What are Kansas Vital Records?

Vital records in Kansas include birth, death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce records. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is the government agency in charge of all vital records, and they preserve them, store them, and issue copies of certificates upon request. That office manages more than 10 million records with at least 100,000 new ones added each year, and they issue about 360,000 copies annually. Some of the normal purposes for vital records, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, are applying for "passports, enrolling in schools, sports participation, starting new jobs, qualifying for subsidized housing, collecting life insurance benefits, and transferring property."

Kansas Birth Records

Kansas birth records are not public records, and only close family members, legal representatives, and others with a tangible interest may get a copy of yours. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is the government agency that preserves vital records like birth records, and they issue copies when requested. Kansas started keeping birth records in 1860, but the older the record, the longer it may take to locate it. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment allows you to request copies of birth certificates using the internet and the VitalChek service, by phone, through their IKAN mobile app, or through the mail using their downloadable form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is the government agency in charge of all birth records. They can perform a search for you when you request a copy. You must, however, pay a non-refundable fee.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment allows you to get copies online using VitalChek, through the mail, by phone, and even though their IKAN mobile app. You must fill out an application and pay a fee when requesting a copy. Birth certificates are usually processed within 3-10 days.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Kansas?

The cost for each certified copy of your birth record is $15. That price includes the search fee. If you want the copy sooner, you can pay an extra $13.95 for expedited service.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in Kansas are not public records. Therefore, only certain people can request a copy of yours. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, that list includes "the person named on the record, immediate family, a legal representative, or anyone who can prove a direct interest, such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property with the person whose record is requested."

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Kansas birth certificate?

When requesting a copy of your birth certificate, you must provide the following information:

  1. The requestor's name, address, email, and signature.
  2. Your relationship to the person named on the record.
  3. The name on the certificate.
  4. The date of birth.
  5. Date of death (if applicable).
  6. Age of the person now.
  7. Race.
  8. Gender.
  9. The hospital where the birth occurred.
  10. Full maiden name of the mother.
  11. Mother's birthplace.
  12. Full name of the father.
  13. Father's birthplace.
  14. The number of copies requested.

Where can I find historical vital records in Kansas for genealogy research?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has all the birth record going back to 1860. Requesting copies of really old records take longer, but they can help you.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

The state of Kansas has specific laws regarding making amendments and corrections to vital records. They have a different process based on the situation. You can learn all about the process here.

Can I get a refund if my Kansas birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Kansas Death Records

The state of Kansas has been keeping death records since 1911. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is the agency in charge of preserving and issuing them. They allow you to request copies through the internet using the VitalChek service. You can also get them through the mail, using their downloadable form, by phone, or even using their IKAN mobile app. The cheapest option is by mail. Otherwise, you have to pay extra fees for processing or the type of service. Death records are not public records in Kansas. Therefore, only certain people can get a copy of yours, including close family, legal representatives, and someone with a tangible property interest. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Death Records

How do I find death records in Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is the agency to contact to search for and find death records. They have been keeping them since 1911. You will need to pay for a copy with the search.

Are death records public in Kansas?

No, they are not, and only certain people can get access to them.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Kansas?

Each certified copy of a death certificate is $15. If you want the copy expedited, you can pay another $13.95, and if you order with a method other than through the mail, you may have to pay additional fees.

How long does it take to get a copy of a Kansas death record?

It depends on the method, but typically, you can get one within 3-10 days after ordering. Really old death records may take longer as they will be harder to locate.

Who can request death records?

Only certain people can order a copy of someone's death record. According to The Kansas Department of Health and Environment that list includes "the person named on the record, immediate family, a legal representative, or anyone who can prove a direct interest, such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property with the person whose record is requested."

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Kansas death certificate?

When requesting a copy of someone's death record, you will need to supply the following information:

  1. Name on the death certificate.
  2. Date of death.
  3. Place of death.
  4. Race.
  5. Gender.
  6. Marital status at death.
  7. Name of the spouse.
  8. Mother's name.
  9. Father's name.
  10. Place of birth.
  11. Resident of death.
  12. Funeral home.
  13. City/county where buried.
  14. Number of copies ordered.

As the requestor, you must provide your name, address, email, signature, and relationship to the person named on the certificate.

Where can I find historical death records in Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has death records going back to 1911, and they can help you find any that you need.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The state of Kansas has specific laws regarding making amendments and corrections to vital records. They have a different process based on the situation. You can learn all about the process here.

Can I get a refund if my Kansas death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Kansas Marriage Records

The state of Kansas keeps marriage records private. Therefore, only certain people can get a copy of your marriage certificate. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is the government agency in charge of all vital records, including marriage records. They began keeping marriage records as of 1913, and you can request copies of marriage certificates through them. The county district courts also have copies, and those are open to the public. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment allows you to request copies through the VitalChek service online, through the mail, by phone or using their IKAN mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Marriage Records

Are Kansas marriage records public?

Not through The Kansas Department of Health and Environment. They only issue copies to close family members and legal representatives. However, at the county district court level, marriage records are open to the public.

What Kansas marriage records are available?

The state of Kansas began keeping marriage records as of 1913, and The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has copies of them all. The courts should also have copies in the county where the marriage took place.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Kansas?

Typically, you can get one within 3-10 days going through The Kansas Department of Health and Environment. If you use the court method, you may be able to get one same-day.

How much does a Kansas marriage certificate cost?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment charges $15 for each certified copy of a marriage certificate. For expedited service, you will pay another $13.95, and using a method other than mail; you may have to pay extra fees.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting a copy of someone's marriage record, you will need some information such as:

  1. Full names of both parties.
  2. Dates of birth for both parties.
  3. Date of marriage.
  4. County that issued the marriage license.
  5. City where the marriage took place.

As the requestor, you need to provide your name, address, email, and signature. You must also designate your relationship to the person on the record.

How do I get a copy of a Kansas marriage record?

Using The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, you can get one online, through the mail, by phone, and using the IKAN mobile app. You can also contact the county district court for copies.

What if I didn't get married in Kansas?

You should contact the courthouse in the state and county where you were married for information on how to get copies.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Only the following people can get a copy of your marriage certificate using The Kansas Department of Health and Environment: "the person named on the record, immediate family, a legal representative, or anyone who can prove a direct interest, such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property with the person whose record is requested." If you contact the courts, anyone can get a copy.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Kansas?

Kansas has a specific process for correcting errors on marriage certificates. Use this link to find out how to process a correction.

Kansas Divorce Records

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been keeping divorce records since 1951. However, older records exist at the local county courthouses where the divorce was granted. When you request copies through the Department of Health, you will get a certificate with information but not a copy of the divorce decree itself. You must visit the county district court where the divorce was granted for that. This agency allows you to get copied through VitalChek online service, by phone, through the mail using their downloadable form and using their IKAN mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Kansas?

Yes. If you need records from 1951 to the present, contact The Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a certified copy. Otherwise, you will need to contact the local county district courthouse where the divorce was granted.

How do I find old divorce records?

Contact the local district court where the divorce was finalized. At the court level, divorce records are open to the public.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

You can contact The Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a certified copy for $15. If you order through the app, online, or by phone, you may have to pay additional fees. If your divorce took place before 1951, you would have to contact the courthouse instead.

What information is needed to search for a Kansas divorce record?

When searching for divorce records, you will need the following information:

  1. Full names of both parties.
  2. Date of birth for both parties.
  3. Date of the divorce.
  4. County that granted the divorce.
  5. City that filed the divorce.
  6. Number of copies requested.

As the requestor, you need to provide your name, address, email, and signature. You must also designate your relationship to the person on the record.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of Kansas?

If you were not divorced in Kansas, you must contact the courthouse where your divorce took place. They can help direct you to where you can get copies.