What Are Kansas Marriage Records?

Kansas marriage records serve as formal documentation of marriages and are maintained by state and county officials. These records can be accessed by eligible individuals and fulfill important functions, such as applying for spousal benefits, processing a new passport, or changing a name.

Relevant offices are responsible for maintaining different categories of marriage records, which can include everything from marriage license applications to marriage indexes. Among these, the two most prevalent types of records are marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

Under Kansas Statutes Annotated 23-2505, a marriage license provides legal authorization for a couple to marry. This license is available three days after the submission of their application. In contrast, a marriage certificate serves as proof of the marriage and is issued after the wedding ceremony has been conducted.

Upon retrieval, these records generally contain information like the names and addresses of the couple, the date and location of the marriage, details about the officiant, the names of witnesses, and any relevant marital history.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Kansas, the majority of marriage certificates are classified as public records and can be accessed based on the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). This legislation provides individuals with the right to inspect, copy, or request copies of public records. However, one must note that not all marriage records are completely accessible to the public.

According to Kansas Statutes Annotated 65-2422d, access to marriage certificates is limited to authorized individuals, including spouses, immediate family members, or legal representatives. This restriction safeguards sensitive information and upholds privacy standards.

For publicly accessible marriage records, custodians may still redact certain sensitive information, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), signatures, addresses, dates of birth, and other details concerning minors, for the privacy and security of the individuals involved.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Kansas?

To locate marriage records in Kansas, individuals must first determine the date of the marriage. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has maintained records of marriages issued throughout the state since May 1, 1913.

For marriages that occurred before this date, record seekers may need to contact other relevant institutions, such as the Kansas Historical Society.

When looking up or requesting a copy of a marriage record, individuals must provide the names of both parties, the date of the marriage, the names of the parents listed on the records, as well as the place of issuance, and the location of the marriage.

Typically, a valid government-issued photo ID is required for verification, along with the payment of any applicable fees. Requests can usually be made online, in person, by mail, or via telephone, based on the policies of the specific office.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

In Kansas, marriage certificates can be requested as certified copies or regular copies. Certified copies are official documents that hold legal recognition and are necessary for various legal and official purposes. Meanwhile, regular copies are non-official and are primarily intended for personal use.

To secure a certified copy of a marriage certificate, individuals must take the following steps:

Online

• Verify identification requirements.
  • Applicants must meet identification criteria to place an online request. The credit card used must belong to the requester, and the name and address on the card will be verified. Additionally, either an SSN or a driver's license number must be provided.
• Access the VitalChek website.
  • For this method, individuals must visit the VitalChek website, the official vendor contracted by the KDHE. After reaching the homepage, they need to select Kansas from the U.S. map and follow the instructions to proceed.
• Applicants must submit the required details, which include:
  • Names of both individuals on the marriage certificate
  • Date and location of the marriage
  • A valid ID, such as a driver's license or government-issued photo ID
• Pay the applicable fees:
  • The base fee for the certified marriage certificate
• An additional $13.95 fee for expedited service
• Choose a delivery method. Two delivery options are available:
  • Standard delivery by mail
  • United Parcel Service (UPS) delivery for expedited shipping. If UPS delivery is selected, a physical address is required, and someone must be available to sign for the package. One must note that UPS does not deliver to P.O. Box, APO, or FPO addresses.
• Submit the request.
  • Once all required fields are completed and payment is processed, the online request is forwarded to KDHE. The KDHE will process online requests within three business days of receiving the order.

In Person

• Visit KDHE Office of Vital Statistics (OVS):

• Go to the Curtis State Office Building (first floor).
• Enter through the main entrance off 10th and Jackson Street. Jackson Street is a one-way street heading north.
• Walk past the Security Desk, then go left down the hallway to the office.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)

• Prepare an acceptable ID, which includes:

• Driver's license
• State ID card
• Passport or visa
• Military ID
• If no photo ID is available, bring two of the following documents:
• SSN
• Bank statement with current address
• Car registration or title with current address
• Utility bill with current address
• Pay stub with name, SSN, and business name/address

• Request the certificate:

• Once inside, proceed to the first available kiosk to request a certified marriage certificate.

• Pay for the certificate:

• The cost is $20 per certified copy, with an additional $20 for each extra copy ordered at the same time.

By Mail

• Gather required identification:
  • Bring any government-issued photo ID similar to the one used in the in-person method.
• Fill out the Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Marriage Certificate form:
  • Complete the application form or write a letter including the following:
    • Certificate being requested
    • Number of copies requested
    • Full name as listed on the certificate
    • Date of marriage
    • Place of marriage
    • Spouse's full name
    • Relationship to the person named on the marriage certificate
    • Reason for the request
    • Daytime phone number and mailing address
    • Handwritten signature on the request
• Prepare the payment:
  • Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to "Kansas Vital Statistics".
  • Additional copies of the same record are $20 each.
• Mail the request:
  • Enclose the completed form, photocopy of ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  • Send the documents to:

The office typically processes requests by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the information is insufficient or the payment is incorrect, the request will be returned along with an explanation.

By Phone

• Prepare the required information:
  • Valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express)
  • The expiration date of the credit card
  • SSN or driver's license number
  • Type of vital record being requested (marriage certificate)
  • Number of certified copies being requested
  • Relationship to the person named on the certificate
  • Reason for requesting the record
  • Full name as listed on the certificate
  • Date of birth and place of birth (must be Kansas)
  • Mother's maiden name
  • Father's name
  • Daytime phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Preference for delivery method
• Call the Kansas VitalChek Service:
  • Dial 877-305-8315 to speak with an operator. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Provide the personal information, including the requester's SSN or driver's license number, along with details like names, birthdate, and relationship to the person on the record.
• Pay fees similar to previous methods. For expedited service, the fee is $13.95.
• Adhere to the given instructions for the delivery timelines.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Kansas, individuals seeking marriage licenses can obtain them from the KDHE OVS or the county clerk of the district court in the county where the marriage took place. To obtain a copy of a marriage license, an individual must contact the district court clerk in the relevant county. This can typically be done in person, by mail, or through online platforms.

When requesting a copy, individuals must be prepared to provide:

• Full names of both spouses
• Date of marriage
• Location of marriage
• Valid government-issued photo ID for verification
• Appropriate fees, which differ depending on the county

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the VitalChek contracted by the KDHE OVS and online platforms that the county clerks of the district courts may provide, individuals may consider exploring additional online resources to access state marriage records.

For broader genealogical research, the Kansas Council of Genealogical Societies provides access to a wealth of resources, including databases and tools helpful for tracing marriage records and related historical information.

The Kansas Historical Society also maintains a Kansas Marriage Index (1854-1861), which includes territorial marriage notices compiled from newspapers and other sources.

Other options include third-party platforms like RecordsFinder, which aggregates data from various government and public databases. While these services may provide convenient options, fees are typically charged for detailed reports or data access.

Note that these alternatives can only provide informational copies of records. Certified copies of marriage records remain obtainable exclusively through the KDHE OVS or county offices.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

In Kansas, marriage records are generally accessible to the public. However, specific records, such as those held by district courts, are classified as confidential and are not open for public inspection.

Confidential records in Kansas, as per Kansas Statutes Annotated 45-221, are defined as records that are restricted from public access due to legal or privacy concerns. These include various types of records, such as adoption records, juvenile court records, certain law enforcement records, and marriage records that are designated as confidential by law.

The KORA (Kansas Open Records Act) acknowledges that some records, by their nature, must remain confidential to protect individuals' privacy, safety, or security. Records marked as confidential are typically only accessible to the parties named in the records, their attorneys, or other authorized persons based on legal statutes that justify restricted access.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in Kansas, applicants must comply with the legal requirements set forth by the Kansas Judicial Branch. The state allows both residents and non-residents who are at least 18 years old to apply. The process is straightforward and consists of various steps as outlined below:

• In-Person Application: Both individuals must apply together in person at a county district court clerk's office.
• Complete the Application: Couples are required to complete the marriage license application form, which is available at the clerk's office or online.
• Provide Documentation: Applicants must also provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate, government-issued photo ID, or SSN. Those who do not have the required document must provide a sworn affidavit as a substitute.
• Pay Fees: The fee for a marriage license application is $85.50. An additional fee of $2.14 applies if paying by credit or debit card or $1.25 if by electronic check.
• Waiting Period: In Kansas, there is no waiting period, which allows a couple to marry immediately after obtaining the license.
• Validity: The marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. If the couple does not marry within this period, they must reapply for a new license.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Errors on Kansas marriage certificates, such as misspellings or incorrect dates, can be corrected through the KDHE OVS Amendment Unit.

To correct a marriage certificate, applicants must submit a Marriage Affidavit identifying the certificate, detailing the error, and providing the correct information. Supporting documents, such as original records or other evidence, must also be included.

The Amendment Unit reviews all requests and supporting evidence. If documentation is insufficient, the request may be denied.

Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the said department. Note that an amendment fee of $20 is required in addition to any document replacement fees.

Are Marriage Records Under the Kansas Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Kansas Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), also known as the Safe at Home program, protects individuals at risk by offering an alternative address that can be used for official transactions and important life events such as marriage.

To take part, individuals must apply through the Attorney General of Kansas. After enrollment, they can use the substitute address for obtaining a marriage license, registering to vote, and getting a driver's license. Records associated with the substitute address are kept private and unavailable to the public, except in cases like court orders.

Kansas Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage trends across the U.S. have undergone notable changes over recent decades, with 53% of adults now married, marking a decline from 58% in 1995. Conversely, cohabitation rates have risen to 7% from 3% over the same period.

In Kansas, marriage statistics reflect unique trends shaped by various factors, including age, educational attainment, and cultural influences. While certain patterns align with national averages, others distinctly highlight the state's demographic and societal characteristics. Below are the key marriage statistics and trends observed in Kansas:

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