Home › Kentucky › How-To Guide
Kentucky · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics (state level - Frankfort)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Kentucky death certificates are restricted to immediate family, legal representatives, and others with documented legal interest. Death records public after 50 years.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. WALK-IN (Frankfort): Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621; before 3:30 PM EST; check or money order only (NO CASH)
  4. DROP BOX: Drop box at visitor entrance at 275 E. Main St.; blank applications at drop box; processed within 5 business days
  5. BY MAIL: Complete application; include check or money order payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer" (NO CASH); mail to OVS address above; up to 30 working days
  6. BY PHONE: (800) 241-8322 (option 1); major credit card required; 4-5 business days plus mail
  7. ONLINE: VitalChek (only authorized vendor) - vitalchek.com
  8. LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Pick up blank application form (cannot issue certificates)
  9. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of relationship/interest
  10. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application form
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or legal interest
  • Payment: check or money order to "Kentucky State Treasurer" (NO CASH) for mail/walk-in; credit card for phone/online
Fee
$6 per certified copy of death certificate; NON-REFUNDABLE; VitalChek and phone orders incur additional fees
Processing Time
Walk-in/drop box: 5 business days; mail: up to 30 working days; phone: 4-5 business days; VitalChek: expedited
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized vendor)
Where to Go
Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621; VitalChek online
Kentucky Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Kentucky death certificates are relatively affordable at $6 each compared to most states.
  • NO CASH accepted; check, money order, or card only.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
  • Death records publicly accessible after 50 years.
  • Kentucky also issues certified marriage and divorce records through OVS.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics - chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb | (800) 241-8322 | 275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621