How to Search Kentucky Criminal Records (Start Here)
Kentucky criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Kentucky state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Statewide criminal-history agency
Public name-based search
Fingerprint-based screening
Sex offender registry
Open records statute
Number of counties
120 counties
Population
4,588,372
Households
1,810,400
Median Income
$60,183
Median Home Value
$173,300
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Kentucky repository URL, fee, and statute verified against the official Kentucky State Police (KSP) publisher on review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.
Kentucky Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)
KSP allows the general public to obtain Kentucky adult criminal history; AOC FastCheck is also available for court records.
$20
Public access fee
Per state-only check
Mail-in check or money o
Primary method
How to submit
Kentucky State Police (K
Issuing agency
Statewide repository
KRS §17.150
Governing statute
State law citation
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems
State-only check (State Identification Bureau): Returns arrests, dispositions and convictions reported to that one state's repository. It does not include arrests from other states or most federal cases. See the FBI's directory of state agencies: State Identification Bureau Listing.
Multi-state / federal check (FBI Identity History Summary): Returns records contributed by federal, state, local, and tribal agencies through the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III). See FBI Identity History Summary FAQs and Interstate Identification Index (III).
What state repositories miss: The FBI's national survey of state criminal-history information systems documents known reporting gaps (missing dispositions, delayed updates, sealed/expunged handling). See BJS: Survey of State Criminal History Information Systems.
What Changed in 2026 — Kentucky Criminal Records
2026
Kentucky state-only check active
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) continues to process state criminal history checks via www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov.
2026
Kentucky background check fee structure
Current fee for a Kentucky state-only check: $20. Method: Mail-in check or money order; no online.
2026
Kentucky statutory framework
Kentucky criminal history records are governed by KRS §17.150 and disseminated through Kentucky State Police (KSP).
2026
FBI Identity History Summary (federal complement)
For records that may exist outside Kentucky, the FBI Identity History Summary at fbi.gov complements the state-only result.
The 4-Step Kentucky Criminal Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Confirm what you need
For most non-employment uses, a Kentucky state-only check from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) is sufficient.
2
Step 2 — Choose your method
Mail-in check or money order; no online. Current fee: $20.
3
Step 3 — Submit your request
Use the official portal at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov — never a third-party data broker.
4
Step 4 — Add federal coverage if needed
For pre-employment FCRA screening or out-of-state coverage, add an FBI Identity History Summary check ($18) — fingerprint required.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Kentucky Criminal Records
❌ Myth: "Kentucky background check shows everything."
✓ Truth: False. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) check covers ONLY Kentucky arrests/convictions. Out-of-state and federal records are NOT included.
❌ Myth: "Free third-party 'instant' checks are accurate."
✓ Truth: False. Only www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov (the official Kentucky repository) is authoritative. Data brokers often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "Sealed records will show on a check."
✓ Truth: False. Records sealed or expunged under Kentucky law are removed from public-facing checks. Law enforcement may still access them.
❌ Myth: "Arrest = conviction on my record."
✓ Truth: False. An arrest is not a conviction. Most Kentucky public checks distinguish arrests, dispositions, and convictions; the FCRA bars non-conviction arrests older than 7 years from employer checks.
❌ Myth: "State and FBI checks return the same data."
✓ Truth: False. The Kentucky state check shows Kentucky-only records. The FBI check is fingerprint-based and shows records reported by all agencies nationwide.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov — Kentucky State Police (KSP) — Official Kentucky criminal history portal
- fbi.gov — Identity History Summary — FBI fingerprint-based federal check ($18)
- fbi.gov — State ID Bureau listing — FBI listing of every state's repository
- ftc.gov — FCRA basics — Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules
- ftc.gov — Background Checks employer guide — FTC + EEOC employer guidance
- bjs.ojp.gov — Bureau of Justice Statistics — Federal stats on state criminal record systems
Related Criminal Records Resources
📍 Other Kentucky records:
- Kentucky Court Records →
- Kentucky Property Records →
- Kentucky Vital Records →
- Kentucky Voter Records →
- Kentucky Wants & Warrants →
- Kentucky Licenses →
- Kentucky Recorded Documents →
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National: U.S. Criminal Records hub →
Related Public Records
More Kentucky records: Court records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Criminal records
Criminal Records Databases
57 official Kentucky criminal records sources.
Criminal Records
Ballard County, KY Arrests, Warrants, Police Records Search
Official Free
Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL) to search for mugshots by name or offender number. ... Ballard County Detention Center directly at (270) 335-3691 to inquire about available mugshots. ... If someone has been arrested in Ballard County, knowing the bond information on inmate records can ...
Current Inmates at the Boone County Jail
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Use the inmate search tool below to find individuals currently housed at the Boone County Jail. The listing provides up-to-date information, including booking details and custody status, to help families, attorneys and members of the public access accurate records.
Request Court Records - Kentucky Court of Justice
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They document what happened in a case, including the legal arguments made, evidence presented and how the court ruled . Common documents contained in a court case record include criminal citations, pleadings, motions, orders, evidence, reports, dockets, video recordings and transcripts.
Laurel County, Kentucky Inmate Search | LaurelRecords.us
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The Kentucky Open Records Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning records are accessible unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to members of the public: Current inmate roster — names of individuals presently held in the Laurel County Detention Center · Booking and arrest records — date, time, and circumstances of intake · Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current period of custody
Community Corrections | City of Lexington, Kentucky
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Community Corrections operates the Fayette County Detention Center. Community Corrections 600 Old Frankfort Cir. Lexington, KY 40510 · HoursMonday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ... There are several ways to deposit into an account.
Jail Inmate Search: Find Inmates in Richmond, KY - Welcome to MadisonCountyKy.gov | Madison County, Kentucky
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View Current Inmates · Tools · opens in a new window · Follow Us · 135 W Irvine Street, Richmond, KY 40475 · Copyright 2026 | Madison County, Kentucky | All Rights Reserved · Legal Notices | Title VI Notice | Privacy · 135 W Irvine Street, Richmond, KY 40475 ·
Image: Oldham County Detention Center | ICE
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An official website of the United States government · Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States
🌐 ice.gov
rowancountyclerk.ky.gov
Official Free
Rowan County maintains arrest records primarily through the Sheriff's office and the County Detention Center . Requesters can approach these agencies with records requests for inmate information. These offices accept walk-in and mail-in requests for more accessibility to public arrest records.
Harlan County Detention Center, KY
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Mobile Site · If you have reason to believe any information contained here is inaccurate, please contact the facility. Content on this website is determined by the facility; JailTracker is not responsible, and assumes no liability, for any content or for any improper or incorrect use of the ...
Hopkins County Jail - Inmate Mail
Official Free
Mail is picked up and delivered every weekday (excluding holidays). Inmates may receive mail from other jails and prisons as well as the public. Incoming mail is sorted, scanned for contraband, and then scanned into the inmate kiosk system, with the exception of legal mail.
Kenton County Jail, KY
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Mobile Site · If you have reason to believe any information contained here is inaccurate, please contact the facility. Content on this website is determined by the facility; JailTracker is not responsible, and assumes no liability, for any content or for any improper or incorrect use of the ...
KCOJ directory - Kentucky Court of Justice
Official Free
Court Personnel Directory Find contact information for justices, judges, circuit court clerks, and court personnel · Select a Category: · Circuit Clerks · Circuit Judges · Court Administrators · Court Designated Worker Program Locations · Court of Appeals Judges · District Judges · ...
Kentucky Offender Search - Kentucky Department of Corrections - Offender Online Lookup System
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Kentucky Online Offender Lookup · Kentucky Online Offender Lookup [v 3.4.0.1]
Current Inmates - Graves County Jail
Official Free
Any questions about site content should be directed to the facility · To report a problem with website functionality. Please Click Here
Casey County Detention Center, KY Inmate Roster, Offender Search
Official Free
Here’s how you can obtain these records for an inmate in Casey County: Official Request: Start by making an official request to the Casey County Detention Center . This could often be done online through an electronic form or via a written request sent through mail.
Jail | Bell County Detention Center | Pineville
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Pineville, Kentucky · Our mission at the Bell County Detention Center is to set the standard as a model correctional agency. We will maintain a professional environment as we protect the community, by securely housing inmates placed in our care and making every effort to impact their lives.
Cadmusscribe
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An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙
Deposit for Commissary - the Boyle County Detention Center
Official Free
Black Kiosk available in Detention Center Lobby or friends/family can use https://correctpay.com/ · Family/friends can also put a money order (no Western Unions) in the Money Order box in the Lobby or mail a money order (no Western Unions) to the Detention Center "attn Inmate Accounts"
Pulaski County Detention Center – Somerset, Kentucky
Official Free
The Pulaski County Detention Center houses county, state, and federal inmates · . We service all law enforcement agencies in Pulaski County, Kentucky. These include: Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office · Somerset Police Department · Burnside Police Department ·
Bullitt County Detention Center - Directions
Official Free
Requesting Public Records Public records are materials prepared, owned, used, possessed, maintained or retained by state and local government agencies that must be open for public inspection unless the records are excluded by any of the exemptions in the Kentucky Open Records Act.
Calloway County Jail - Inmate Services
Official Free
NEW VISITATION SCHEDULE FOR THE MAIN JAIL AND WORKHOUSE · A NEW VISITATION SCHEDULE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED
Carroll County Detention Center - Policies
Official Free
Download the Inmate Handbook... PDF Format Word Format · THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED TO INFORM YOU OF WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU AND WHAT YOUR RIGHTS ARE WHILE BEING HOUSED IN THIS FACILITY. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS MATERIAL, DISCUSS IT WITH A ...
Whitley County, KY Inmates, Arrests, Mugshots Lookup
Official Free
The Whitley County Detention Center, located at 1439 West Highway 92 in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is a medium-security facility with a capacity to house 215 inmates . It accommodates individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Webster County Jail - Bonds
Official Free
All payments of bonds must be in cash only and you must have exact change · All persons bonding out from jail will be charged $31 booking fee, $5 Jail bond fee, $25 court bond filing fee and a $30 room and board for everyday of incarceration
Local Government - Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority
Official Free
Local government.Rockcastle County’s government was formed by an act of the state legislature, granting it the status of a local governing unit in 1810, and the newly formed county’s first court met in Mt. Vernon, which was founded in 1789. The first local governing body was headed by the ...
Pulaski County Detention Center, KY
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Mobile Site · If you have reason to believe any information contained here is inaccurate, please contact the facility. Content on this website is determined by the facility; JailTracker is not responsible, and assumes no liability, for any content or for any improper or incorrect use of the ...
OHIO COUNTY - KENTUCKY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Ordinance # 2022-5
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The Ohio County Jail shall submit Policy and Procedure Guidelines not inconsistent herewith for ... departments. The Clerk’s Office and County Attorney’s Office is not adopted by this Administrative ... The County Judge Executive shall be the Chief Executive in the County and shall have all the powers and · perform all the duties of an executive and administrative nature, consistent with the Kentucky...
Recent Arrests - Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
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Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Inmate and Warrant Search. Home. Recent Arrests. These are the arrests that have occurred within the last 96 hours. © 2026 ...
Mason County Detention Center - Mail
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Standard Non-Legal Friends and FamilyMail Address: [Inmate Name - Inmate ID] Mason County Detention Center PO Box 76550 Highland Heights, KY 41076 · Mail from Lawyers or other legalrepresentation: [Inmate Name - Inmate ID] Mason County Detention Center 702 US-68 Maysville, KY 41056
Clay County Sheriff's Office - CentralSquare Police To Citizen
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The requested URL was rejected. Please consult with your administrator. Your support ID is: · [Go Back]
Detention Center - Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department
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Government organizations within the county once cleared can request detainees to assist them by providing additional manpower to projects. This program reduces the cost for the using agency because they get additonal help with no cost, and the detainees time reduces at an increased rate which reduces the total cost of their sentence service to the taxpayers. The Crittenden County Detention Center offers an Adult GED program for non-violent offenders that provides them with classes aimed at improving their education which should have a positive impact on their ability to obtain employment…
Jail Info - Hardin County Detention Center
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Hardin County Detention Center was constructed in 1996 and has a total bed capacity of 648 beds . The facility is the 5th largest county jail in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Feel free to browse around our site and contact us if you have questions, comments, or just simply need additional ...
Jailer | Franklin County
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400 Coffee Tree Road Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601 · · Follow Link for: visitation · commissary · current inmates
Inmate Telephone Calls - Henderson County Sheriff's Office
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Para crear y financiar cuentas Pre-Paid Collect, visite el sitio web de NCIC Inmate Communication’s en: https://account.ncic.com (Para Espanol, https://cuenta.ncic.com) o llame a nuestro centro de llamadas al 1-800-943-2189.
Grant County Jail, KY
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Grant County Jail, KY · Mobile Site · If you have reason to believe any information contained here is inaccurate, please contact the facility. Content on this website is determined by the facility; JailTracker is not responsible, and assumes no liability, for any content or for any improper ...
Community Works - the Jessamine County Detention Center
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The Jessamine County Detention Center is committed to having those incarcerated give back in some way to the community as part of their rehabilitation. Inmates who are classified as non-violent offenders are assigned to work details throughout the county . These work details are with different ...
Leslie County Detention Center, KY
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Mobile Site · If you have reason to believe any information contained here is inaccurate, please contact the facility. Content on this website is determined by the facility; JailTracker is not responsible, and assumes no liability, for any content or for any improper or incorrect use of the ...
Marion County KY
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Mobile Site · If you have reason to believe any information contained here is inaccurate, please contact the facility. Content on this website is determined by the facility; JailTracker is not responsible, and assumes no liability, for any content or for any improper or incorrect use of the ...
Kentucky State Police Return Convicted Sex Offender to ...
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On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Kentucky State Police Post 4 Detective Travis Dalton and Post 4 Trooper Alan Spencer traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where they took custody of Carter and transported him back to Grayson County, Kentucky. Carter was lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center, where he will remain while awaiting sentencing. Detective Isaac Atwell, the lead investigator in this case, stated, “This case demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable, regardless of how far they attempt to run.
Public Access to Court Electronic Records | PACER: Federal Court Records
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Log in to the federal Judiciary’s electronic public access services. Close PACER Case Locator PACER Log in Manage PACER Account · An official website of the United States government
Kentucky Counties
120 Kentucky counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run an official Kentucky background check?▼
Kentucky's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). Begin the request at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Kentucky statute.
Are Kentucky criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in Kentucky is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Kentucky State Police (KSP) explains who can request what at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in Kentucky?▼
A state check from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) (www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov) covers only criminal activity within Kentucky. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's Kentucky criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Kentucky State Police (KSP). The Kentucky State Police (KSP) documentation at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a Kentucky criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your Kentucky criminal history, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.