Oregon Divorce Certificate

An Oregon divorce certificate serves as official proof that your marriage has been legally dissolved, providing essential documentation needed for various legal, financial, and personal purposes. Whether you need to verify your marital status for remarriage, update government records, change your name on identification documents, or manage estate planning matters, understanding how to obtain your Oregon divorce certificate ensures you have the proper documentation when required. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics maintains certified copies of divorce certificates for all dissolutions that occurred in the state from 1925 to the present, while individual county circuit courts keep the detailed divorce decrees containing comprehensive settlement terms.

Understanding Oregon Divorce Certificates vs. Divorce Decrees

Oregon maintains two distinct types of divorce records, each serving different purposes and obtained from different sources. Understanding the difference between these documents helps you request the correct record for your needs.

Divorce Certificates from the State

An Oregon divorce certificate is a certified document issued by the State Registrar through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. This official vital record contains basic statistical information about the dissolution of marriage including:

• Full legal names of both parties at the time of divorce
• Date the divorce was registered with the county circuit court
• County in Oregon where the dissolution was processed
• Certificate number for reference purposes

Divorce certificates serve as straightforward proof that a dissolution of marriage occurred and provide verification of marital status. Government agencies, employers, insurance companies, and financial institutions commonly accept divorce certificates as sufficient documentation for name changes, beneficiary updates, and marital status verification.

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics has maintained divorce certificates for all Oregon divorces from 1925 forward, creating a comprehensive statewide database of dissolution records. These standardized certificates use secure intaglio banknote paper with the seal of the State of Oregon in the lower left corner and the Oregon Health Authority/Public Health Division seal in the lower right corner, providing authentication and preventing forgery.

Divorce Decrees from County Circuit Courts

A divorce decree is the complete court record containing the final judgment issued by the county circuit court that granted your divorce. Unlike the basic certificate from the state, divorce decrees include comprehensive details about the dissolution including:

• Complete property division with specific details about who received which assets
• Debt allocation and responsibility
• Spousal support amounts, duration, and termination conditions
• Child custody designation and complete parenting plans
• Child support calculations and payment terms
• All other court orders specific to the case

Divorce decrees are essential when you need to enforce court orders, modify existing arrangements, or provide detailed documentation of settlement terms. These comprehensive court records remain with the county circuit court where the divorce was granted rather than being centralized at the state level.

You must contact the specific county circuit court that handled your divorce to obtain copies of divorce decrees. Multnomah County Circuit Court, for example, maintains divorce decrees dating back to the 1850s, with older records on microfilm and more recent cases in digital format.

Eligibility Requirements for Oregon Divorce Certificates

Oregon law restricts access to divorce certificates for 50 years following the date of dissolution, meaning these vital records are not public documents. According to ORS 432.380, only specific individuals who can prove their eligibility may order Oregon divorce certificates.

Who Can Order Divorce Certificates

Parties Named on the Certificate:  Either person listed on the divorce certificate can order it by providing valid identification that matches the name on the record. If your name changed since the divorce through court order or subsequent marriage, you must provide documentation linking your current legal name to the name on the certificate.

Parents, Children, and Grandchildren:  Biological or adopted children of the divorced parties can order certificates by providing birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship. Parents can order divorce certificates for their adult children with appropriate documentation. Grandchildren need additional documentation establishing the multi-generational connection.

Current Spouses or Registered Domestic Partners:  If you're currently married to or in a registered domestic partnership with one of the divorced parties, you can order the record with proper identification.

Legal Representatives and Authorized Representatives:  Licensed attorneys representing qualified applicants, court-assigned administrators, and individuals with notarized permission from eligible parties can order certificates with proper documentation. Government agency personnel conducting official duties can also request certificates with appropriate credentials.

Who Cannot Order:  Stepparents, ex-spouses, fiancées, extended family members like aunts, uncles, and cousins, and unrelated third parties are not eligible unless they obtain notarized permission from an eligible party or qualify as authorized representatives.

Proof of Identity Requirements

All applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity when ordering divorce certificates. The specific requirements depend on your ordering method:

For Online and Phone Orders:  You'll complete an electronic identity verification quiz using your date of birth and name. If you fail this automated verification, you must provide copies of acceptable identification documents.

For Mail, Drop Box, and In-Person Orders:  You must submit copies (or present originals for in-person orders) of acceptable identification including current driver's licenses, passports, tribal membership cards, military ID cards, or consulate cards. Alternatively, you can provide three documents including utility bills, bank statements, or other acceptable alternatives with at least one showing your current address.

Expired documents are never acceptable, and all copies must be clear and legible with text readable and photos identifiable.

How to Order Oregon Divorce Certificates

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics offers multiple convenient methods for ordering divorce certificates, each with different processing times, costs, and requirements.

Online Ordering Through VitalChek

Order divorce certificates online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.vitalchek.com, the official contracted vendor for Oregon Vital Records. Online ordering provides the fastest service option with several advantages:

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Expedite fee: $7.00
• VitalChek vendor and security fee: $15.50
• Total for first certificate: $47.50
• Each additional certificate: $25.00
• UPS Next Day Air shipping (optional): $20.00

The system defaults to UPS Next Day Air shipping, but you can select regular mail to save the $20 shipping fee. To change the shipping method, click the small down arrow on the Shipping Method box when entering your address and choose Regular Mail option.

Processing typically takes three workdays (Monday through Friday) after VitalChek forwards your complete order to Oregon Vital Records within 24 hours. You'll complete an electronic identity verification quiz during the ordering process.

Phone Ordering Through VitalChek

Call VitalChek at 1-888-896-4988 any time to place your order by phone. Phone ordering works similarly to online ordering but costs slightly more:

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Expedite fee: $7.00
• VitalChek vendor and security fee: $17.20
• Total for first certificate: $49.20
• Each additional certificate: $25.00
• UPS Next Day Air shipping (optional): $20.00

Payment must be made by credit card, debit card, or most prepaid debit cards (government-issued benefit cards are not accepted). Processing time matches online orders at approximately three workdays.

Mail Ordering

For those preferring traditional methods, mail ordering provides a reliable alternative without vendor fees, though processing takes significantly longer:

Download the Dissolution/Divorce Record Order Form from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics website (available in both English and Spanish). Complete the form with:

• Full names of both divorced parties
• Date divorce was registered with circuit court (or time period to search)
• County that processed the divorce
• Your relationship to the parties
• Your reason for ordering
• Your complete contact information

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Each additional certificate: $25.00
• No vendor or expedite fees

Include a copy of your valid identification and payment by check or money order payable to OHA/Vital Records (no cash accepted). Mail everything to:

Oregon Vital Records Portland, OR 97232

Processing time is approximately 8-10 weeks from the date Oregon Vital Records receives your order.

Drop Box Service

The Oregon Vital Records office in Portland maintains a secure drop box for after-hours submissions. Place your completed order form, identification copy, and payment (check or money order only) in a sealed envelope and deposit it in the drop box located at the entrance by the west door in the parking lot.

Costs match mail ordering ($25.00 for the first certificate plus $25.00 for each additional certificate). Processing time is also 8-10 weeks, with materials collected Monday through Friday.

In-Person Appointments

Schedule a 30-minute appointment at the Oregon Vital Records office for same-day service in most cases. Appointments are available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with the last appointment starting at 3:30 p.m.

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Identity authentication fee: $3.00
• Total for first certificate: $28.00
• Each additional certificate: $25.00

Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, cash, or money order. Personal or business checks must be accepted by the Electronic Funds Transfer system. A credit union ATM is available on the first floor if needed.

The office is located at 800 NE Oregon Street #205, Portland, Oregon 97232. Public entrance is on Oregon Street between 7th and 9th Avenues. Check in ten minutes early in the first-floor lobby at the Oregon Vital Records desk located immediately right of the entrance.

You'll enter your order at a self-service kiosk during your appointment. While many records are available the same day, some may require mailing or next-day pickup.

Information Needed to Order

Having complete and accurate information significantly speeds the ordering process and helps ensure your certificate is located quickly.

About the Divorce:

• Full legal names of both spouses at the time of divorce
• Exact date the divorce was registered with the county circuit court, or an approximate timeframe
• County in Oregon where the divorce was processed

If you don't know the exact date, the $25.00 search fee covers a five-year period including the year you provide, two years before, and two years after. Searches exceeding five years cost an additional $1.00 per year unless the record is more than 50 years old.

About Yourself as the Applicant:

• Your full legal name and current mailing address
• Your relationship to the person or persons named on the certificate
• Your specific reason for ordering the certificate
• Contact information including phone number and email address
• Valid identification meeting Oregon requirements

Processing Times and Potential Delays

Processing times vary significantly based on your ordering method:

Online and Phone Orders (VitalChek):  Typically processed within three workdays (Monday through Friday) after VitalChek forwards your complete order to Oregon Vital Records within 24 hours. After processing, certificates ship via your selected method.

Mail and Drop Box Orders:  Approximately 8-10 weeks from the date Oregon Vital Records receives your order.

In-Person Appointments:  Many certificates are available the same day during your 30-minute appointment, though some records may require mailing or next-day pickup.

Several factors can delay processing:

• Inaccurate information submitted on your application
• Incomplete or inadequate eligibility documentation
• Applicant is not actually eligible to receive the record
• An amendment to the record is currently being processed
• The record cannot be located in the state system
• The divorce was recently finalized and the county circuit court hasn't yet filed the record with the state

If Oregon Vital Records needs additional information, they'll contact you by mail or secure email. Check your junk email folder regularly if waiting for a response. If you haven't received your order within the expected timeline, please contact Oregon Vital Records at (971) 673-1190 for assistance.

Special Circumstances and Considerations

Recent Divorces

In some cases, a county circuit court may have approved a dissolution judgment, but the Record of Dissolution of Marriage certificate has not yet been completed or filed with the state. If you order a certificate immediately after your divorce becomes final, issuance may be delayed until court staff create the dissolution certificate and file it with the Oregon Center for Health Statistics.

This filing process can take several weeks after the judge signs the final judgment. If your divorce was very recent, consider waiting 4-6 weeks before ordering to ensure the record has been filed with the state vital records office.

Dissolution of Registered Domestic Partnerships

Oregon's divorce certificate system also covers dissolution of Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships (ORDP). The same ordering procedures, eligibility requirements, costs, and processing times apply to domestic partnership dissolution certificates as to divorce certificates.

Separate forms exist for ordering dissolution of registered domestic partnership certificates, available in both English and Spanish from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics website.

Certificates More Than 50 Years Old

Oregon divorce certificates become public records 50 years after the date of divorce. For these older records, anyone can request uncertified copies from the Oregon State Archives in Salem for a small fee without proving eligibility or relationship to the parties.

The Oregon State Archives maintains historical vital records that provide valuable resources for genealogical research and historical documentation. However, certified copies of even older records must still be obtained through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics with proper eligibility documentation.

Authentication for International Use (Apostille)

Many countries require proof of the validity of Oregon divorce certificates through an authentication process called apostille. To obtain this authentication:

First, order an original certified copy of your divorce certificate from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. The certificate must be an original certified copy, not a photocopy.

Then submit the certified divorce certificate to the Oregon Secretary of State/Corporate Division for authentication. Visit their website for specific procedures, required forms, and current fees for apostille services.

This two-step process ensures your Oregon divorce certificate will be recognized as valid in foreign countries for purposes like remarriage abroad, international adoption, or immigration proceedings.

Consumer Protection Warning

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics warns consumers about third-party vendors charging excessive fees to "process" or "help apply" for divorce certificates. These companies often charge hundreds of dollars for services that amount to simply completing the same forms available free on the Oregon Center for Health Statistics website.

For the fastest service without excessive fees, order directly from:

• Oregon Center for Health Statistics
• Your local Oregon county health department
• VitalChek (the only authorized online vendor contracted with Oregon Vital Records)

If you've been charged excessive fees by a third-party service, contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection at 1-877-877-9392 to file a complaint.

Updating or Correcting Divorce Certificates

Under Oregon law, county circuit courts have primary responsibility for approving all changes to divorce records. All requests to amend or correct an Oregon divorce certificate must be approved by the county court that granted the original divorce.

To request corrections:

Contact the circuit court clerk in the county where your divorce was processed. Use the Oregon Courts "Find a Court" webpage to locate contact information for the appropriate circuit court.

Submit documentation supporting the requested correction or amendment. The court will review your request and determine whether the change is appropriate.

If the court approves your amendment, they submit a Dissolution of Marriage or Oregon Registered Domestic Partnership Amendment Request Form to the State Vital Records Office to correct the statewide record.

After the state updates its records, you can order new certified copies reflecting the corrections.

Obtaining Divorce Decrees from County Courts

While the Oregon Center for Health Statistics maintains divorce certificates, only county circuit courts can provide divorce decrees containing complete settlement details.

Multnomah County Example:  Contact Dissolution of Marriage Records at (971) 274-0570 for information about ordering divorce decree copies. Records dating through 1983 are available on microfilm for walk-in research. Records from 1984 forward must be ordered in advance and researched on-site. Knowing your case number significantly speeds the ordering process.

Other Counties:  Contact the circuit court clerk in the county where your divorce was processed. Each county maintains its own procedures, fees, and record access systems. Some counties participate in the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) allowing online case lookup, while others require in-person or written requests.

Comparison of Ordering Methods

Emergency Declaration Fee Waivers

Oregon provides up to three free certified copies of divorce certificates to eligible individuals affected by state or federal emergency declarations. To qualify:

You must have experienced loss of property or life due to or associated with an emergency declaration. When ordering, state your reason as "Emergency Declaration" on the order form.

For online or phone orders through VitalChek, the certificate fee will be $0.00, though expedite and vendor fees still apply. For mail, drop box, or in-person orders, all fees are waived for up to three certificates of each record type.

This provision ensures that Oregonians affected by disasters can obtain necessary vital records for insurance claims, FEMA applications, and rebuilding efforts without financial barriers.

Conclusion

Oregon divorce certificates provide essential documentation of your dissolution of marriage, maintained by the Oregon Center for Health Statistics for all divorces from 1925 forward. Understanding the difference between divorce certificates from the state and divorce decrees from county circuit courts helps you request the appropriate record for your needs.

The ordering process requires proving your eligibility and identity, gathering necessary information about the divorce, and selecting an ordering method that balances cost, speed, and convenience. Online and phone orders through VitalChek provide the fastest service with processing in approximately three workdays, while mail and drop box orders take 8-10 weeks but avoid vendor fees. In-person appointments offer same-day service for those able to visit the Portland office.

Oregon's 50-year restriction on divorce certificate access protects privacy while ensuring that eligible individuals can obtain certificates for legitimate purposes including remarriage, name changes, estate planning, and beneficiary updates. By following the proper procedures and providing required documentation, you can successfully obtain your Oregon divorce certificate and access the official proof of dissolution you need for various legal and personal purposes.