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Kentucky Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records
See Also Researching in Vital Records
Using Kentucky Vital Records for Your Chart - Kentucky vital records are the documented records of a person throughout the course of his or her life. This would include records such as Kentucky birth records, marriage records and death records. Some states also include, more currently, records for civil unions and domestic partnerships. Vital records can be considered public records or closed or private. This varies from state to state. Generally, Kentucky vital records are any that have been issued by local or state government.
Kentucky Marriage Records - Kentucky marriage records are a type of vital record that can be crucial to completing your genealogy records. This document may be kept on file by the church or kept on government files. The data included is usually the full, legal names of both spouses. Aside from the names, Kentucky marriage records may also have the age of the participants, residences, occupations and the names of the clergymen, sponsors or witnesses. Like many types of Kentucky vital records, marriage records can be easier to track down if you know the county and at least the year of the marriage.
What about Kentucky Birth Records? - Kentucky birth records are also one of the government issued vital records kept on file. How far back in time you can search for Kentucky birth records depends on the state or county within the state. There is often more than just the name and date listed on Kentucky birth records. You can often locate data such as the name of both of the legal parents and possibly even the maiden name of the birth mother. In some cases, you will also find an address affiliated with the birth records. Using any of these can help you perform successful searches for your Kentucky genealogy records keeping.
How to Order Kentucky Birth, Death, Divorce and Marriage Certificates
Although compliance was never complete, birth and death records for Kentucky begin as early as 1852 when statewide registration was first enacted. The requirement continued for only ten years. Some births and deaths were recorded (1874-79, 1892-1910), but observance remained sporadic. Birth and death registration was enacted statewide on 1 January 1911 and generally adhered to by 1920.
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics is located at State Dept of Human Resources, 275 E. Main St. 1EA, Frankfort, KY 40621; (502) 564-4212. Birth: $10 per certificate; Death, Marriage and Divorce are $6 per certificate. They have the following records:
- Birth & Death Certificates: The Vital Statistics Law of Kentucky, providing for and legalizing the registration of births and deaths, was enacted by the General Assembly of 1910 and became effective Jan. 1, 1911. The Office of Vital Statistics has no records of births and deaths occurring prior to the above date except delayed records of births for those born before 1911, which have been established by affidavits and documentary evidence. Fees are listed below.
- Marriage & Divorce Certificates: Central registration of marriages and divorces began in Kentucky in June 1958. The Office of Vital Statistics has no records of marriages and divorces prior to that date. Copies of marriage certificates prior to June 1958 may be obtained from the county clerk in the county where the license was issued. Records of divorce proceedings are available from the County clerk of the circuit court that granted the decree.
How to Order certificates
- In Person:You can stop in the office at 275 E. Main St. in Frankfort and obtain a certified copy of a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate by completing an application form between the hours of 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday.There is approximately a one-hour wait to receive the certificate. Directions to Vital Statistics Office
- By Mail: Mail a check or money order (no cash) payable to the "Kentucky State Treasurer" along with the necessary information to the following address: Office of Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St. 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621. Please include return address on envelope and application form. You can download an application online for Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Certificates or Divorce Certificates.
- Ordering Vital Records by Phone, Fax, On-Line, or Credit Card - To obtain a certified copy of a vital record by phone, fax, on-line or purchase with a credit card, please link to VitalChek. There is an additional $10.50 fee for all credit card purchases. Discover, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. If faster delivery is required, you may wish to have the certified copy sent by Federal Express. Please state this when placing the order for the copy. There is an additional fee for this service. The telephone number to place your order is (800) 241-8322, choose option 1.
Processing Time
Please allow up to approximately 30 working days for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail.
- Birth Records: Expect longer delays during peak request periods from May through September. You should request certified copies of your birth certificate early enough to avoid delays if you are planning retirement, sporting events for the children, travel/passports, children entering school for the first time, etc.
- Death Records: There may be delays in issuing new certified death certificates if the original certificate is not promptly filed in Frankfort by the funeral homes.
