Duékoué Department was created in 1988 as a first-level subdivision via a split-off from Guiglo Department.[3]
In 1997, regions were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast; as a result, all departments were converted into second-level subdivisions. Duékoué Department was initially included in Dix-Huit Montagnes Region, but in 2000 it was transferred to the newly created Moyen-Cavally Region.
In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast. At the same time, regions were reorganised and became second-level subdivisions and all departments were converted into third-level subdivisions. At this time, Duékoué Department became part of Guémon Region in Montagnes District.