How to Get a Divorce Decree Copy Online in India

If you need a certified copy of your divorce decree, you can often get it without many trips to court. This guide shows you how to find and request a divorce decree copy online in India in clear steps. I explain what the decree is, why it matters, how to use the eCourts portal, legal basics you should know, and practical tips for NRIs and busy people. Read this and you will know exactly what to do next.

What is a divorce decree and why you need a certified copy

A divorce decree is the court’s final order that ends a marriage. It lists the names of the parties, the date of the divorce, and any terms about maintenance, custody, or property. A plain printout of a judgment is usually not enough. For most official uses you need a certified copy that carries the court’s seal and signature.

Common reasons you need a certified copy:

To remarry
For passport or visa applications
To transfer property or update bank records
For pension, insurance, or official ID changes
To prove marital status for courts or government offices

Always aim to get a certified copy rather than a casual printout. Where possible use the online system to save time and travel.

Key laws and digital rules you should know

The divorce itself follows family law like the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act. But what matters here is how courts issue and accept documents. The main laws and rules that help make online certified copies valid are:

Information Technology Act, 2000 — recognizes electronic records and digital signatures.
Indian Evidence Act, Section 65B — explains when electronic documents are admissible in court. The Supreme Court case Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer (2014) clarified the rules for electronic evidence.
eCourts Services (ecourts.gov.in) — the official government portal for case status, orders, and certified copy requests.
State court rules and Court Fees Act — each High Court or state may set small fees and local procedures for certified copies.

The newer criminal law reforms like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) do not change family court divorce procedures. But the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) and related rules strengthen how digital evidence and signatures work, which helps online certified copies gain wider acceptance.

Step‑by‑step: How to get a divorce decree copy online in India

Follow these steps exactly to get your certified copy quickly.

1. Confirm the court that issued your decree

Check whether the decree came from a Family Court, District Court, or a High Court (if it was an appeal).
Gather any details you have: case number, party names, year of judgment, or the CNR (16‑digit Case Number Record).

2. Use the eCourts portal

Go to https://ecourts.gov.in.
Navigate to the Orders/Judgments/Certified Copy section.
Select your State → District → Court → Certified Copy Module.

3. Search for your case

Search by CNR (best), case number, or party name and year.
If your case is old and not digitized, it may not appear online and you will need local help to find it.

4. Prepare documents and details

Required info usually includes case number/CNR, names of parties, date of judgment, and court name.
Keep a government ID ready: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driver’s license. Scan it if you apply online.

5. Fill the online application and pay fees

Enter all case details accurately, upload ID proof if asked, and pay the fee online (UPI, net banking, or card).
Save the payment receipt and the application reference number for tracking.

6. Track, download, or collect

Use the application reference number or CNR to track progress on eCourts.
If the court issues a digitally signed PDF, you can download it and verify its digital signature.
If the court requires physical collection, you will get a message with a collection date. Turn up with your receipt and ID.

Processing time is often 3–7 working days for documents that are already on the system. Older or archived files may take longer and sometimes require a registry visit.

When the online route might not work

Older judgments filed before digitization might not show up on eCourts.
Some smaller courts still require a physical application at the certified copy counter.
If you don’t have the case number and online search fails, you might need a local lawyer to check court archives.

In those cases, you can still start online by locating the court and then file an offline request at the court registry. A trusted local lawyer or authorised agent can help file the form and collect the certified copy for you.

How to verify an online certified copy

If you download a digitally signed PDF, verify the signature using the eCourts verification tool or the document’s digital certificate. For foreign use, check if the receiving authority wants extra steps like notarisation or an apostille.

Special tips for NRIs

Use a power of attorney or an authorised local representative to apply and collect the certified copy.
For foreign use, a physical certified copy is often needed for apostille by the Ministry of External Affairs or the state competent authority.
Ask your embassy or foreign office what they accept: digitally signed PDFs may work for some services, but many still request an apostilled hard copy.

Common problems and quick fixes

Case not found online: Search by party names and year on eCourts; if that fails, hire a local lawyer to search archives.
Processing delay: Keep payment receipts and application IDs. Ask the court registry or use the e‑filing helpline to follow up.
Foreign authority needs apostille: Obtain the physical certified copy and then get it apostilled via state MEA channels.

Legal backing and evidence rules

Electronic certified copies get legal weight from the Information Technology Act and Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act. The Supreme Court in Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer set conditions for using electronic records in court. Use the eCourts portal and ensure the digital signature or certificate is valid so banks and courts accept your copy.

Who can apply on your behalf?

You can apply yourself on eCourts.
A lawyer or authorised agent can apply and collect the certified copy with a Vakalatnama or an authorization letter.

Checklist before you apply

Confirm the court and the judgment date.
Have the CNR or case number ready, or at least the party names and year.
Scan a government ID for upload.
Keep payment method ready and save receipts.
Check if you need a digital copy only or a physical certified copy for apostille.

FAQs — short answers

Can I download my certified copy from eCourts? Yes, many courts issue a digitally signed certified PDF which you can download.
Is a simple printout enough? No — official bodies usually ask for a court‑certified copy with seal or a digitally signed PDF.
How long does it take? Usually 3–7 days for digitized records. Older files may take longer.
What if I don’t have the case number? Use case search by party names and year on eCourts or get help from a local lawyer.
Do I need a lawyer? Not always. Use a lawyer if the case is archived or for apostille and embassy matters.

Outlook: the road ahead

Courts across India are digitizing records and improving online services. Over time, expect faster access to certified copies, clearer rules on digital signatures, and wider acceptance by banks and foreign authorities. For now, use the eCourts portal, verify digital signatures, and get help when records are old or archived.

How LawCrust Legal Consulting can help

LawCrust Legal Consulting, a subsidiary of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., helps individuals and companies with legal services including matrimonial matters. We can assist in tracing your case, filing the certified copy application, collecting the certified copy, and arranging apostille or embassy attestation if you are an NRI.

Services offered:

Help finding and applying for a divorce decree copy online in India
Local court follow‑up and physical collection
Apostille and embassy attestation support for foreign use
Drafting authorization letters or power of attorney

With more than 50 offices across India and a team of over 70 specialised lawyers, LawCrust supports matrimonial issues, property disputes, immigration, NRI services, and more. You can also use their legal app to connect with lawyers quickly.

For expert legal assistance, contact us: Call Now: +91 8097842911 Email: inquiry@lawcrust.com Book an Online Legal Consultation

How to Get a Divorce Decree Copy Online in India — A Simple Step‑by‑Step Guide