Divorce Records in Washington
Whether divorce records are public in Washington and how to get a copy of a divorce decree or certificate.
Short answer: The Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces from January 1, 1968, to the present. Anyone can request one without proving identity or relationship. Washington State Department of Health, Ordering a Marriage or Divorce Record
| Divorce records | The Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces from January 1, 1968, to the present. Anyone can request one without proving identity or relationship. Fees start at $25 per certified or noncertified informational copy, with other fees depending on how it is ordered or shipped; orders can be placed through VitalChek online or by phone, or by mail. The Department of Health does not have divorce decrees; for the decree, contact the superior court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. |
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Where to get help in Washington
More Washington divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Washington
- Adopting a Child in Washington
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Washington
- Establishing Paternity in Washington
- Changing Your Name in Washington
- Child Custody Laws in Washington
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Washington
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Washington
- How to File for Divorce in Washington
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Washington
- All Washington divorce & family law rules
FAQ
Are divorce records public in Washington, and how do I get a copy?
The Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces from January 1, 1968, to the present. Anyone can request one without proving identity or relationship. Fees start at $25 per certified or noncertified informational copy, with other fees depending on how it is ordered or shipped; orders can be placed through VitalChek online or by phone, or by mail. The Department of Health does not have divorce decrees; for the decree, contact the superior court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.