Where Greene County Marriage and Divorce Records Are Kept
The split is simple. The Recorder of Deeds at 940 N. Boonville Avenue handles marriage license applications, returned licenses, and certified copies. The Circuit Clerk at 1010 N. Boonville Avenue handles divorce, paternity, custody, and modification cases. The two offices are in separate buildings on the same downtown campus.
Recorder Cheryl Dawson-Spaulding leads the office that issues marriage licenses. The Recorder of Deeds page confirms the address, hours, and contact details. Circuit Clerk Bryan Feemster leads the office that files divorce cases. Both offices are open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Recorder of Deeds (Marriage)
940 N. Boonville Avenue, Room 102
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-868-4068
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Circuit Clerk (Divorce)
1010 N. Boonville Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-868-4074
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to Apply for a Greene County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Greene County are issued in person only. Both parties must appear at the Recorder's Office together. The Recorder FAQ page spells out every step.
- Both parties go in person to the Recorder of Deeds, 940 N. Boonville Avenue, Room 102, Springfield.
- Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license is accepted for age 18 and over; a birth certificate may be needed if age is in question.
- Provide a Social Security number for each party.
- Previously married applicants give the date the last marriage ended. Applicants divorced less than 30 days must acknowledge in writing that the divorce can still be set aside.
- Pay the $51 marriage license fee, or $60 if a certified copy is prepaid.
- Receive the license. Missouri eliminated the 3-day waiting period, so the license can be used the same day for a ceremony.
- Hand the license to the officiant, who completes the left portion. Two witnesses sign at the wedding.
- Return the signed license to the Recorder within 15 days after the wedding.
The image below shows the Recorder FAQ page, which is the cleanest summary of the application steps.
The license is valid for 30 days from issuance and may be used anywhere in Missouri.
Greene County Marriage License Application Fields
Couples fill out a short application at the Recorder counter. The table below lists the fields that the Recorder collects.
| Field | Required | Notes / Format |
|---|---|---|
| Full legal name of each party | Yes | As shown on photo ID |
| Date of birth of each party | Yes | Must show age 18 or older |
| Place of birth | Yes | City and state or country |
| Social Security number | Yes | Both parties |
| Current address | Yes | Street, city, state, ZIP |
| Parents' full names | Yes | Including mother's maiden name |
| Date last marriage ended (if any) | Conditional | For divorced or widowed applicants |
| 30-day acknowledgement | Conditional | For applicants divorced less than 30 days |
| Photo ID type and number | Yes | Driver's license, state ID, passport |
| Signature of each party | Yes | Signed at the counter |
Greene County Marriage License Fees
The Recorder fee schedule lists the marriage license fees. The $51 fee is split across several state and county funds.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $51 cash or card |
| License plus certified copy prepaid | $60 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $9 |
| Card convenience fee for certified copy | $1 debit / $1.25 credit |
Fee distribution from the $51 marriage license: Children's Trust Fund of Missouri $15, Shelter Fund for Abused Women $10, Greene County General Revenue $15, State and County User Fee $4, and County Employees Retirement System $7.
Certified Copy of a Greene County Marriage Record
A certified copy is needed for legal proof of marriage. Banks, immigration offices, courts, and other agencies often require it rather than a print of the application. The Recorder's Office offers four ways to order a certified copy.
- Prepay $9 at application; the Recorder mails the certified copy after the license is returned.
- After the wedding and return, pick up at the office for $9.
- Call the Recorder and pay by card; the office mails the copy.
- Mail a written request to Recorder of Deeds, 940 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 with a cashier's check or money order for $9 payable to Recorder of Deeds, plus a SASE.
Note: Personal checks are not accepted for marriage record copies. The license must have been issued in Greene County.
Missouri Marriage Rules That Apply in Greene County
Missouri marriage law sets baseline rules for who can marry and how. Greene County follows the statewide statute. The marriage license issuance statute and the applicant age and qualification statute are the primary references.
- Both applicants must be at least 18 under RSMo 451.090.
- Blood relatives down to and including first cousins may not marry.
- Missouri does not recognize common-law marriage.
- Missouri does not allow proxy marriage; both parties must appear in person.
- No residency rule; there is no distinction between resident and non-resident applicants.
The image above shows the RSMo 451.090 statute page on the Missouri Revisor of Statutes site.
How to Search Greene County Divorce Records
Greene County divorce cases are filed with the Circuit Clerk and assigned to a Family Court Commissioner or a Circuit Judge. Most divorce filings are public and can be found on Missouri Case.net.
- Open Case.net and choose Litigant Name Search.
- Set the court to 31st Judicial Circuit for Greene County.
- Enter the petitioner or respondent name.
- Look for case types in the Domestic category (dissolution, modification, paternity).
- Open the case to read the docket, parties, and final judgment if disposed.
- For a certified copy of the divorce judgment, file the Circuit Clerk record request form.
Some divorce cases are sealed for safety or include records redacted under RSMo 509.520 and 595.226. Those cases will not appear in full on Case.net.
Filing a Divorce in Greene County
Missouri uses the term dissolution of marriage. The dissolution statute RSMo 452.305 sets the petition and residency rules. Either spouse must have lived in Missouri for at least 90 days before filing.
Greene County divorce filings go to the Circuit Clerk's domestic counter. Basic steps include preparing the petition, filing with the Circuit Clerk, paying the filing fee or filing a poor-person motion, serving the respondent, following any temporary orders, completing discovery, and going to trial or settlement.
Greene County Divorce Filing Fees
The Circuit Clerk fee page lists current filing fees for domestic cases. Effective July 1, 2025, the standard fees are:
| Domestic Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage | $132.50 |
| Motion to Modify | $132.50 |
| Paternity | $132.50 |
| Family Court Access | $132.50 |
| Name Change | $207.50 |
Service of process fees apply if the Sheriff's Office serves the petition. Pro se filers without funds can ask for a fee waiver through a Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed As a Poor Person.
Certified Copy of a Greene County Divorce Decree
Divorce decrees are court records, not Recorder records. The Circuit Clerk issues certified copies. Use the standard Circuit Clerk request form and pick the Domestic packet or the entire domestic file option.
- Plain copies: $0.25 per page.
- Certified: $0.25 per page plus $3.00 per document certified.
- Mail return: add $1.00 or provide a SASE.
- Processing time: 5 to 7 business days for standard requests.
Note: The office cannot send the documents to a third party. The requester must receive them and then forward as needed.