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 January 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 persons born
before 1911, which have been established by affidavits and
documentary evidence.
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 Clerk of the Circuit Court that granted
the decree.
Where are vital records offices located?
Vital Statistics is located on
the first floor in the main lobby of the former Cabinet for
Human Resources Building (CHR).
Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street - 1E-A,
Frankfort, KY 40621
How are vital records processed?
You can purchase a certificate
on the Internet, by phone, by mail, or by visiting the
office.
Each of the 159 county vital records offices is
authorized to prepare certified copies of birth and death
certificates for vital events that occurred in their
specific county. However, not all of these locations
initiate filing delayed certificates of birth or begin the
process to amend a vital record.
