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Kentucky · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth 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 birth certificates are restricted. Eligible requesters: the person named, parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or others with documented legal interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. WALK-IN (Frankfort): Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621; walk-ins accepted before 3:30 PM EST; typically processed same day; check or money order only (NO CASH)
  4. DROP BOX (Frankfort): Drop box at visitor entrance at 275 E. Main St., Frankfort; blank applications provided at the drop box; processed within 5 business days of receipt
  5. BY MAIL: Complete application (available at chfs.ky.gov or local health department); include check or money order payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer" (NO CASH; funds must be drawn on a U.S. bank); mail to Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621; allow up to 30 working days
  6. BY PHONE: Call (800) 241-8322 (option 1); major credit card required; average turnaround 4-5 business days plus mail; credit card surcharge applies
  7. ONLINE: VitalChek (only authorized vendor) at vitalchek.com - credit/debit card accepted; VitalChek fees apply
  8. LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Pick up blank application form at your local county health department; complete and mail to Frankfort (local health departments do NOT issue certificates)
  9. Submit application with valid government-issued photo ID
  10. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed vital statistics application form (available at OVS website or local health department)
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment: check or money order to "Kentucky State Treasurer" for mail/walk-in (NO CASH); credit card for phone/online
Fee
$10 per certified copy of birth certificate; $6 per certified copy of stillbirth certificate; fees are NON-REFUNDABLE search fees; VitalChek and phone orders incur additional processing fees
Processing Time
Walk-in/drop box: 5 business days; mail: up to 30 working days; phone: 4-5 business days; VitalChek: expedited with fees
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized vendor); additional processing fees apply
Where to Go
Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St., 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621 (walk-in, drop box, or mail); local health department for application form only; VitalChek online or by phone
Kentucky Notes

Important state-specific details

  • NO CASH accepted - check, money order, or card only.
  • Local health departments provide blank application forms only - they do NOT issue certificates.
  • Several unauthorized third-party websites charge excessive fees - use only VitalChek for online orders.
  • Kentucky vital records publicly accessible after 100 years for birth records; 50 years for death records.
  • Kentucky OVS also issues certified copies of marriage and divorce records.
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