District of Columbia • Court Records

Divorce Decree Apostille in Washington DC

Official DC Office of the Secretary authentication for divorce decrees issued by DC Superior Court

DC divorces: 3-5 business days through DC Office of the Secretary
Same-day walk-in service available for urgent remarriage abroad
Only DC-issued decrees can be apostilled in DC (jurisdiction matters)
Required for remarriage abroad, immigration proof, foreign property division

At a Glance — DC Divorce Decree Apostille

Issuing Authority	DC Office of the Secretary District Level
Standard Processing	3-5 business days Mail Service
Walk-In Service	Same day Before 2 PM
Authentication Fee	$10 per document DC Fee
Court Records Office	DC Superior Court Civil Division
Common Uses	Remarriage abroad, immigration, foreign property, citizenship applications Hague Convention

Critical: DC Divorces Only

The DC Office of the Secretary can ONLY apostille divorce decrees for divorces granted by DC Superior Court. Where you currently live is completely irrelevant.

Apostille jurisdiction by divorce location:

• Divorced in DC → DC Office of the Secretary apostille (this guide applies)
• Divorced in Virginia → Virginia Secretary of State apostille required
• Divorced in Maryland → Maryland Secretary of State apostille required
• Divorced in any other state → That state's Secretary of State apostille
• The court that granted the divorce determines apostille authority, not your residence

Remarriage Abroad: Proof of Legal Capacity to Marry

Most countries require apostilled divorce decree to prove you're legally free to remarry. Timing is critical for destination weddings and international marriages.

Country-specific validity requirements:

• Italy: Divorce decree must be recent (issued within 6 months) for marriage registration
• Spain: Requires divorce decree + Certificate of No Impediment, both apostilled
• France: Divorce decree with apostille + certificat de capacité matrimoniale
• Mexico: Apostilled divorce decree required, usually within 6 months
• Many countries require divorced individuals to provide decree even if divorced years ago

DC Superior Court Certified Copy vs Original Decree

You cannot apostille your original divorce decree from years ago. You must obtain a current certified copy from DC Superior Court.

• Original divorce decree from your lawyer (NOT apostille-eligible)
• Certified copy from DC Superior Court Clerk's Office (REQUIRED for apostille)
• Certification must be current - look for recent clerk signature and seal
• Order certified copy from DC Superior Court Civil Division Records
• Processing: Same day in person ($18) or 2-3 weeks by mail
• The apostille authenticates the clerk's signature, not your original decree

Divorce Decree for Immigration Applications

Both US and foreign immigration authorities require divorce decree documentation to prove marital status for spouse visa applications.

• US spouse visas (CR-1/IR-1): Apostille required if previously married
• K-1 fiancé visa: Divorce decree with apostille proves eligibility to marry
• UK spouse visa: Decree absolute with apostille (US divorce may need additional docs)
• Canadian spousal sponsorship: Divorce decree required but apostille not mandatory
• Australian partner visa: Divorce decree with apostille strengthens application
• Schengen spouse visas: Most require apostilled divorce decree within 6 months

DC Divorce Decree Apostille Options

Walk-In Service (Same Day)

Same Day

Visit DC Office of the Secretary at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW with your DC Superior Court certified divorce decree. Submit and receive apostille same business day if you arrive before 2:00 PM. Bring $10 cash, check, or money order. Perfect for urgent international wedding deadlines or last-minute visa appointments.

Mail Service (3-5 Days)

3-5 Days

Mail your certified DC divorce decree with completed apostille request form and $10 payment to DC Office of the Secretary. Include prepaid return envelope with tracking. Processing takes 3-5 business days from receipt. Most economical option when you have adequate time before international deadlines.

Getting Your Certified Divorce Decree First

DC Superior Court Civil Division

Required First

If you don't have your certified divorce decree yet, order from DC Superior Court Civil Division Records. Available in person (same day, $18) or by mail (2-3 weeks, $18 plus $5 shipping). You need case number or names/divorce date. Located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 4001.

Complete Decree + Apostille Package

Full Service

Don't have your certified copy or case number? We handle both steps: obtaining your certified divorce decree from DC Superior Court (including case lookup if needed), then immediately submitting it for apostille. Single coordinated service ideal for urgent remarriage abroad or immigration deadlines.

Divorce Decrees: Accepted vs Not Accepted for Apostille

Accepted for Apostille ✓

• Certified copy from DC Superior Court Civil Division
• Divorce decree with DC Superior Court Clerk seal and signature
• Recent certified copy with current clerk certification
• Final divorce decree (not temporary orders or separation agreements)
• Decree absolute showing marriage dissolution is final
• Certified copy ordered specifically for apostille purposes

Not Accepted ✗

• Original divorce decree you received from your attorney years ago
• Photocopy or scan of divorce decree
• Notarized copy of divorce decree
• Divorce decrees from Virginia, Maryland, or other states
• Temporary separation orders (not final decrees)
• Divorce certificates or abstracts (not full decree)

Divorce Decree Apostille Requirements

MUST HAVE

DC Superior Court Certified Copy: Must be current certified copy from DC Superior Court Civil Division Records Office. Your original decree from years ago cannot be apostilled. The certification must show recent clerk signature and court seal.
Final Divorce Decree: Document must be the final divorce decree showing the marriage dissolution is complete and final. Temporary orders, separation agreements, or pending divorce documents cannot be apostilled.
Correct Divorce Jurisdiction: Divorce must have been granted by DC Superior Court. Even if you live in DC now, divorces granted in other states must be apostilled in those states. The court that issued the decree determines apostille location.
Complete DC Apostille Request Form: Fill out the Office of the Secretary authentication request form. Include your contact information, destination country, purpose (remarriage, immigration, property), and clear return address.
Payment ($10 per document): Exact payment required: cash for walk-in service, check or money order payable to 'DC Treasurer' for mail submissions. Credit cards not accepted by DC Office.

CANNOT ACCEPT

Original Decree from Your Lawyer: The decorative decree you received when your divorce finalized cannot be apostilled. You must obtain a current certified copy from DC Superior Court Clerk's Office with recent certification.
Out-of-State Divorce Decrees: DC Office cannot apostille Virginia, Maryland, or any other state's divorce decrees. Each state apostilles only its own court documents, regardless of where you currently live.
Separation Agreements or Temporary Orders: Only final divorce decrees showing completed marriage dissolution can be apostilled. Pending cases, temporary orders, or separation agreements are not eligible.

Urgent Wedding Abroad? Need Apostilled Divorce Decree Fast?

Getting married internationally and just realized you need apostilled divorce decree? We expedite the entire process: obtaining your certified decree from DC Superior Court (with case lookup if needed), then same-day apostille processing. Perfect for destination weddings and last-minute marriage requirements.

Case number lookup service included

Same-day certified copy from DC Superior Court

Same-day apostille processing

Expedited international shipping available

Get Urgent Service

Complete in 24-48 hours

How to Get Your DC Divorce Decree Apostilled

Verify Your Divorce Was Granted in DC

Confirm your divorce was finalized by DC Superior Court. This is the most critical factor determining where to obtain your apostille.

Common mistake: Living in DC doesn't mean you were divorced in DC. Check your divorce paperwork - it should clearly state 'Superior Court of the District of Columbia' and show a DC case number format (XXXX-CA-XXXXX).

• Look at your original divorce decree or divorce certificate
• Verify the court name is DC Superior Court (not Virginia or Maryland)
• Check the case number - DC format is typically XXXX-CA-XXXXX or similar
• If divorced in another state: You cannot use this guide - contact that state

Obtain Certified Copy from DC Superior Court

Order current certified copy of your final divorce decree from DC Superior Court Civil Division. You cannot apostille your original decree from years ago.

DC Superior Court - Civil Division Records:

Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 4001
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 879-1133
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Tip: In-person service: Same-day issuance, $18 fee per copy. Mail service: 2-3 weeks, $18 per copy + $5 shipping. You need either the case number or both parties' full names and approximate divorce date.

Verify Certification is Current and Complete

Before submitting for apostille, confirm your divorce decree has current DC Superior Court certification with all required authentication features.

Must have: DC Superior Court header, recent Clerk of the Court certification stamp and signature, raised court seal, case number. If certification looks old or seal is faint, order fresh certified copy.

Check Destination Country Requirements

Before apostilling, verify your destination country's specific requirements for divorce decrees, including validity periods and translations.

Critical for remarriage: Many countries require divorce decrees issued within 3-6 months, even if you divorced years ago. Order fresh certified copy if country requires recent certification.

Prepare Apostille Submission Package

Gather your certified divorce decree, completed apostille request form, payment, and return envelope for DC Office of the Secretary.

Tip: Download authentication request form at os.dc.gov. Complete all sections, especially destination country and purpose (remarriage, immigration, property).

Choose Submission Method: Walk-In or Mail

Decide between same-day walk-in service or 3-5 day mail service based on your urgency and location. Walk-in strongly recommended for international wedding deadlines.

DC Office of the Secretary - Apostille Division:

Office of the Secretary
Notary and Authentications Division
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 419
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 727-3117
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Walk-in urgent service: Arrive before 2:00 PM for guaranteed same-day processing. Bring exact $10 cash per document. Metro Center station (Red/Orange/Silver/Blue lines) is two blocks away.

Submit for Apostille Processing

Submit your complete package to DC Office of the Secretary. Track delivery if mailing, or wait for processing if submitting walk-in.

Note: Walk-in processing typically takes 30-60 minutes during normal volume. You'll receive a numbered receipt. You can wait in the office or explore nearby.

Receive Your Apostilled Divorce Decree

Collect your apostilled divorce decree (walk-in) or receive via your return envelope (mail). Verify accuracy before international submission or remarriage.

Note: The apostille certificate is a single-page form attached to your divorce decree. It authenticates the DC Superior Court Clerk's signature and confirms the decree's legitimacy for international use.

Urgent Remarriage Package

24-48 Hours

Getting married abroad soon and need apostilled divorce decree urgently? We handle certified copy from DC Superior Court + same-day apostille + international express shipping. Complete service in 24-48 hours for destination weddings.

Immigration Document Package

Full Immigration Set

Spouse visa application requiring divorce proof? We coordinate apostilled divorce decree + apostilled birth certificate + any additional certified documents needed for immigration applications. One-stop service for complex visa requirements.

Property Division & Legal

Legal Documents

International property division or legal proceedings requiring divorce decree? We apostille your DC divorce decree and coordinate additional court documents if needed (settlement agreements, custody orders). Legal-ready authentication.

Walk-In Expedited Service

Same Day Complete

Local to DC with urgent deadline? Visit DC Superior Court with us in the morning for certified copy, then walk into Office of Secretary for same-day apostille. Complete process in single day. Ideal for last-minute international deadlines.

Apostille + Translation

Translation Included

Remarrying in non-English country? We apostille your divorce decree AND coordinate certified translation by accredited translator for your destination country. Both apostille and translation authenticated for acceptance abroad.

Case Lookup Service

Case Search Included

Lost your divorce paperwork and don't have case number? We search DC Superior Court records by your names and approximate divorce date, obtain certified copy, then apostille it. Complete service for those without case information.

DC Divorce Decree Apostille Fees & Timeline

Complete cost breakdown for divorce decree apostille process

Service Type	Fee	Processing Time	Notes
Certified Divorce Decree (DC Superior Court)	$18	Same day (in person)	Per copy, required before apostille
Certified Divorce Decree (Mail Order)	$23	2-3 weeks	$18 copy + $5 shipping
Case Number Search (if needed)	Free	Same day	Court staff search by names
DC Apostille (Walk-In)	$10	Same day	Arrive before 2 PM
DC Apostille (Mail)	$10	3-5 business days	From receipt of submission
USPS Certified Mail (Round Trip)	$8-15	5-7 days total	Your shipping cost
Express International Shipping	$50-100	1-3 days	For urgent wedding abroad
Certified Translation (if required)	$35-70	3-5 days	Per page, varies by language
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)	Varies	Variable	If required for remarriage
Complete Decree + Apostille Package (Our Fee)	Contact Us	24-48 hours	Both steps coordinated

* Fees are estimates and subject to change by government offices.