Hawaii Divorce Certificate

A  Hawaii divorce certificate is an official document that confirms a divorce was granted in the state of  Hawaii. It is part of the state’s vital records system, managed by the  Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), Office of Health Status Monitoring. A divorce certificate provides basic details such as the names of the spouses, the date of divorce, and the location where it was finalized.

This certificate is distinct from a divorce decree issued by the Family Court. While a decree contains full legal details including custody arrangements, division of property, or spousal support the certificate serves primarily as proof that a divorce legally occurred. It is often required for practical and legal purposes, such as applying for a new marriage license, updating identification documents, or modifying Social Security records.

Understanding how to obtain, use, and differentiate a  Hawaii divorce certificate is essential for individuals who need official proof of their divorce status. This guide explains eligibility requirements, ordering methods, fees, and the legal framework surrounding divorce certificates in  Hawaii.

Divorce Certificates vs. Divorce Decrees

It is common for people to confuse divorce certificates with divorce decrees. Both are legal documents, but they serve different purposes.

Divorce Certificate

A summary vital record confirming that a divorce occurred. Issued by the Department of Health. Needed for name changes, proof of marital status, or government records.

Divorce Decree

A court-issued judgment that details the outcome of the case, including custody, visitation, property division, and financial orders. Issued by the Family Court, not the Department of Health.

For example, if you need proof of divorce to remarry in  Hawaii or another state, a divorce certificate is usually sufficient. If you need to enforce alimony or child custody terms, the decree from the Family Court is required.

Jurisdiction and Legal Authority

Divorce in  Hawaii is under the jurisdiction of the Family Court of the First, Second, Third, and Fifth Circuits, depending on the island where the couple resides. Once a divorce is finalized, the court transmits the official information to the  Hawaii Department of Health, which records it as part of the state’s vital records.

By law ( Hawaii Revised Statutes §338-14), the Department of Health has authority to issue certified copies of divorce certificates for divorces occurring between July 1951 and December 2002. For divorces finalized after 2002, individuals may need to obtain records directly from the Family Court, though the DOH still manages certain indexes for verification.

This division of responsibility means that anyone seeking a  Hawaii divorce certificate must first determine the year of the divorce, since that affects whether the record is available through the Department of Health or the courts.

Who Can Request a  Hawaii Divorce Certificate

 Hawaii  restricts access to certified divorce certificates in order to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. According to the DOH, the following parties are eligible:

• Either spouse named on the certificate.
• Immediate family members (parents, children, or legal guardians).
• Legal representatives, such as attorneys with documented authorization.
• Government agencies or institutions with a legitimate need.

Members of the public who are not directly related or authorized cannot obtain certified copies. However, informational or genealogical copies may sometimes be requested, though these may contain limited details.

How to Apply for a  Hawaii Divorce Certificate

The  Hawaii Department of Health provides multiple methods for requesting a divorce certificate. Applicants must complete the necessary forms, present identification, and pay the required fees.

1. Online Request

The official e Hawaii.gov Vital Records portal allows applicants to order divorce certificates electronically. Requesters must provide details such as the full names of both parties, the date of divorce, and the county where it occurred. Payment is made by credit card, and certified copies are mailed by the Department of Health.

2. Mail Request

Applicants can complete the Application for Certified Copies of Vital Records form and mail it to the DOH, along with:

• A photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
• Payment in the form of check or money order.
• Proof of entitlement if the requester is not one of the divorced parties.

3. In-Person Request

Certificates can also be obtained in person at the DOH’s main office in Honolulu, located at 1250 Punchbowl Street, or at neighbor island DOH offices. Appointments are typically required. Applicants must bring valid identification and submit their application during office hours.

Fees for Divorce Certificates

The cost of obtaining a  Hawaii divorce certificate is established by law under  Hawaii Revised Statutes §338-14.

If a search is conducted but the record is not found, the $10 fee is still charged. All fees must be paid at the time of the request. Payments for online orders are made by credit card, while mail requests require check or money order payable to the “ Hawaii State Department of Health.”

Processing Times

Processing time depends on the method of request.

• Online requests: Typically processed within 5–10 business days, plus mailing time.
• Mail requests: Can take 4–6 weeks, depending on demand and mail delivery.
• In-person requests: If all documents are in order, certified copies may be issued within the same day or within several days.

Applicants should plan accordingly, especially if the certificate is needed for urgent legal or administrative purposes, such as remarrying or updating immigration documents.

Required Information for Requests

To avoid delays, applicants must provide accurate and complete information. The following details are usually required when applying for a divorce certificate in  Hawaii:

• Full names of both spouses (before and after marriage).
• Date of the divorce.
• Place (county) where the divorce was granted.
• Relationship of the requester to the individuals named on the certificate.
• Purpose of the request (e.g., legal, personal, remarriage, Social Security).

Without this information, the DOH may be unable to locate the record, and the search fee will still apply.

Limitations on Availability

The DOH maintains divorce certificates from July 1951 to December 2002. For divorces outside this range:

• Before July 1951: Records may not be available through the DOH and should be requested from court archives.
• After 2002: Certified copies must generally be obtained from the Family Court that finalized the divorce. The DOH may provide an index verification but not a certified copy.

This limitation is important for individuals who divorced in  Hawaii in the past two decades. In most recent cases, the Family Court is the proper point of contact.

Uses of a  Hawaii Divorce Certificate

A  Hawaii divorce certificate may be required in several contexts:

• Proof of marital status: For remarrying in  Hawaii or another state.
• Legal name change: For updating Social Security, passports, or driver’s licenses.
• Immigration and travel: To prove marital history when applying for visas or residency.
• Financial and estate matters: For pension benefits, insurance claims, or property transfers.

It is considered an essential document for legal and personal recordkeeping once a marriage has been legally dissolved.

Common Issues and Solutions

Some applicants experience challenges when requesting a divorce certificate. Common issues include:

• Incomplete applications: Missing information or failure to provide valid ID.
• Unclear entitlement: Requests from individuals not authorized by law.
• Delayed processing: High demand or incomplete documentation may extend timelines.
• Wrong office contact: Attempting to obtain a certificate from the DOH for a divorce finalized after 2002.

To avoid these issues, applicants should carefully review eligibility, ensure all documents are submitted, and verify whether the request should go through the Department of Health or the Family Court.

Genealogical and Informational Copies

Some divorce records may be requested for genealogical purposes. While certified copies are restricted, informational copies may be issued in certain cases. These are often used by historians, genealogists, or family researchers and may not be legally valid for administrative purposes. Information may also be redacted to protect sensitive details.

Remember

A  Hawaii divorce certificate is an official document proving that a divorce was legally granted in the state. Managed by the  Hawaii Department of Health for divorces between July 1951 and December 2002, it is separate from the more detailed divorce decree issued by the Family Court.

Certified copies are available only to eligible individuals such as the spouses, immediate family, or legal representatives and requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Fees are set by state law, with the first copy costing $10 and additional copies $4 each.

For divorces after 2002, applicants must contact the Family Court directly. Regardless of the method, proof of identity and accurate information are required to complete the process.

By understanding the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree, and by following the Department of Health’s application requirements, individuals can ensure they receive the necessary documentation to prove their divorce status for legal, personal, or administrative needs.