and documents filed in your case
Advantages of County Records:
- Available immediately after divorce is final (no 90-day wait)
- Contains detailed divorce terms
- Often faster processing for certified copies
- May be less expensive than state certificates
To Obtain County Records:
- Contact the circuit court clerk's office in the county where your divorce occurred
- Request a certified copy of your divorce decree
- Provide case number (if you have it) or names and approximate divorce date
- Pay county fees (typically $15-$25 for certified copies)
- Receive your certified decree
Many Michigan counties now offer online access to court records, allowing you to view basic case information and sometimes download documents. Check your county circuit court's website for online services.
Getting Your Michigan Divorce Certificate
Obtaining a Michigan divorce certificate is a straightforward process once you understand what it is, who issues it, and the various ordering methods available. Whether you choose the economical mail option, the convenient online ordering through VitalChek, or in-person service for same-day processing, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides multiple pathways to get the certified divorce certificate you need.
Remember that divorce certificates from the state cannot be obtained until at least 90 days after your divorce is finalized, and current processing delays mean you should order well in advance of when you need your certificate, especially if using standard processing. For immediate proof of divorce, obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree from the county circuit court clerk's office where your divorce was granted.
With fees starting at $34 for standard service by mail, and faster options available through online ordering with rush processing, you can choose the service level that matches your timeline and budget. Whether you need the certificate for remarriage, updating government records, immigration purposes, or any other use, having this official proof of your divorce available ensures you can move forward with important life events and legal matters.
By providing accurate information about your divorce (full names, approximate date, and county), ordering through authorized channels, and allowing appropriate processing time, you'll successfully obtain your Michigan divorce certificate and have the documentation you need for your next chapter.