Kentucky (KY) Birth Certificate Application Online

To get a birth certificate in Kentucky, you must request a certified copy from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

Follow these steps to prepare your request:

Once your application is complete, you can submit it in person at the Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort or send it by mail to:

Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621

Mailed applications must include the required birth record information, payment by check or money order, and a complete return mailing address.

If you want support preparing your application, EaseGov provides a guided for the birth certificate online form and document review before submission. This helps you avoid errors and confusion, so you get your order right the first time around.

Kentucky is an open-record state, meaning anyone can request a certified birth certificate without proving a family relationship to the person named on the record.

You can order a Kentucky birth certificate for yourself, your child, a family member, or another person. Although you don’t need to be family, you must provide enough information to identify the birth record and pay the required state fee.

Certain types of records may have additional restrictions or legal requirements, like those affected by adoption proceedings or other circumstances involving protected information.

Before filling out your Kentucky birth certificate application, gather the information required to identify the record and complete your request, including:

• Full name of the person as recorded at birth
• Date of birth, including the month, day, and year
• Kentucky county where the birth occurred
• Mother's full maiden name
• Father's name, if applicable
• Your full name and contact information
• Complete mailing address for certificate delivery
• Number of certified copies requested
• Payment for the state fee and any additional service charges

Make sure the information you provide matches the original birth record. Incorrect names, birth dates, or other details may prevent the office from locating the certificate. If you’re requesting an older or unusual record, additional research may be necessary.

For most standard birth certificate requests submitted by mail, Kentucky doesn’t require a photocopy of your photo ID. However, if you choose Will Call pickup through the authorized online ordering service, you must present valid photo identification at collection.

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics charges $10 for each certified birth certificate copy. There’s no discount if you order multiple copies in the same order.

There may be additional costs if you use an online ordering service, pay by card in person, or select expedited delivery.

Kentucky also offers fee exemptions for certain applicants, including individuals experiencing homelessness and qualifying children in state custody, who may receive a certified copy without paying the standard fee.

The $10 state fee covers the record search and is nonrefundable, even if the record you request can’t be located.

If you use EaseGov, our application-preparation fee is separate from Kentucky's certificate fee and any additional ordering charges.

Kentucky's Office of Vital Statistics usually processes routine mail and drop-box requests within five business days, but you should allow up to 30 working days for processing. This doesn’t include postal delivery time.

Can you get a Kentucky birth certificate the same day?

Yes. You may be able to receive a certified Kentucky birth certificate on the same day by visiting the Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort, located at:

Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621

It’s open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding state holidays. Routine walk-in requests are often completed in around one hour, but this requires you to have a complete application.

For the best chance of receiving your certificate that day, arrive before 3:30 p.m. Same-day service is not guaranteed for applications submitted after 3:45 p.m., if you don’t provide a full application, or if the record is unavailable.

If you need your certificate urgently but cannot visit Frankfort, contact the office to ask whether an expedited courier option is available for your order. Additional delivery fees apply.