How to get District of Columbia divorce records
In the District of Columbia, get a certified copy of the divorce decree from the DC Superior Court, Family Court, Domestic Relations Branch.1 Divorces 1957 to present: DC Superior Court. Divorces 1902-1956: U.S. District Court for DC.2 You can order at a local office.
On this page
Ways to order
| How | Cost per copy | Processing time | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| At a local office: DC Superior Court, Domestic Relations Branch | See the details below | – | – |
| At a local office: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Clerk's Office | $122 a document to certify, plus the copy charge + one extra charge | 5 to 10 business days2 | Pay.gov eBill2 |
At a local office: DC Superior Court, Domestic Relations Branch
Good to know
- Phone number differs by source1
At a local office: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Clerk's Office
Types of copies
| Copy | Accepted for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree3 | – | – |
| Triple seal document1 | Authentication for foreign use, per ONCA's older instructions4 | – |
No-fee copies
- Fee waiver application5
How long it takes
These are the office's own published times. Mail and shipping time is extra unless the office says otherwise.
| How you order | Processing time |
|---|---|
| At a local office: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Clerk's Office | 5 to 10 business days2 |
Decree or certificate
The decree, the court's judgment with the terms of the divorce, comes from the clerk of the court that granted it. Divorce certificate vs decree explains which one an agency usually wants.
Asking the court clerk
The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics lists what a request for a divorce record should include:6
- Full names of husband and wife
- Date of divorce or annulment
- Place of divorce or annulment
- Type of final decree
- Purpose for which copy is needed
- Relationship to persons whose record is requested
- Day time telephone number with area code
Clerks charge their own copy and certification fees, and some offer an exemplified copy, a more formal certification used for out-of-state and foreign purposes.
Years held and older records
- Older records
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, 1902-19562
Special situations
- Use abroad
- Divorce decree is obtained from the Family Court for ONCA authentication3
Questions people ask
How long does it take to get District of Columbia divorce records?
At a local office: 5 to 10 business days.2
Where are older District of Columbia divorce records kept?
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, 1902-1956.2
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official sources, checked on November 5, 2026. Tap a source number next to a fact to read the exact words.
- DC Superior Court Family Court - Domestic Relations BranchDistrict of Columbia Courtsdated February 11, 2026
- U.S. District Court for DC, Court Records (divorces 1902-1956)U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- ONCA Mail In Service Center Guide FY26, footer date 4.1.26DC Office of the Secretary, ONCAdated April 1, 2026
- Older undated ONCA mail-in instructions (shows former 441 4th St address); still online; used only…DC Office of the Secretary, ONCA
- General Rules of the Family Court, Rule C Fees (undated)District of Columbia Courts
- Where to Write for Vital Records: Application GuidelinesCDC National Center for Health Statisticsdated November 6, 2015