Get your certified Kentucky Divorce Certificate

A divorce verification from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics costs $6. For a full divorce decree with detailed settlement terms, contact the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. Court fees vary by county.

A Kentucky divorce certificate (verification) is a short-form document from the Office of Vital Statistics confirming the divorce occurred. A divorce decree is the full court order from the circuit court containing all settlement details such as property division, custody, and support orders. Most legal purposes require the decree.

In Kentucky, eligible requesters include either party named in the divorce, immediate family members, or a legal representative. If you need someone else to request the record on your behalf, they may use a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) from an authorized party.

Kentucky divorce records are generally public records unless sealed by court order. You can obtain a divorce verification from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics or request the full decree from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.

A Kentucky divorce certificate typically presents a formal and official layout, featuring the state seal at the top, which signifies its authenticity. You'll notice key details listed prominently, including your name, your ex-spouse's name, and the date of the divorce. The document will also outline the case number and the court that issued the decree, ensuring it meets legal standards. Generally printed on quality paper, the certificate may contain specific markings indicating that it is a certified copy, which is often necessary for various legal or personal purposes. Overall, it serves as a clear and concise record of the dissolution of your marriage.

The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from state to state.

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal names of the spouses.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of divorce of the spouses.
• 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 divorce certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

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

If you lose your divorce certificate:

1. Apply 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.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The CHFS-OVS may accept walk-ins at their location.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the CHFS-OVS at:
      
      Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics 275 East Main Street, 1 E-A Frankfort, KY 40621
      
   3. 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.

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:

1. A completed amendment application;
2. Supporting documentation;
3. Appropriate fee(s);
4. A notarized statement completed by an authorized person (if required based on the certificate and changes being amended).

If you file your vital records with a foreign government, you will likely need an apostille. Apostilles can be requested for birth, death, death, and marriage certificates initially filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, Authentications and Apostilles. Divorce certificates from the Kentucky State Registrar of Vital Statistics must bear the signature of the current State Registrar.

The only way to obtain an apostille for Kentucky vital records is through the Office of the Secretary of State, Authentications and Apostilles or VRO. VRO offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is acknowledged by various governments and organizations as having legal validity in over 100 countries. The service covers apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, all with professional assistance. The process can be conveniently done online in just three steps, and the cost starts at $149 (plus government fees).

1. Complete the Apostille Express online application.
2. Submit the required documents for approval.
3. Receive your apostille document.

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 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:

• Completed Apostille Request form.
• Certified vital records or notarized documents are to be authenticated.
• Payment of $5.00 per document.

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.