Kentucky Birth Records Database
Kentucky birth records are official documents that certify a birth that occurred within the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains these records for all births from 1911 to the present day. You can obtain certified copies of birth certificates for legal purposes such as applying for passports, enrolling in school, or proving citizenship. The state offers several ways to request these records, including online ordering, phone requests, mail-in applications, and in-person visits to their Frankfort office.
Kentucky Birth Records Quick Facts
How to Obtain Kentucky Birth Certificates
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics is the sole authorized agency for issuing certified copies of birth certificates in the Commonwealth. Located at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort, this office collects and preserves birth records for all 120 Kentucky counties. Unlike many states, Kentucky does not issue birth certificates at the county level. All requests must go through the state office or their authorized vendors.
You have four options for ordering a Kentucky birth certificate. Online ordering through VitalChek is the fastest method. This is the state's authorized vendor for online requests. You can also order by phone at 1-800-241-8322 using a credit card. Mail-in requests are the most economical option but take up to 30 working days to process. For same-day service, visit the Frankfort office in person Monday through Friday until 3:30 PM.
The fee for each certified birth certificate is $10. Make checks or money orders payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer" for mail requests. Cash, check, or money order are accepted for walk-in requests. Credit cards are accepted for online and phone orders but include additional processing fees.
View the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics website for more details about their services.
Note: Third-party vendors may charge excessive fees, so order directly through the state for the best rates.
Kentucky Birth Certificate Application Requirements
To request a Kentucky birth certificate, you must complete the VS-37 Birth Certificate Application form. This form requires specific information about the person whose record you are requesting. You will need to provide the full name at birth, date of birth, sex, place of birth including city and county, and hospital name if applicable. You must also include the mother's full maiden name and father's full name.
The requester must include their relationship to the person on the certificate. A copy of valid government-issued photo identification is required with all applications. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Applications missing required information or proper ID will be returned unprocessed.
You can download the VS-37 Birth Certificate Application directly from the state website. Local health departments throughout Kentucky also have blank applications available.
VitalChek Online Ordering for Kentucky Birth Records
VitalChek Network Inc. is the only authorized vendor for processing online, fax, and phone orders for Kentucky vital records. This partnership allows you to order birth certificates quickly using a credit card. The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience.
Visit vitalchek.com to start your online order. You will need to provide the same information required on the paper application form. The system guides you through each step. Processing times vary but are generally faster than mail-in requests. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee.
Phone orders use the same system. Call 1-800-241-8322 and select option 1 to place your request. Average turnaround for phone orders is four to five business days plus mailing time.
Kentucky Birth Records Access Laws
Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 213 governs vital statistics in the Commonwealth. These laws establish who can access birth records and under what circumstances. Birth records become public after 100 years from the date of birth. Until then, access is restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest.
The Office of Vital Statistics does not have records of births that occurred before 1911. Statewide registration of births began in Kentucky in 1911 under the Vital Statistics Law enacted by the General Assembly. Some delayed birth records exist for people born before 1911 who later established their birth through affidavits and documentary evidence.
Learn more about KRS Chapter 213 - Vital Statistics on the Kentucky Legislature website.
Genealogy Research for Kentucky Birth Records
Genealogists seeking birth records in Kentucky have several resources available. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) holds historical records including births recorded before 1911. Their collection includes births to 1910, deaths to 1965, and marriages to 1910. KDLA is located at 300 Coffee Tree Road in Frankfort.
Some Kentucky cities maintained birth records before statewide registration began. Louisville has birth records from 1898 to 1911. Lexington has records from 1906 to 1911. Covington has records from 1896 to 1911. Newport has records from 1890 to 1911. These historical city records are valuable for genealogy research.
Visit kdla.ky.gov to explore the archives online or plan a research visit.
Local Health Departments and Birth Records
While Kentucky does not issue certified birth certificates at the local level, health departments throughout the state can assist you with the process. Local health departments provide blank VS-37 application forms free of charge. Staff can answer questions about the application process and help you complete the form correctly.
Local health departments cannot provide same-day certified copies. They cannot access the state vital records database. They cannot process payments for certificates. Their role is limited to providing forms and general guidance. All completed applications must be mailed or taken to the Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort.
Some health departments offer birth verification services. These provide limited information and are not certified copies. Verification documents may be useful for some purposes but cannot replace official birth certificates for legal matters.
Note: Contact your local health department to confirm which services they provide before visiting.
Browse Kentucky Birth Records by Location
Select a county or city below to find local contact information and resources for obtaining birth records in that area. While all certified certificates come from the state office, local resources can guide you through the process.