Apostille On A Divorce Decree: What You Need To Know

If you plan to remarry abroad, change your name in another country, apply for residency or settle property overseas, you may be asked for an apostilled divorce decree. The apostille confirms that the court clerk who certified your decree is genuine, so foreign authorities can rely on it. This guide explains which version of the decree you need, who issues the apostille, and how long it takes.

When you need an apostilled divorce decree

Remarrying abroad. Many countries require proof that any previous marriage has ended.
Name changes. Returning to a former surname on foreign records often requires the decree.
Residency and visa applications where marital status must be proven.
Property, custody and support matters handled in a foreign court.
Registering the divorce with a foreign civil registry where the marriage was also recorded.

The apostille is accepted in Hague Convention countries; see our list of apostille countries. For non-member countries, the decree needs authentication and embassy legalization.

Decree or certificate: which one to order

There are usually two different documents:

The divorce decree (or judgment of dissolution) is the court’s order. It is issued by the court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
A divorce certificate or verification is a short record issued by some state vital records offices.

Foreign authorities usually want the full decree. Ask which one they need before you order.

How to apostille a divorce decree, step by step

Order a certified copy of the decree from the clerk of the court that granted the divorce. The copy must carry the clerk’s signature and court seal.
Check signature requirements. Some states require the county clerk’s signature to be certified at county level before the state apostille.
Submit it to the Secretary of State in the state where the court is located, with the request form and fee. In Oregon, for example, decrees signed by a circuit court clerk or judge can be apostilled, and the fee is $10.
Receive the apostille attached to the certified copy.
Translate if required. Many countries ask for a certified translation of the decree and the apostille. See whether to translate before or after the apostille.

Common issues and how to avoid them

Using a plain photocopy. Only a certified copy from the court can be apostilled.
Sending it to the wrong state. The apostille must come from the state where the divorce was granted.
Missing pages. Some countries want the complete judgment, not just the signature page.
Old copies. Some foreign registries only accept copies certified within the last few months.
Name mismatches. If names are spelled differently on your other documents, prepare supporting records.

See more in our list of common apostille mistakes.

Timelines and costs

State processing ranges from same-day walk-in service to a few weeks by mail. Apostille Authentications charges $195 for the first document and $65 for each additional document, plus the state fee. Same-day service is available for Oregon, Washington, Texas and Virginia documents, depending on when we receive them. See our divorce decree apostille service and pricing page.

Documents often requested with a divorce decree

A marriage certificate apostille for the new marriage file
Proof of single status; see single status apostille
A birth certificate apostille for visa or residency applications

Frequently asked questions

Which state apostilles my divorce decree?

The state where the court that granted the divorce is located, even if you now live elsewhere.

Can I apostille the decree my lawyer gave me?

Only if it is a certified copy with the court clerk’s signature and seal. Otherwise, order a certified copy from the court.

How long is an apostilled decree valid?

The apostille does not expire, but some countries only accept recently certified copies.

Do I need a certified translation?

Many non-English-speaking countries require one. Our translation service can translate the decree and the apostille.

Get your divorce decree apostilled

Contact us with the state and county of the divorce and the destination country, and we will confirm the steps and timing.