About Kentucky Vital Records

Kentucky vital records are held by the Office of Vital Statistics within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (275 East Main Street, Frankfort) under KRS Chapter 213. Certified birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates cost $10; orders are placed through VitalChek or the state portal at chfs.ky.gov.

Kentucky Vital Records

County Records

Death Index 1987-1992
Official Free
Search for Kentucky deaths between 1987 and 1992 by name. Gives date of death, age, gender, race, place of death, residence, death certificate.
🌐 chfs.ky.gov
Hardin County Marriages
Official Free
Select MARRIAGE in the Index Type field to search the Hardin County Clerk's records for Hardin County marriage certificates.
🌐 hccoky.org
Kenton County Marriages
Official Free
Click on PUBLIC ACCESS and then MARRIAGE LICENSE INDEX to search the Kenton County Clerk marriage records by name or book.
🌐 kcor.org
Marriages | 1973-1993
Official Free
Search for Kentucky marriage records from 1973 to 1993 by name of bride or groom. Gives name, race, and residence of both bride and groom.
🌐 chfs.ky.gov
Death Records 1911-2000
Official Free
Search for Kentucky death records between 1911 and 2000 by name, place of death, residence, or year. Gives age, place of birth, date of death, death certificate number, and location of record.
🌐 ancestry.com
Births | Historical
Official Free
Select a Kentucky county on this KYGenWeb site to research historical births, deaths, and marriages. Tip: Once you reach the county page, the Births link is usually on the left side.
🌐 kygenweb.net
Deaths and Obituaries (Historical)
Official Free
Use the KYKinfolk service to view historical deaths and obituaries in Kentucky. Start by selecting a county from their menu. At the county page, look to the left column for death and other vital record databases. Date ranges vary by county.
🌐 kygenweb.net

City Records

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a Kentucky birth or death certificate?

Kentucky's state vital records office issues certified copies. County clerks or local health departments often handle local copies faster.

Are vital records free to view online?

Indexes may be free; certified birth, death, marriage, and divorce copies cost a fee.

Who can request a confidential record?

Certified birth and death copies are typically restricted to the registrant and immediate family. Informational copies are open.

How do I find older marriage or divorce records?

Older records often reside with the county clerk or town clerk where the event occurred — see the County tab.