Initial Cost per Certificate
Birth: $10 US per certificate (non-refundable search fee)
Stillbirth, Death, Marriage and Divorce: $6 US per certificate (non-refundable search fee)
Purchase a certificate online, by phone or by fax. These orders will be processed through VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek is an independent company that the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) has partnered with to provide you with this service.
Warning: VitalChek is the only authorized and approved vendor highly recommended by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for online and telephone ordering. A credit/debit card or an automated clearing house (ACH) is required for payment. Buyer beware if other websites or services are used.
Online and by Phone
Visit the
VitalChek website or contact VitalChek by phone at (800) 241-8322. To fax orders call toll free (866) 283-7477. VitalChek accepts all major credit cards including American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. VitalChek uses UPS for faster delivery. If a rush delivery is necessary, request delivery by UPS when placing your order.
There is an additional fee charged by VitalChek for all orders. If UPS delivery is requested, additional fees apply.
In Person and Drop Box Location
The Office of Vital Statistics is located at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort, KY and is accessible from the Martin Luther King Blvd entrance of the Human Resources Building. Follow signs for visitor parking and use the clearly marked visitor entrance located at the front of the Human Resources building.
Hours of operation to complete an application for a certified copy of a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday through Friday, excluding official state holidays. Same day service is not guaranteed after 3:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Order online and pick-up your Vital Record utilizing our Will-Call service. To pick up the order, the person must be the applicant named on the order, or they must provide proof of order. To obtain the order, they must also show a valid form of photo identification.
For further information, please read the Business Procedures for Accepting Walk-In/Mail/Phone Orders.
To view parking and building entrance instructions please visit: Directions and map to Vital Statistics Office
The Office of Vital Statistics installed a drop box at the visitor entrance at 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY for applications for certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. Blank applications are provided on the drop box.
By Mail
Mail a check or money order (no cash) payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer along with the necessary information to:
Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main St., 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Please include a return address on the envelope and the application form. Funds must be drawn on a U.S. bank. For further information, please read the
Business Procedures for accepting walk-in/mail/phone orders.
Processing Time
Orders received by mail or at the OVS drop box are filled within five to seven business days. However, some orders may take longer. Please allow up to 30 working days for processing certificates ordered through the mail or using the OVS drop box.
Vital records ordered from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics may require additional time to process due the impact of COVID-19 in the state. Your order is important to us and we appreciate your patience.
Birth Records
Expect longer delays for requests during peak seasons. We recommend requesting certified copies of birth certificates early to avoid delays for life events such as: retirement, sports programs, travel/passports, driver’s license, school enrollment and other reasons.
Death Records
There may be delays in issuing new certified death certificates if the original certificate is not promptly filed in Frankfort by the funeral director or medical certifier.