Kentucky Birth Certificates: Ordering the Easy Way

When we're born, our parents are usually sent our birth certificates by the hospital within a few days. But what if you need a copy of your certified Kentucky birth certificate when you're older, for personal records or legal documentation? You can order a copy if your original birth certificate got lost, you want one for your child, or you need a copy for genealogical research.

No matter your reasons, getting a birth certificate from the State of Kentucky can be a confusing, time-consuming project, and an expensive one if the application is made incorrectly. But there is an easy, affordable, and hassle-free way to order your Kentucky birth certificate.

Why Is It Important to Have a Certified Birth Certificate

Who are you? When a photo ID isn't enough to confirm your identity, agencies often require an officially-produced, stamped birth certificate. These are also called authorized or certified birth certificates.

These are just a few things for which you need a certified copy of your Kentucky birth certificate:

• Passports
• U.S. Visas
• School admissions
• Driver's licenses
• Marriage licenses
• Adoptions
• Proof of citizenship
• Military enlistment
• Other official forms of identification

You should have multiple copies of your Kentucky birth certificate

We recommend you have at least two copies of your birth certificate. One kept with your other valuable documents such as your will, property deeds, and car titles. (Ideally, these are kept in a safe deposit box).

Keep another at home in a locked file cabinet or fire safe. This way, you'll always have access to a certificate after a disaster or house fire. Additional copies are helpful if you or your power of attorney are working with multiple agencies at once to establish your ID.

Who Can Get a Birth Certificate Copy in Kentucky

Kentucky is an "open state", meaning anyone who wishes to receive a copy of a birth certificate issued after 1911 can. You must be able to provide the correct information to conduct a search.

Are you looking for a birth certificate for a Kentucky-born ancestor? The state's Office of Vital Records doesn't maintain birth records prior to 1911 unless those records were created "after the fact" through documentary research.

Where Do You Get a Kentucky Birth Certificate

States, and sometimes cities and counties, have a records department dedicated to birth, death, and marriage certificates. These are referred to as "vital records". In Kentucky, the state's Office of Vital Statistics is part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Family Health and Services.

You can either:

• Apply for a certificate through the Office of Vital Statistics
• Apply for a certificate through the State's third-party application system
• Use a private, trusted, online service such as DoNotPay that ensures you have all the information you need to make a successful, accurate application.

How Much Is It to Get a Birth Certificate in Kentucky?

If you order a birth certificate directly from Kentucky's Office of Vital Statistics, the cost of the first and any additional copies each is $10.00. The first copy also includes the search fee. Certificates for stillborn births are $6.00.

The third-party vendor that processes online birth certificate orders for Kentucky charges up to $22.50 for State-issued, certified copies including a $12.50 vendor processing fee. Additional copies ordered online are $10.00 each.

All fees are non-refundable, which means it's important to make sure your search application information is correct.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Kentucky?

The estimated turnaround and delivery time for your official Kentucky birth certificate is up to four weeks from the date of the postmark, depending on the current volume of requests. The fastest options for dealing directly with the Office of Vital Statistics are:

• Go to the office in person
• Use their drop-box in front of their building
• Use their third-party online ordering form
• Use DoNotPay's easy online questionnaire and expedited application system

What Documents and Information Do I Need to Get a Kentucky Birth Certificate

One of the reasons Kentucky 's fees are lower than many states is that the burden of research is yours. That means having accurate information so the clerks can quickly do a search without trying different names, dates, and location variables. Be sure to have the correct information, as mistakes will cause you to lose time and money.

1. The person on record's full name: You must have the person's exact full name (and any suffixes) as they appeared on the birth certificate. You might want to do your own research in advance, to make sure the spelling is accurate and you don't confuse "John Doe Jr." with "John Doe II".
2. The person's place of birth: You will need to know the city and county where the person was born.
3. The person's date of birth: It's not unusual for people to need to verify their own birthdate or that of a close relative. However, if you do not have the correct month, day, and year, you will not be able to get a birth certificate from Kentucky.
4. The mother's full maiden name
5. The father's name (if applicable)
6. The reason for the application: Kentucky is an "open records" state, so you will likely get a certified copy no matter the reason you give.
7. Requester's name and address where the certificate is to be mailed
8. Telephone number where you can be reached during the day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time
9. The number of copies being ordered

How to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Kentucky: The DIY Method

There are several ways you can apply for a Kentucky birth certificate on your own.

In-Person Application

1. Print out and complete this application. It's also available in the Office's lobby.
2. Go to the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics is located at 275 East Main Street, Suite #1E-A, in bustling downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. You do not need an appointment, but there may be wait times. Their office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m Monday through Friday, so be sure to leave plenty of time before their early closing hours to have your application processed.
3. Submit your application and fees (they only accept checks or money orders at the physical location).
4. Ask what their current turnaround time is and whether you can pay for expedited services.

Using the Temporary Lobby Drop Box

The Office of Vital Statistics installed a drop box in front of the building as part of their COVID-19 safety procedures, and it may become a permanent option. You may wish to call in advance to find out if it is still available, in which case, you can deposit your payment and application.

Ordering by Mail

Send your completed application, check, or money order to:

Office of Vital Statistics

275 East Main Street, 1E-A

Frankfort, KY 40621

Applying through Kentucky's Third-Party Online System

If you want to use a credit card, you'll have to use the online form operated by a third-party company contracted by the State. This form asks only a few questions, and if you do not answer correctly or do not have the exact information, you will be sent back to the beginning. Unlike in-person ordering or ordering through the DoNotPay birth certificate application service, you cannot get assistance in finding potential spellings, similar names, date ranges, etc.

Problems You May Encounter When Ordering a Birth Certificate On Your Own

If you do not submit the correct information on your mail-in, in-person, or State of Kentucky-contracted third-party application site, you risk forfeiting your fees. There is a clear benefit to in-person ordering as you may be able to get a clerk to assist you in reviewing your application, but you are expected to have researched names and dates on your own.

Also, it's important to note that the third-party application site's privacy policies are in their own best interest, and they may use your personal information for marketing, research, and undisclosed purposes. We strongly advise you to read their policies yourself, and also read the Google reviews associated with Kentucky's Office of Vital Statistics, particularly as they relate to the third-party contractor.

Get Your Kentucky Birth Certificate Copy Quickly with the Help of DoNotPay

Let's face it: Ordering certified birth certificates from Kentucky's Office of Vital Statistics can be easy if you want to tackle the project yourself... but it can quickly become a waste of time, money, and energy. That's where DoNotPay shines:

• Through simple questions that help you find application information you might otherwise miss or get incorrectly, we help avoid rejected applications.
• By compiling your information and reviewing it against Kentucky's most recent requirements, we ensure accuracy.
• Through our online and secure payment processing system, you can retain your privacy and security, and avoid trips to the bank or for your personal check to clear.

Read on to find out how fast and easy it is to get your Kentucky birth certificate!

How to get a copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky using DoNotPay:

If you want to order/get a birth certificate copy in Kentucky but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 8 easy steps:

1. Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.
2. Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else's certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.
3. Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.
4. Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.
5. Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.
6. Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.
7. Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
8. If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail in your request form with a check on your behalf.

Are You Ready to Let DoNotPay Get You a Kentucky Certified Birth Certificate?

You have better things to do than stand in line, take guesses at important information, or worry about your privacy. DoNotPay works as a "virtual lawyer" to protect your interests and solve your problems. Let us apply for a certified birth certificate from the State of Kentucky on your behalf today!