Quick facts
- Some countries require exemplification (a higher, multi-signature "triple certification") rather than a standard certified copy — confirm with the receiving authority before ordering, since it costs more (§70628, $50 + pages).
- Decide with the requesting party whether they need just the FL-180 judgment or also the MSA / FL-190 — ordering only what's required avoids the $40-per-document certification on extras.
- Never notarize a divorce judgment — a court record is authenticated by the clerk's certification, not a notary. Notarization does not substitute for court certification.
- General condition rules: no lamination · no post-notarization alterations · no tape · staple multipage · legible signatures/seals.
- Submitting a plain photocopy, online download, or old uncertified copy instead of a clerk-certified copy.
What to know
Issuing office. The Superior Court clerk (family law / records division) in the county where the divorce was finalized — e.g., LA County Superior Court (Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles), Santa Clara (191/201 N. First St., San Jose), Orange County (Lamoreaux Justice Center). Each court sets its own request method (in-person, mail, or online portal); many offer online ordering for newer cases. Certified route (how to obtain a certified copy): 1. Identify the county/branch and gather the case number, both parties' full names as filed, and approximate finalization date. (No case number can trigger a $15 search fee if the clerk's search exceeds 10 minutes.) 2. Request a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) — say it's "for apostille / international use" so the clerk applies the correct certification format. 3. Pay the fees (see below). Confirm the.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (FL-180) from the Superior Court that handled your case. Say "certified copy for apostille."
Is the CDPH Certificate of Record the same thing?
No. The VS 113-B only confirms a divorce occurred; it is not the decree. Most foreign authorities reject it — order the FL-180 judgment from the court.
How much is the certified copy?
$15 for the dissolution judgment (Gov. Code §70674). Other documents in the file cost $40 to certify plus $0.50/page.
Can I notarize it instead of getting it certified?
No — a court judgment must be certified by the court clerk. Notarization does not replace certification.
Common destinations
Countries this document is most often sent to (pulled from this page's own guidance). Every destination has its own rulebook — apostille (Hague) or full legalization (non-Hague).