A Colorado divorce certificate is a vital record that legally verifies a divorce has occurred within the state. While it does not contain the detailed terms of the separation, it is often essential for official purposes such as name changes, remarriage applications, and government or financial paperwork. Whether you are recently divorced or need to update your documentation years later, understanding how to obtain and use a Colorado divorce certificate is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including what the document contains, who can access it, how to request it, how it differs from other divorce documents, and why it matters.
What Is a Colorado Divorce Certificate?
A divorce certificate is a simplified, official document confirming that a divorce has been finalized. Unlike a divorce decree (which contains specific legal terms and court decisions), the certificate serves solely as proof that a legal dissolution of marriage has occurred in Colorado.
The certificate typically includes:
- Full names of both spouses (as listed at the time of divorce)
- Date the divorce was finalized
- County in which the divorce was granted
- Case number (optional, and not always included)
What it does not include:
- Child custody or visitation arrangements
- Division of assets or debts
- Alimony or spousal support details
If you need a record of these more detailed legal outcomes, you will need a divorce decree or full court record, not just the certificate.
Divorce certificates are also useful in verifying marital status for immigration applications, pension claims, insurance disputes, and estate planning. Since the certificate does not include sensitive legal details, it is often the preferred document for third-party verification.
Who Issues Divorce Certificates in Colorado?
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), through its Office of Vital Records, is responsible for issuing divorce certificates for divorces finalized from 2003 onward.
For divorces before 2003, you will need to contact the district court where the divorce was finalized. The CDPHE does not maintain records before 2003.
Timeframe | Issuing Agency |
2003 to Present | Colorado Office of Vital Records (CDPHE) |
Before 2003 | County District Court |
How to Request a Colorado Divorce Certificate
You can request a divorce certificate in Colorado through one of three methods:
1. Online
Visit the CDPHE Vital Records Portal and follow instructions to request a divorce certificate. Colorado uses third-party services like VitalChek to process secure online orders.
Processing time: 5–7 business days (plus mail delivery)
Fees:
- $20.00 for the first certified copy
- $13.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Online services may include options for expedited shipping and document tracking, making it the most convenient method for out-of-state residents.
2. By Mail
Mail a completed Divorce Verification Request Form to:
Colorado Vital Records4300 Cherry Creek Drive SouthDenver, CO 80246-1530
Include:
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- Required payment (check or money order)
- Completed request form with:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of divorce
- County where the divorce was filed
Processing time: 10–15 business days
Mail is a reliable method if you're not in a rush, and it allows for payment via check or money order.
3. In-Person
You can visit the CDPHE Office of Vital Records during normal business hours for faster service:
Same-day service is usually available unless there’s a high request volume.
Address:4300 Cherry Creek Drive SouthDenver, CO 80246
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
To process a divorce certificate request, you’ll need:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of divorce
- Approximate date (month and year) of divorce
- County where the divorce occurred
- A valid, government-issued ID
- Proof of relationship (if not one of the spouses)
Optional: Court case number if known (helps speed up processing).
Who Can Access a Colorado Divorce Certificate?
Divorce certificates are restricted records in Colorado. That means not everyone can access them freely. According to state law, only the following individuals may request a copy:
Eligible parties include:
- Either spouse listed on the certificate
- A parent, child, or legal guardian of either spouse
- A legal representative (attorney) with documented authority
- A person with a valid court order granting access
Proof of identity and relationship is required for all parties making the request.
Divorce Certificate vs Divorce Decree vs Divorce Record
It’s easy to confuse a divorce certificate with a divorce decree or a full court record. Here’s how they differ:
Document Type | Purpose | Issued By | Includes |
Divorce Certificate | Proof of divorce occurred | CDPHE Office of Vital Records | Names, date, county |
Divorce Decree | Legal judgment with terms of divorce | District Court | Custody, property division, spousal support |
Divorce Record | Complete file of divorce proceedings | District Court | Full case documentation |
Document Type | Purpose | Issued By | Includes |
You’ll generally need the certificate for routine personal use, the decree for legal enforcement, and the record for formal appeals or investigations.
When Is a Colorado Divorce Certificate Needed?
A divorce certificate may be requested in several common situations:
- Remarriage (proof required for marriage license application)
- Name changes on your driver’s license, Social Security, or passport
- Health insurance updates for employer or government plans
- Financial transactions, like selling joint property or closing shared accounts
- Legal procedures requiring verification of marital status
- Immigration or visa applications where proof of divorce is needed
For most administrative and government uses, the certificate alone is sufficient. However, if you are:
- Challenging a court order
- Enforcing or modifying alimony
- Resolving custody disputes
...you’ll need the full divorce decree instead.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce Certificate?
Here are the estimated processing times based on the method of request:
Request Method | Processing Time |
Online | 5-7 business days + mailing |
10-15 business days | |
In-Person | Same day (subject to office volume) |
Expedited shipping and priority processing may be available at an additional cost if you need the certificate urgently.
What If My Divorce Was Before 2003?
The CDPHE does not maintain divorce certificate records prior to 2003. If your divorce occurred earlier:
You must:
- Contact the District Court in the county where the divorce was filed
- Request either:
- A certified copy of the divorce decree
- Access to the full divorce case file
To locate the proper court, use the Colorado Judicial Branch Court Finder.
What to Do If There’s an Error on the Certificate
If your divorce certificate contains incorrect information (such as a misspelled name or incorrect date), you’ll need to file a correction request with the CDPHE Vital Records Office.
Required documents may include:
- A copy of the original court decree
- Valid identification
- A notarized amendment request form
- Supporting documentation such as a driver’s license or birth certificate
Processing times and fees for amendments vary.
Contact Information
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Office of Vital RecordsWebsite: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecordsPhone: 303-692-2200Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)
For pre-2003 divorces or court-issued documents:
- Use the Colorado Court Finder to locate and contact the appropriate county district court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a divorce certificate if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you meet eligibility requirements and can provide proper identification and documentation, you may request a certificate regardless of your citizenship status.
How many copies of the certificate should I order?
It’s recommended to order at least two copies—one for personal records and one for immediate use. Additional copies are cheaper when ordered together.
Is a divorce certificate accepted for Social Security name changes?
Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts a certified Colorado divorce certificate as proof of name change following a divorce.
Can I use the certificate to prove custody arrangements?
No. The certificate does not contain any information about custody, visitation, or child support. For that, you’ll need the divorce decree from the district court.
Can I request the certificate on behalf of a deceased relative?
Yes, if you are an immediate family member (child, parent, legal guardian) and can provide proof of relationship and the relative’s death certificate.
What if I lost my certificate?
You can order a replacement using the same process described in this guide. Be sure to include all required information and identification.