How to obtain divorce records in California starts with knowing where to look and what each agency can provide. The California Department of Public Health Vital Records Division holds official divorce filings from 1962 to June 1984, while all other divorce cases are managed by individual county Superior Courts. Whether you need a certified copy for legal proof, genealogy research, or personal records, the process varies by location and document type. This page explains every step, fee, timeline, and requirement so you get the right record without delays or confusion.
Where Divorce Records Are Stored in California
Divorce records in California are not centralized. Two main sources exist: the state-level CDPH Vital Records and local county courts. CDPH only has face sheets—basic case details—for divorces finalized between 1962 and June 1984. These do not include the final judgment or decree. For all other years, including recent divorces, you must contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. Each court maintains its own online system, physical archives, and rules for access. No single website holds every record statewide.
State-Level Records: CDPH Vital Records
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records Division archives limited divorce data. Their collection includes Certificate of Record documents—also called face sheets—for divorces processed from 1962 through June 1984. These sheets list the petitioner and respondent names, exact filing date, county of jurisdiction, and docket number. However, they do not contain the final divorce decree, property settlements, or custody orders. If you need only basic confirmation that a divorce occurred during this period, CDPH is your source.
County-Level Records: Superior Courts
For divorces filed before 1962 or after June 1984, the county Superior Court holds all records. Each of California’s 58 counties manages its own case files, online portals, and request procedures. Some counties offer free online searches; others charge small fees for downloads or certified copies. You’ll need the names of both parties, approximate filing year, and the county where the case was heard. Without this information, locating the correct file can take longer.
Requesting Records from CDPH Vital Records
To get a Certificate of Record from CDPH, you must submit a notarized application. Start by confirming your desired record falls within the 1962–June 1984 window. If it does, download the VS 113-B form from the official CDPH website. Fill out all fields completely. Sign the form in front of a notary public—this is required for every request. Include a clear copy of your government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
The current fee is $12 per record plus $0.55 for postage. Pay with a money order made payable to “CDPH Vital Records.” Personal checks are not accepted. Mail everything to P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410. Standard processing takes seven to ten business days. Expedited service is not available through CDPH. Once processed, the certificate arrives by regular mail on plain paper—it is not sealed or stamped unless requested through a court.
Using County Court Systems to Access Divorce Filings
Most California counties provide free online access to divorce case information through their Superior Court websites. Examples include Los Angeles County’s Case Access portal, San Diego’s Public Records search, and Sacramento’s online docket tool. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. Many systems display PDFs of petitions, motions, and final judgments at no cost. However, some courts charge $0.10 per page for printing or downloading documents.
For certified copies—required for legal purposes like remarriage or immigration—you must submit a formal request to the court’s Records Division. This usually requires a notarized letter, a copy of your ID, and a filing fee ranging from $10 to $20. Processing times vary but typically take seven to ten business days. Certified decrees are mailed in sealed envelopes with an official court stamp. Always call ahead to confirm current fees and forms, as policies change frequently.
Online Portals and Third-Party Services
Several digital platforms offer access to California divorce records. The official California Courts Online Services portal (iCourt) allows remote login to view and download case documents 24 hours a day. Users create secure accounts and search by name or case number. While basic viewing is free, printing or saving PDFs may incur per-page charges depending on the county.
Third-party sites like Gov-Record.org provide indexed searches across multiple counties. They often include records from 1900 to the present and allow filtering by name, date, or location. A 14-day free trial grants full access, after which a $49.95 monthly subscription applies. These services are convenient but not official sources. Always verify critical details with the county court before using records for legal matters.
Mail-In and In-Person Request Procedures
If you prefer not to use online tools, you can request records by mail or in person. For CDPH, follow the VS 113-B process outlined earlier. For county courts, write a letter stating the case number (if known), both parties’ full names, filing year, and your relationship to the case. Attach a copy of your ID and payment. Mail to the court’s Records Division address, which varies by county.
In-person visits are accepted at most courthouses during business hours, typically 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Bring your ID and exact case details. Some courts allow same-day service for walk-ins, while others require appointments. Fees are paid on-site via cash, check, or card, depending on the location. Always call first to confirm availability and requirements.
Fees, Timelines, and Processing Expectations
Costs for divorce records in California range from $0 for online searches to $20 for certified copies. CDPH charges $12 per face sheet plus postage. County courts typically charge $10–$20 per certified decree. Third-party sites may have subscription models starting at $49.95 per month. Payment methods vary: CDPH accepts only money orders; courts accept cash, check, or card.
Processing times depend on the source. CDPH takes seven to ten business days. County courts average five to ten days for mailed requests, though high-volume periods can cause delays. Online portals provide instant access to viewable files, but certified copies still require manual processing. Expedited services are rare and usually cost extra. Plan ahead if you need records for deadlines like court hearings or travel.
Privacy, Restrictions, and Legal Considerations
California law treats divorce records as public information, but certain details may be sealed by court order—especially in cases involving minors, domestic violence, or sensitive financial data. If a record is restricted, only involved parties or their attorneys can access it. Always state your reason for requesting the record, though most agencies do not require justification unless the case is sealed.
Certified copies are legally valid for official use, such as proving marital status for marriage licenses or immigration forms. Uncertified printouts from online portals may not be accepted by government agencies. When in doubt, request a certified version directly from the court. Misrepresenting your identity or purpose can result in denial or legal consequences.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people assume all divorce records are available through CDPH. This is incorrect—only pre-1984 face sheets are held there. Others forget to notarize forms, causing delays. Always double-check whether your record falls within the CDPH date range. If not, contact the correct county court immediately.
Another error is using outdated forms or addresses. CDPH and county websites update their procedures regularly. Always download the latest VS 113-B form and verify mailing addresses before sending anything. Finally, never rely solely on third-party summaries. Cross-check key details like case numbers and dates with official court records to ensure accuracy.
Helpful Resources and Official Links
Use these direct links to start your search:
- California State Records – Divorce Records Portal
- CDPH Vital Records – Certified Copies Information
- California Courts – Electronic Records Access
- Sacramento County – Divorce Records Request
- Los Angeles County – Divorce Record Information
Contact Information for Key Offices
For questions about state-level records, contact the California Department of Public Health Vital Records Division at (916) 445-2684. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM Pacific Time. Walk-in service is available at 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, but appointments are recommended.
For county-specific inquiries, call the Superior Court in the relevant jurisdiction. Los Angeles Superior Court Records Division can be reached at (213) 830-0803. Sacramento County’s Civil Case Records office is at (916) 874-6691. Always have the case number or party names ready when calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have specific questions about accessing divorce records in California. Below are detailed answers based on current procedures, fees, and legal requirements. Each response reflects the most up-to-date information from official sources as of 2024.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the case number?
Yes, you can still request a divorce record without a case number. Most county court online portals allow searches by the full names of both parties and an approximate filing year. If the record is older than 1984 and falls within the CDPH window (1962–June 1984), you can use the VS 113-B form with just the names and dates. However, providing a case number speeds up processing. If you’re unsure, start with a name-based search on the county’s website or call the court clerk for assistance.
Are divorce records free in California?
Basic online searches are free in most counties. You can view case summaries, docket entries, and sometimes even PDFs of filings at no cost. However, certified copies—required for legal proof—always carry a fee. CDPH charges $12 per face sheet, while county courts charge $10–$20 per certified decree. Printing or downloading documents from online portals may also incur small per-page fees. There is no way to obtain a legally valid certified copy for free.
How long does it take to receive a divorce record by mail?
Mail-in requests to CDPH take seven to ten business days after receipt. County courts typically process mailed requests within five to ten business days, depending on workload. Add extra time for postal delivery, which can take 3–7 days within California. If you need the record urgently, consider visiting the court in person or using an online portal for immediate viewing. Expedited services are rarely offered and usually cost significantly more.
Can anyone request a divorce record, or only the people involved?
Anyone can request a divorce record in California because they are public documents. You do not need to be a party to the case. However, if the record has been sealed by court order—common in cases with child custody or domestic violence—access is restricted. In such cases, only the spouses, their attorneys, or authorized representatives can obtain the file. Always include your relationship to the case in your request, though most agencies do not verify this unless the record is sealed.
What’s the difference between a face sheet and a certified decree?
A face sheet, provided by CDPH, contains basic case details like names, filing date, county, and docket number. It does not include the final judgment, property division, or custody arrangements. A certified decree, issued by the county court, is the official legal document that ends the marriage. It includes the judge’s signature, court seal, and full terms of the divorce. Only certified decrees are accepted for legal purposes like remarriage, immigration, or name changes.
Do I need a notary for every request?
Yes, notarization is required for all requests to CDPH Vital Records using the VS 113-B form. County courts may also require a notarized letter for certified copies, especially if you’re mailing the request. The notary verifies your identity and ensures the application is signed voluntarily. Without notarization, your request will be rejected. Visit a bank, UPS Store, or courthouse for notary services—fees are usually under $15.
Can I get a divorce record from another state in California?
No. California agencies only hold records for divorces filed within the state. If the divorce occurred in another state, you must contact that state’s vital records office or court system. For example, a divorce finalized in Nevada requires a request to the Nevada Secretary of State or the county where it was filed. California cannot provide records for out-of-state cases, even if you currently live here.