Indiana marriage records and Indiana divorce records are kept by the county clerk office where the marriage or divorce took place. These records are vital for proving marital status, updating legal documents, and handling family or property matters. While some public information—such as names, dates, or case numbers—may be searchable online, official record details are not fully available on public databases.
To receive certified copies of a marriage certificate or divorce decree, you must contact the appropriate county clerk directly. Each office has its own procedures, identification requirements, and small service fees. Requests can typically be made in person, by mail, or through official county websites. Obtaining certified copies ensures you have a legally valid document that can be used for name changes, benefit applications, or other formal purposes.
How to Request Indiana Marriage or Divorce Records
Marriage and divorce records in Indiana are managed by county offices, and complete copies are not fully available online because of privacy laws. To get certified copies or official verification, you must contact the county clerk’s office where the marriage or divorce took place.
Step 1: Contact the County Clerk’s Office
Start by reaching out to the clerk’s office in the county where the marriage or divorce occurred. Each county keeps its own records, so requests must be sent to the correct office.
Step 2: Provide Accurate Information
Include the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the marriage or divorce. Accurate details help the clerk locate the record faster and prevent delays.
Step 3: Present Identification and Fees
Bring or include a valid photo ID with your request. Most counties charge a small processing fee for certified copies. Payment methods may vary, so check the county’s official website for accepted options.
Step 4: Use Statewide Resources if Needed
If you’re unsure which county handled the record, start with the Indiana State Library Vital Records Collection. It offers a searchable index that covers multiple counties across the state.
Step 5: Submit Your Request
Requests can often be made by mail, phone, or in person. Visiting the clerk’s office directly usually provides the fastest results. For more details, visit the Marion County Clerk’s Office or return to the Court Records homepage for access to other Indiana record resources.
Indiana Public Records Search Tool
Use the interactive search tool below to explore publicly available information from across Indiana. You can look up court, criminal, marriage, divorce, and property records in just a few clicks.
Records Search
Categories: Court | Criminal | Marriage | Divorce | Property
Search Fields:
First Name | Last Name | State: Indiana
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Use the search box above to look up basic public information such as marriage and divorce indexes, court filings, or property ownership details in Indiana. This tool connects you to a wide range of public record databases, helping you find the information you need quickly and securely.
Certified Copies vs. Public Record Access
Understanding the difference between public record access and certified copies helps you request the right type of document.
Public Record Access
Public record access lets you search or view basic information about a marriage or divorce online. These records are usually available for free through public databases or search tools. They can confirm that a marriage or divorce took place, list the parties involved, and include general case details. However, these are not official documents and cannot be used for legal or identification purposes.
Certified Copies
Certified copies are official records issued directly by the County Clerk’s Office. They include the clerk’s seal and signature, confirming their authenticity. These documents are required for legal actions, immigration, identity verification, and other formal uses.
Indiana State Library & Vital Records Archive
The Indiana State Library maintains an extensive collection of historical public records, including marriage and divorce indexes dating back many decades. These digital archives are freely accessible online and serve as a valuable resource for anyone researching family history or verifying past events.
While the records available through the library provide useful reference details, they are not official certified copies. They are intended for informational and genealogical purposes only. If you need a certified document for legal or identification use, you must request it from the county clerk’s office where the event occurred.
You can start exploring these historical indexes directly through the library’s online collection. It’s an easy way to trace records across multiple counties and time periods.
Contacting Your Local County Clerk
For official copies of marriage or divorce records, reach out directly to your local County Clerk’s Office. Each clerk maintains original documents and filings related to:
- Marriage license records
- Divorce decrees and case files
- Probate or name-change documentation
When contacting the office, have both parties’ full names, the approximate date of the event, and valid identification ready. Most offices accept requests in person or by mail, and some may offer limited online request options. Processing times and fees vary by county.
Example: Marion County
Marion County Clerk’s Office
200 E. Washington St., Suite W-122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 327-4740
If you need to locate another clerk’s office within the state, use the Indiana Courts Directory. This official resource lists all county clerk offices in Indiana and provides contact details, addresses, and links to their local websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are marriage and divorce records public in Indiana?
Yes, marriage and divorce records are considered public information in Indiana. However, there’s a difference between viewing basic public details and obtaining certified copies. Anyone can search for general information, such as names of the individuals involved, date, and county of filing. But if you need an official certified copy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree, you must contact the county clerk’s office where the record originated. Certified records are not available for download online.
How can I get a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Indiana?
To get a certified marriage certificate, visit or contact the county clerk’s office in the same county where the marriage license was issued. You’ll need to provide both spouses’ full names, the approximate date of marriage, and a valid government-issued ID. Some counties allow requests by mail or online forms, but payment is usually required by check, money order, or credit card. Fees typically range from $1 to $10 per copy.
How do I obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree in Indiana?
If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree, you’ll have to contact the clerk of the circuit court where your divorce case was finalized. Provide the names of both parties, the case number (if available), and proof of identity. Most clerk’s offices can process requests in person or by mail within 5 to 10 business days, depending on their workload.
Can I look up Indiana marriage or divorce records online?
You can find basic public record indexes online through the Indiana State Library or other state databases. These online tools provide access to names, dates, and general record details. However, complete or certified copies of marriage and divorce documents cannot be downloaded online due to privacy and legal restrictions. For official records, you’ll need to contact the local county clerk’s office directly.
Which office keeps marriage and divorce records in Indiana?
Marriage and divorce records in Indiana are managed at the county level, not by a central state agency. This means you must contact the county clerk’s office in the area where the marriage license was issued or the divorce case was filed. For older or historical records, you can also explore the Indiana State Library’s Vital Records Archive, which provides free public access to indexed data.
How long does it take to receive a certified record in Indiana?
Processing time varies depending on the county and how you submit your request. In-person requests at the clerk’s office are often completed the same day. Mail requests may take 5 to 10 business days after payment and documentation are received. If you apply during busy periods or request multiple copies, processing might take slightly longer.
Is there a fee for getting a marriage or divorce record in Indiana?
Yes, all certified record requests require a small processing fee. Most Indiana counties charge between $1 and $10 per certified copy, though prices may differ depending on the county. Payment is usually accepted by cash, check, or money order. Always confirm the exact amount and accepted payment methods with the county clerk before mailing your request.
Can someone else request my marriage or divorce records?
Basic public index data can be searched by anyone, but certified copies are restricted. Only the individuals named in the record, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives can obtain a certified copy. This rule helps protect your privacy and ensures official documents are only released to verified parties.
How far back do Indiana marriage and divorce records go?
Indiana’s record history is extensive. Most counties maintain marriage and divorce records dating back to the early 1800s, though the exact range varies by location. Older records are often archived at the Indiana State Library or the Indiana State Archives, which preserve historical documentation and provide free research access for genealogy or historical purposes.
What if I don’t know which Indiana county handled the marriage or divorce?
If you’re unsure of the county, you can start your search with statewide resources like the Indiana State Library Vital Records Index or the MyCase Indiana online portal. These databases allow you to search by name and can help identify the county where the marriage or divorce took place. Once you find the county, contact the clerk’s office there to request certified documents.