When a marriage ends in the state of Wisconsin, legal closure often involves more than just a final court date. You will eventually need official proof of the event for tasks such as obtaining a new passport, updating a Social Security card, or managing a will. This proof is provided through a Wisconsin divorce certificate.
In Wisconsin, vital records are protected by law to ensure the privacy of the families involved. This means you cannot simply walk into an office and request someone else's files without proving you have a legal right to them.
What is a Wisconsin Divorce Certificate?
A divorce certificate is a short, one-page document. It is important to know that this is not the same thing as a "divorce decree." While both documents come from the government, they serve different purposes. The certificate is a simple summary. It lists the two parties' names, the divorce date, and the county where it was granted.
The Wisconsin Vital Records Office handles these summaries for all divorces in the state from October 1907 to the present. Because it is a "vital record," it is managed alongside birth and death records. It is used to file for marriage and domestic partnership.
When should you call the clerk of court instead?
If you need specific details of a split, such as who gets the family home, how much child support is being paid, or who has legal custody, a divorce certificate will not help you. You need a "Divorce Decree" or "Judgment of Divorce." The state vital records office does not keep copies of the full decree. To get that multi-page document, you must contact the clerk of court in the specific county where the case was heard.
Where to Find Your Divorce Records
The location of your records depends on the date your divorce was finalized. Wisconsin recently updated its system to make finding newer records much easier.
For divorces after January 1, 2016
If your divorce happened fairly recently (anytime after the start of 2016), you have the most flexibility. You can visit any of the county register of deeds offices in the entire state. Even if you got divorced in Milwaukee, you could walk into a register's office in Madison or Green Bay and walk out with your certified copy. This is because the state now uses a statewide electronic database.
For older records (1907 to 2015)
For divorces that happened between October 1907 and December 31, 2015, the search is more localized. You must either contact the clerk of court in the county where the divorce took place or order the record directly from the main Wisconsin vital records office located in Madison.
Who is Allowed to Request a Certified Copy?
Wisconsin law limits who can receive a certified copy of a vital record. To get one, you must have what is called a tangible interest. This legal standard ensures that sensitive information stays in the right hands.
People who typically have a tangible interest include:
- The people named on the divorce certificate (either spouse).
- Immediate family members such as parents, children, or siblings.
- Legal representatives like a lawyer or a court-appointed guardian.
- People who can prove the record are necessary to protect a personal or property right.
If you do not fit into one of these groups, you might only be able to get an "uncertified" copy. These are printed on plain paper and typically include a stamp reading "Not for Legal Purposes." They are great for family history projects, but banks and government agencies will not accept them for identity updates.
Identification Requirements for Vital Records
To protect against identity theft, you must show a government-issued photo id when you make your request. If you are applying in person, the clerk will check your original card. If you are applying by mail, you must send a clear photocopy of your ID.
The state is very strict about these requirements. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- A state-issued driver's license or id card.
- A tribal or military id card.
- A valid US or foreign passport.
If you do not have a photo ID, you may be able to use two other documents, such as a current bank statement and a utility bill, though this often takes longer to process. Always make sure your ID is not expired. If the date on your card has passed, the Wisconsin Vital Records Office will reject your application.
How Much Does a Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Cost?
There is a fee for each search and for each record issued. Even if the office searches the database and cannot find your file, you usually still have to pay the search fee.
Item | Cost (2026) | Notes |
First Certified Copy | $20.00 | Includes the search and one official printout. |
Additional Copy | $3.00 | Must be ordered at the same time as the first. |
VitalChek Fee | Varies | Only applies to online or phone orders. |
Expedited Shipping | $10.00 - $25.00 | An optional fee if you need the record sent quickly. |
If you know you will need copies for the DMV, a passport application, and your own files, it is much cheaper to buy them all at once. If you return a week later for an additional copy, it will cost an additional $20.00.
What Payment Methods are Accepted?
The state of Wisconsin accepts different payment methods depending on how you submit your order. For mail-in requests, you should send a money order or a check made payable to "State of Wis. Vital Records." Never send cash in the mail.
If you visit a county register of deeds in person, most will accept cash, money orders, or credit cards. Online orders must be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
Ordering Your Certificate Online Through VitalChek
The state of Wisconsin does not have its own private online store for vital records. Instead, they partner with Vitalchek.com. This is the only "official" way to order a divorce certificate online.
When you use VitalChek, you will have to answer several security questions to prove your identity. You will also have to upload a digital picture of your government-issued photo id. While this method is fast and convenient, it is also the most expensive option because the company charges a service fee on top of the state’s $20.00 fee.
How Long Does it Take to Get the Record?
The time it takes to get your record depends on the method you choose.
- In-Person
This is the fastest way. You can usually pick up your certified copy in about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Online
VitalChek orders are usually processed within 3 to 5 business days, plus shipping time.
- By Mail
This is the slowest method. The office must receive your letter, verify your money order, and verify your ID. This can take anywhere from two to four weeks.
Certificates for Domestic Partnerships
In Wisconsin, domestic partnership records are handled almost exactly like divorce and marriage records. If you need proof that a partnership was legally terminated, you will follow the same steps. You will need to provide your ID, pay the $20.00 fee, and prove that you have a tangible interest in the termination file. These records are also available at county register of deeds offices if they were filed after 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a certificate if I wasn't divorced in Wisconsin?
No. The Wisconsin vital records office only has information on events that occurred within the state's borders. If you were divorced in Illinois or Minnesota, you must contact the vital records office in that specific state.
What if I can't find my divorce record?
If the state cannot find any record of your divorce, it will send you a "Not Found" letter. This often occurs when the Clerk of the Court fails to send the final paperwork to the state office. if this happens, your first step should be to call the county where the divorce occurred to make sure they finished the filing.
Do I need a new certificate to get a passport?
Usually, yes. If you changed your name due to a divorce, the passport office will require a certified copy with a raised seal. A regular photocopy or an uncertified copy will generally not work for federal identification.
Summary of the Process
To get your Wisconsin divorce certificate, remember these simple steps. First, check the divorce date to determine whether it occurred before or after 2016. Next, gather your government-issued photo id. Choose your path: go in person to a register of deeds, send a letter to Madison, or use the online VitalChek service. Prepare your payment method, noting the $20.00 first-copy fee. Finally, ensure you have a tangible interest in the file so the office can legally provide the record.
Getting your legal documents in order is a key step in moving forward after a life change. By following this guide, you can make sure you have the proof you need for whatever comes next. Whether you are dealing with birth, death, marriage updates or just cleaning up your files, the county register of deeds offices are there to help you get the job done correctly.