How to Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Kentucky

Last Updated: November 24, 2021 Approved

You can apply for a certified copy of your birth certificate to replace a lost or damaged original, or simply to have another copy on hand. In certain cases, you can also request a certified copy of the birth certificate for close family members. In the state of Kentucky, you can choose to apply for a certified copy of your birth certificate in person, by mail, over the phone, or online.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Applying in Person

1
Gather the necessary information. To obtain a copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky, you must provide specific information related to the certificate. Have the following information related to the person named on the certificate (you, a relative, etc.) ready before starting your request:
- Full birth name
- Full date of birth (month, day, and year)
- County of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s name
2
Go to the Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort. The office is located at 275 E. Main St. 1E-A, Frankfort, KY, 40621, and is open Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

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3
Complete the application to request a birth certificate. Follow the directions on the form when you fill it out. You also can print the application from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Vital Statistics website, fill it out, and bring it with you.
4
Pay for the copy of the birth certificate. There is a $10 dollar fee for the copy of the birth certificate. You can pay by check or money order.
- Make the check or money order payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer.”
- The $10 fee includes administrative costs and one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay an additional $10 per copy.
- Certificates can be issued while you wait.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Applying by Phone

1
Gather the necessary information. To obtain a copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky, you must provide specific information related to the certificate. Have the following information related to the person named on the certificate (you, a relative, etc.) ready before starting your request:
- Full birth name
- Full date of birth (month, day, and year)
- County of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s name
2
Call (800) 241-8322. When prompted, choose option 1 and follow the directions provided.
3
Pay for the copy of the birth certificate. You will have to pay a $10 fee for a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as an additional fee for telephone orders. You can pay the fees by check or credit card (American Express, Discovery, Mastercard, or Visa).
- The $10 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay $10 more for each additional copy.
- Certificate copies can be mailed by overnight carrier for the cost of shipping.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Applying by Mail

1
Complete the application requesting a copy of a birth certificate. Download and print an application form from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Vital Statistics website. Fill out the application according to the instructions. You must include the following information related to the person named on the certificate (you, a relative, etc.):
- Full birth name
- Full date of birth (month, day, and year)
- County of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s name
2
Include a check or money order for $10 payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer.” The check will need to be in U.S. dollars drawn from a U.S. bank.
- The $10 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must include $10 more for each additional copy.
3
Mail the application in a standard envelope. Make sure to include your payment and the application form. Send it to: Vital Statistics, 275 E. Main St. 1E-A, Frankfort, KY, 40621.
- It may take up to 30 days to process your request.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Applying Online

1
Go to the VitalChek website. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services works with an independent company called VitalChek to allow electronic requests for birth certificates.
- You can find a link to VitalChek’s service via the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Vital Statistics website, or go directly to VitalChek’s website.^{[1]
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2
Follow the directions on the VitalChek website. You will be prompted to select the state and document (birth certificate) that you want to order. You can order a copy of your own birth certificate, or another person's. The VitalChek service allows you to complete the application and verify your identity online.
3
Pay for the copy of the birth certificate. The $10 fee per birth certificate copy can be paid online by check or credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa).
- There is an additional fee for the online service.
- Certificate copies can be mailed by overnight carrier for the cost of shipping.