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Kentucky Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Kentucky birth certificates from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) - Office of Vital Statistics (OVS). The current processing time is 5 to 30 days. The state fee is $10.00 per birth certificate. The individuals authorized to order a Kentucky birth certificate are not restricted.

How to Order State of Kentucky Birth Certificates

You can order your Kentucky birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the appropriate health department for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person, will-call, drop box, or by mail from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services -Office of Vital Statistics (CHFS) by following their instructions. Make sure to review and confirm the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times before initiating the process.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Kentucky birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.
  3. Provide a wet signature when your application packet arrives.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order Kentucky Birth Certificates?

The table below outlines the information and documents needed to obtain a birth certificate in Kentucky. In certain cases, the CHFS recommends including identification for verification purposes. This is especially important for will-call pick-ups, which require an ID that matches the name of the requester and proof of the order.


ID Requirements

None

How to Get a Kentucky Birth Certificate Without ID?

The Kentucky CHFS-OVS generally does not require applicants to provide a photocopy of their identification when requesting certified copies of their records. However, in certain cases identification may be required to prove eligibility.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Kentucky?


The costs and fees associated with replacing a birth certificate in Kentucky vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). The CHFS-OVS charges a $10.00 fee for each certified copy. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$10.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $10.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Kentucky?

The current processing time for birth certificate replacements with Kentucky CHFS-OVS is 5 to 30 days, though this may vary. Refer to the chart below for the current delivery and processing timelines. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

5 to 30 days

Rush Processing Time

Not offered



Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Kentucky Birth Certificate?

Authorized individuals who can order a Kentucky birth certificate include the person named on the record or third parties authorized by the CHFS-OVS residents of the Commonwealth (individuals and businesses living, working, and operating in Kentucky). A completed application and appropriate fees are required to request birth certificates for yourself or on someone else's behalf. Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you are authorized.

Authorized People


  • Individuals with a Court Order
  • Legal Representative
  • Mother / Father on record
  • Person on Record

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

Kentucky CHFS-OVS generally does not require applicants to notarize applications when requesting birth certificates, regardless of the order method.

Tracking

How to Check the Status of Your Kentucky Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online while we are handling it. VRO verifies your documents before forwarding them to Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (CHFS - OVS) for further processing. Additionally, you can request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's journey to the health department for extra verification.

If you are mailing your birth certificate application manually, it is recommended that you send it using first-class mail with tracking information to know when it arrives at CHFS - OVS.

The CHFS - OVS does not provide tracking for the delivery of your vital records certificates to your address. Once the records leave the state office, the state is not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Kentucky Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered to have been born in Kentucky; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with Kentucky. If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base and your parents were U.S. citizens, your birth should be recorded with the U.S. Department of State. You must contact the U.S. Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA of form FS-240).

    Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a U.S. birth certificate. This document is recognized in the U.S. as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Kentucky Birth Certificate?

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    A birth certificate is a vital document that verifies an individual's birth and is widely accepted by both government and commercial entities. It is an official source of information about a person's birth, confirming essential details such as legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names. This document serves as proof of identity and citizenship. It is crucial for significant life events, including legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a Kentucky Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    An officially certified birth certificate will have distinct features to indicate the CHFS-OVS issues it. The appearance of an official birth certificate may differ depending on the year it was issued. It will often include key information to verify a person's identity and the legitimacy of their citizenship at birth.

    Note that the Office of Vital Statistics does not issue uncertified copies or photocopies of birth certificates for any year. The CHFS-OVS defines specific guidelines for counties that may use unique colors and layouts. In all cases, official birth certificates will generally display features such as:features such as:

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.


    Certificate of Live Birth State of Iowa
  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Kentucky Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the CHFS-OVS.

    a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the CHFS-OVS office during hours of availability.

    b. For applying by mail: Send your application and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the CHFS-OVS at:

    Office of Vital Statistics Department for Public Health Cabinet for Health and Family Services

    275 E. Main St. 1E-A Frankfort, KY 40621

    c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

    2. CHFS-OVS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Kentucky Birth Certificate

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    The Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Office of Vital Statistics provides a simple procedure for when an individual must correct or amend a birth certificate. If you find an error in a record and need to make a correction, please contact OVS at (502) 564-4212 during business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday.

    Requests to correct or amend birth records will typically require the following:

    1. A completed amendment application: An Affidavit for Amendment to Certificate , signed by a Notary Public.

    2. Supporting documentation: The Office of Vital Statistics must approve the evidence used to a correct birth certificate.

    If the registrant is 18 years of age or older:

    2.1. The document of evidence must be 5 years prior to the date of the amendment.

    If the registrant is between 7 years of age and 17 years of age:

    2.2. The document of evidence must be 3 years prior to the date of the amendment.

    If the registrant is between 3 years of age and 6 years of age:

    2.3 The document of evidence must be 1 year prior to the date of the amendment.

    3. Appropriate fee(s): Contact the CHFS - OVS for the fees to amend a birth record.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Kentucky Birth Certificate

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    If you file your vital records with a foreign government, you will likely need an apostille. Apostilles can only be requested for birth certificates initially filed with the CHFS-OVS.

    You can obtain an apostille for Kentucky birth records through the Office of the Secretary of State Authentications and Apostilles or online through VRO.


    o manually obtain an apostille for your Kentucky birth certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:

    1. A certified copy of your birth certificate.
    2. A completed Apostille Request Form.
    3. A check or money order of $5.00 per document made out to the “Kentucky State Treasurer.”
    4. Optional self-addressed prepaid FedEx, UPS, or USPS Priority label if you’d like expedited return shipping
    5. Submit the Apostille request to the Office of the Secretary of State - Authentications and Apostilles at the following addresses:

      Standard or Express Courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx)


    For walk-ins: