Vital Records Online, a trusted US-based platform, provides a secure, straightforward service for obtaining Kentucky birth, marriage, and death certificates. Rest assured, your documents will arrive safely, with your private information kept confidential.
Summary:
Kentucky, “the Bluegrass State,” has an estimated population of 4.5 million. The Kentucky Department of Public Health (DPH) is responsible for developing and operating state public health programs and activities for the citizens of Kentucky. The mission of DPH is to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention, promotion, and protection.
The Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) has birth records of persons born in Kentucky from 1911. OVS does not have birth records before 1911, except delayed records of birth established by affidavits and documentary evidence. Applicants may only order their birth certificate or one for an immediate family member. In the state of Kentucky, death records are public records. Certified copies of Kentucky marriage records are only available to persons named on the vital record.
If you are doing family tree research, the Office of Vital Statistics can help, or you can try many of the accessible public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for KY vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential for many milestones in life. They serve as proof of identity, citizenship, and familial ties and are instrumental in resolving legal issues, claiming inheritance, and conducting genealogical research. They offer valuable insights into your ancestry with details such as your ancestors’ full names, birth and death dates, and residences. If any of these vital records are lost, it’s advised to file a police report and request a certified replacement promptly.
Every county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records within its jurisdictions. You can find out where to apply for replacements by checking the comprehensive directory of KY County vital record issuing offices. The directory includes locations, contact details, and links to online applications for obtaining birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Kentucky, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Kentucky residents can obtain vital records in various ways. The most reliable method is applying online, although mail and in-person requests can also be possible. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services’s Office of Vital Statistics will provide certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates if you meet specific requirements and follow the set instructions. Each type of vital record defines unique requirements to request certified replacements, but the ordering process is straightforward once you understand the criteria.
The certificate type you need and the method you choose to order it will influence its cost, eligibility, requirements, and processing time. Whether ordering online, by mail, or in person, understanding the procedures and terms before requesting a vital record copy from CHFS-OVS is essential.
Ordering Kentucky vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Eligible and authorized individuals can request Kentucky birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Be sure you have the required documents before starting the process, as you will need to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application.
Vital Records Online simplifies assembling the required documents and guides how and where to submit the application and documents. Accessible from any internet-enabled device, the process can be completed in as little as five minutes. The system also prevents application rejection due to common errors or omitted paperwork.
✔︎ The $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Kentucky birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Applying in person is an option for those living near a state health department office that issues certified vital record copies. If you decide to apply in person, make sure the office is open to the public when you go, and be prepared for long queues. You can order online or via mail to save time and avoid any hassles.
The process is similar whether you’re applying in person or by mail. For an in-person application at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
Ensure a successful application by carefully reviewing the specific criteria for each document before sending it to prevent denial due to errors or incomplete information.
❗️ To avoid your application being rejected due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the necessary criteria for each required document before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
It is essential to understand the terms and requirements before compiling the documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
To order new Kentucky vital records, refer to the table below for the necessary documents and information.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Office of Vital Statistics does not require applicants to provide a photocopy of their identification when requesting certified copies of their records, regardless of the order method used. If you request records from the CHFS-OVS, you will need to fill out the application and provide an accepted form of payment.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Kentucky?
The CHFS-OVS sets distinct criteria for each type of certificate and personal situation, so be sure to review the eligibility terms and requirements for replacement copies of Kentucky birth, death, and marriage certificates.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name at Birth, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
||
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Name, Physician Name, Place of Death, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
||
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Marriage, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Who can request vital records in Kentucky?
The individual on record is authorized to request a certified copy of their vital records. They must verify their identity with the application.
If you are ordering a vital record on someone else’s behalf, verify that you are eligible and authorized by checking the requisites. The CHFS-OVS only permits certain third parties – like family members or legal representatives – to request such records.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Not Restricted |
| Death Certificate | Not Restricted |
| Marriage Certificate | Not Restricted |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
CHFS-OVS generally does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting birth, death, or marriage certificates, regardless of the order method. A notarization is typically only needed when requesting an amendment to a birth certificate.
The total cost for requesting a certified vital record copy depends on the CHFS-OVS’s fees for each type of certificate, how you choose to submit your application, and whether you need to obtain a notarized statement.
When utilizing Vital Records Online to order your birth, marriage, or death certificate, the online Application Assistant starts at $29. The CHFS-OVS charges a $10.00 fee for each birth certificate and a $6.00 fee for each birth or marriage certificate.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $10.00 | $10.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Kentucky?
Processing times for birth, death, or marriage certificate replacements can vary. Refer to the current processing times listed in the table.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 3 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 3 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 20 to 30 days | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by CHFS-OVS may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
With Vital Records Online, you can monitor the processing of your application by viewing its order status. You can also track your application packet to the Kentucky Department of Public Health; first-class mail tracking is included with every order.
If you manually send your application packet to the vital records health department, it is recommended to purchase first-class mail tracking to know when the application has arrived successfully. The DOH-OHSM ships all vital record certificates with USPS first-class mail to ensure security but is not responsible for misdirected or lost certificates. If your certificate is stolen or misplaced, file a report immediately. Be aware that minor errors, typos, or omitted documents can cause delays, extra shipping charges, or potential exposure of your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Kentucky counties office locations directory.
If you file your vital record with a foreign government, you will likely need an apostille. Apostilles can be requested for birth, death, and marriage certificates initially filed with the Office of the Secretary of State Authentications and Apostilles.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only way to obtain an apostille for Kentucky vital records is through the Office of the Secretary of State Authentications and Apostilles or Vital Records Online. Vital Records Online offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is acknowledged by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. The service covers apostilles for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, all with professional assistance. The entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps, and the cost starts at $149 (plus government fees).
Under most circumstances, there is no need to acquire a physical copy of your documents as the entire process can be completed online. Once you have completed the necessary documentation for the apostille, it will be delivered to you through FedEx or DHL. The delivery will reach you regardless of your location, whether in the US or elsewhere, as we rely on reputable courier services for global delivery.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Office of the Secretary of State Authentications and Apostilles at the following addresses:
For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Office of the Secretary of State,
Authentications and Apostilles,
PO Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602-0718
For walk-ins:
Office of the Secretary of State,
State Capitol, 700 Capital Ave., Ste. 158,
Frankfort, KY 40601
You can reach the office at (502) 564-3490 or https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/apostilles/Pages/default.aspx.
The CHFS-OVS has provided a list of common circumstances in which an amendment to a vital record is needed to assist in this process.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Office of Vital Statistics (CHFS-OVS) provides a simple procedure for when an individual must correct or amend a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a family member’s death certificate. The forms you will need to request an amendment depend on what information you are amending. Any changes you request can be made as addendums to the original vital record; however, it is impossible to alter the original document.
The procedure for requesting amendments to a vital record can vary depending on which vital record is to be changed.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Kentucky Vital Records are not restricted and are publicly available. Finding free public records can be complicated, but many vital records in Kentucky are freely and readily open to the public. You can search Kentucky’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you want, but be prepared to devote substantial time reviewing records.
Are Kentucky Vital Records Open to the Public?
Most state records are public in Kentucky. The access, however, will depend on the types of records you’re looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Some third-party websites make it easy to research specific types of vital records. These websites are often not limited to your geographic location and can be a great point of reference when researching records. However, the data on third-party sites may differ from official government records. To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following:
Kentucky residents have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
Each state, county, and municipality has different vital records. Depending on which municipality or agency issued your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate, you may want to check what the documents look like to ensure you have the official certified copy. One way to recognize informational copies of vital records is that they come with a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar. To confirm that your certificate is a certified copy, you can check what the official, certified documents look like in the county where yours was issued.
In Kentucky, authorized copies of vital records are certified legal documents for official identification, while informational copies are unofficial and cannot be used for official purposes. Authorized copies require a notarized sworn statement, while informational copies are used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research and do not require documentation.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used for official identification, while informational copies cannot be used to establish identity. These certified copies are only issued to individuals who have a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates, also known as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), heirloom, or commemorative certificates, are not official legal documents. They are intended for display or personal reference purposes and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. These copies are typically used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics does not issue informational (non-certified) copies of vital records in any form, such as heirlooms, keepsakes, or genealogical vital records. (source)
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Kentucky government website at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1165/Office-of-Vital-Statistics
