Kentucky Vital Records Search

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What are Kentucky Vital Records?

The state of Kentucky began keeping vital records in 1910. Kentucky's Office of Vital Statistics as part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is the agency in charge of preserving, protecting, and collecting all vital records. These vital records include birth, death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce records. This agency issues copies to eligible individuals upon request. They do charge fees, however. The Office of Vital Statistics is also in charge of health management and reporting vital statistics data about Kentucky residents. You can request records from this agency by mail, in person, or online or by phone using the VitalChek system.

Kentucky Birth Records

Kentucky began keeping birth records in 1911. Birth records are not open to the public, and only the person named on the certificate, their parents or a legal guardian may request a copy of their birth record. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics is the agency in charge of all birth records for the state. Birth certificates come in handy when you need to verify your identity, apply for a passport or driver's license, go to school, apply for government jobs, and other situations. The Office of Vital Statistics allows you to request copies through the mail, in person at their office in Frankfort, by phone, and online, using the VitalChek service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Kentucky?

You can request a copy from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. They, however, cannot give you free information from birth records. You must fill out an application, qualify, and then get a copy.

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

You must contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics or use the VitalChek online system. Either way, you will need to verify your eligibility, fill out an application, and pay the fee.

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

A certified copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky costs $10. You can order as many copies as you want, but each will cost you $10. You may have to pay extra when ordering expedited service or using the VitalChek service.

Who can request birth records?

Since birth records are kept private in Kentucky, only certain people can get a copy of yours. That list includes:

  1. The person listed on the birth certificate.
  2. The person's parents.
  3. A legal guardian.
  4. Another legal representative with authorization.

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

When filling out an application for a copy of someone's birth certificate, you need to supply some information such as:

  1. Full name at birth of the person for whom the certificate is requested.
  2. The month, day, and year of birth.
  3. The county of birth.
  4. The mother's maiden name.
  5. The father's name.
  6. Name and address where the certificate is to be mailed.
  7. Phone number where you can be reached during the day from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
  8. The number of copies being ordered.

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

Historical birth records going back to 1910 are available through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. They may have records dating back even further, but it is not guaranteed.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

Certain errors may be corrected in birth records according to Kentucky laws. However, you must contact the Office of Vital Statistics Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to inquire about the process.

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

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Kentucky Death Records

The state of Kentucky has death records going back to 1911. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics is the government agency in charge of death records and issuing death certificates upon request. Death records in Kentucky are not public records; therefore, not just anyone can request a copy. For those eligible, the Office of Vital Statistics allows you to order copies of death certificates through the mail, online, by phone, and in-person at their offices. Death records are needed when someone puts in a claim for life insurance or applies for a marriage license after being widowed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Death Records

How do I find death records in Kentucky?

You can find death records in Kentucky by contacting the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. However, they cannot perform a search without also providing a certified copy, so either way, you have to file an application and pay the fee.

Are death records public in Kentucky?

No. Death records are not public in Kentucky, and only certain people can get a copy of someone's.

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

Each death certificate in Kentucky costs $6. There is no limit, and you can order as many as you like. However, if you use the VitalChek system, you may have to pay extra.

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

If you order through the mail, you will wait 30 days for your copy. However, you can visit in person and get a copy the same day. If you order online or by phone, it may take a week or so to get a copy.

Who can request death records?

The only people who can request a copy of death records are:

  1. The person's spouse.
  2. Children of the deceased.
  3. Parents of the deceased.
  4. A funeral home.
  5. A legal representative.
  6. Law enforcement or government agencies.
  7. Others with proper authorization.

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

When you request a copy of someone's death certificate, you need to provide some information such as:

  1. Full name of the deceased.
  2. The month, day, and year of death.
  3. The county of death.
  4. Name and address where the certificate is to be mailed.
  5. Phone number where you can be reached during the day from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
  6. The number of copies being ordered.

As the requestor, you also need to provide your relationship to the person and any supporting documentation.

Where can I find historical death records in Kentucky?

You can find all the records you need through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. They have death records going back to 1911.

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

The state of Kentucky has a specific process for amending records. You can contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to inquire.

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

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Kentucky Marriage Records

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics has marriage records from June 1958 to the present. If you need records older than June 1958, you can contact the county clerk in the county that filed the marriage. Marriage records are open to the public, and anyone can get a marriage certificate. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics offers certified copies of marriage certificates through the mail (which may take 30 days), by phone, in-person and online through the VitalChek system, which is an authorized agent of the state of Kentucky and can issue certificates. Marriage certificates come in handy when you need to change your name or validate your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Marriage Records

Are Kentucky marriage records public?

Yes. Anyone can get a copy of a marriage certificate either through the county clerk's office where the marriage was filed or the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, who has records from June 1958.

What Kentucky marriage records are available?

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics has marriage records only from June 1958. The county clerk's offices where the marriage took place have older records, and you can get copies there.

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

If you order one through the mail, it will take at least 30 days. If you order by phone or online, it may take 5-7 working days. If you visit them in person, you can usually get a copy the same day.

How much does a Kentucky marriage certificate cost?

Each marriage certificate in Kentucky costs $6. There is no limit, and you can request multiple copies at the same time. If you order through VitalChek, you will have to pay an administrative fee.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting copies of Kentucky marriage records, you need the following information:

  1. Full name of First Party.
  2. Full name of Second Party.
  3. The month, day, and year of the marriage or divorce.
  4. The county where the marriage license or divorce was issued.
  5. Name and address where the certificate is to be mailed.
  6. Phone number where you can be reached during the day from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
  7. The number of copies being ordered.

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

If the marriage was after June 1958, you could order a copy through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Otherwise, you need to contact the court clerks in the county where the marriage took place.

What if I didn't get married in Kentucky?

If you were married outside of Kentucky, contact the courthouse where your marriage was filed, and they can help you with getting a copy.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Anyone. Marriage records are public records in Kentucky.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a specific process for amending records. You can contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to inquire.

Kentucky Divorce Records

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics has been keeping track of divorce records since June 1958. The state has much older records, but they are kept with the county court clerk where the divorce was granted. Divorce records are important when changing your name, getting remarried, and verifying your identity. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics issues copies of divorce certificates from June 1958 to the present. You can get them easily through the mail, in person at their office, by phone and online through the VitalChek system. Divorce records in Kentucky are public records, and anyone can get a copy of yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Kentucky?

Yes. Divorce records are public records, and therefore they exist in various online public records databases. The state of Kentucky does not have a searchable database, but using VitalChek, you can request copies of divorce certificates.

How do I find old divorce records?

If you need a divorce certificate older than June 1958, you must contact the county clerk in the county/town where the divorce was granted.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

You can contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics and get a copy easily by mail, online, by phone, or in person. If you need one older than June 1958, you have to visit the county clerk's office where your divorce was finalized.

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

When searching for divorce records in Kentucky, you will need some basic information such as:

  1. Full name of First Party.
  2. Full name of Second Party.
  3. The month, day, and year of the marriage or divorce.
  4. The county where the marriage license or divorce was issued.
  5. Name and address where the certificate is to be mailed.
  6. Phone number where you can be reached during the day from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
  7. The number of copies being ordered.

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 Kentucky?

If you got divorced in another state other than Kentucky, you must contact the county courthouse where the divorce was granted for information on how to get a copy. The Office of Vital Statistics only deals with divorces that took place within the state.

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