North Carolina Divorce Records: Copies of the Judgment and Divorce Certificates
North Carolina family law · Last reviewed October 23, 2026
North Carolina keeps two kinds of divorce record. The divorce judgment is the court's order, kept by the clerk of superior court in the county where the divorce was granted. The divorce certificate is a short vital record that the clerk reports to the State each month and that NC Vital Records issues.
The divorce judgment
"You can get a copy of a divorce judgment from the clerk of court’s office in the county where the divorce was granted for a fee." If you finished a simple divorce at a hearing, "in most circumstances, you will leave court with a copy of your divorce judgment."
Court records in the clerk's office are generally open to the public, except where a law makes them confidential. Clerk's fees under G.S. 7A-308:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies | $2.00 for the first page of each document, $0.25 for each additional page |
| Certificate under seal | $3.00 |
| Exemplification | $10.00 |
"When a transaction involves more than one of the services set forth in this section, only the greater service fee shall be charged." Ask the clerk what a certified copy will cost before you pay.
Searching online. Since October 13, 2025, every county uses eCourts, and the eCourts Portal lets you look up case information and documents. For an official copy, go through the clerk.
The divorce certificate
The clerk sends the State a certificate for each divorce: "On or before the fifteenth day of each month, the clerk shall forward to the State Registrar the report of each divorce and annulment granted during the preceding calendar month." NC Vital Records issues certified copies:
- Years covered: "NC Vital Records has copies of divorce certificates from 1958-present." County clerks also have them.
- Fee: "$24 nonrefundable standard certificate search fee per three-year period (includes one copy of the certificate, if a record is found)." Extra copies are $15 each; online orders through VitalChek add a processing fee, and expedited service costs more.
- Processing time: NC Vital Records lists divorce certificates at about 9 months. County clerks can also issue them.
- What it shows: the names of the spouses, which one was the plaintiff, and the dates of the marriage and separation. For the terms of the divorce, get the judgment from the clerk.
- Corrections: "Our office does not handle changes to divorce certificates." Contact the county clerk.
Who can get a certified certificate
Under G.S. 130A-93(c), certified copies go to you or your spouse, sibling, parent or other direct ancestor, child or other descendant, stepparent or stepchild; to "A person seeking information for a legal determination of personal or property rights"; and to an authorized agent, attorney or legal representative. Anyone can get an uncertified copy for information only. "NOTE: Proof of identity and proof of eligibility are required."
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a copy of my North Carolina divorce decree?
Ask the clerk of superior court in the county where the divorce was granted. Copies are $2 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, plus a fee to certify.
Are divorce records public in North Carolina?
Court records in the clerk's office are generally open to the public unless a law makes them confidential. Certified divorce certificates from Vital Records go only to the people the statute lists.
What's the difference between a divorce judgment and a divorce certificate?
The judgment is the court's full order. The certificate is a short vital record with the names and dates, used to prove the divorce happened.
How long does it take to get a divorce certificate in North Carolina?
NC Vital Records lists about nine months for divorce certificates. The county clerk where the divorce was granted can also provide one.
How far back do North Carolina divorce records go?
NC Vital Records has divorce certificates from 1958 to the present. For an older divorce, ask the clerk in the county where it was granted.