Kentucky Public Records

Kentucky is truly an open records state, with very few restrictions on access to records. Vital records are not restricted in Kentucky, which include access to Kentucky birth records, death, marriage and divorce records. The Department for Public Health Office of Vital Statistics satisfies requests for these Kentucky public records, although marriage and divorce records prior to 1958 should be requested from the County Clerk where the event occurred. Kentucky court records, both civil and criminal, are open to public inspection unless sealed. An online access tool is available through the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Statewide Kentucky criminal records requests are also satisfied through the Administrative Office of the Courts at the Court of Justice website. To access historic Kentucky public records, like Kentucky military records and vital records, visit the State Archives. For Kentucky cemetery records, military records and obituaries, visit the Kentucky Historical Society.

About Kentucky Public Records

With no restrictions on most records, Kentucky is a fantastic place to freely conduct family history research or request personal records with few hurdles. The Department for Public Health provides unrestricted access to Kentucky death records, birth, marriage and divorce records, meaning anyone may request copies for a fee. However, statewide reporting of marriages and divorce didn’t begin until 1958, meaning that earlier marriage records and divorce records are only available at the local County Clerk where the event occurred.

Certain Kentucky public records, like birth and death records, were reported to the state starting in 1911. For earlier records, the County Clerk where the event occurred is the best resource. Or, explore the historic vital records collection at the State Archives in Frankfort.

Accessing Free Online Public Records  in Kentucky

The Kentucky Court of Justice website offers an online public access tool that enables you to search Kentucky court records throughout the state or by county. This makes it easier to learn which court handled the case if you don’t already have this information.  These free online public records in Kentucky include civil and criminal court records, as well as marriage and divorce records. However, this service only provides the case number, parties involved and type of case. For access to Kentucky court records details, contact the specific court listed.

Also available are Kentucky free online public records that include criminal records. This service through the Administrative Office of the Courts searches statewide criminal records for a fee. This public service returns information for felonies from 1978 and misdemeanors and traffic records five years old or less regardless of disposition.

Performing an Historic Kentucky Public Records Search

The State Archives is an important genealogy resource. Housed here are many records, including Kentucky military records and vital records that are available to the public. An historic Kentucky public records search might yield Kentucky birth records and death records as far back as 1852. Also available are Kentucky military records to include the Civil War, Revolutionary War and the Kentucky Militia. These records are available in person at the State Archives research room in Frankfort. There is no admissions fee to visit. If a visit isn’t possible, a records request form may be submitted and a fee paid to access copies.

The Kentucky Historical Society, also in Frankfort, offers Kentucky cemetery records, military records and obituaries. Many of these can be searched online for free, which is helpful to those who cannot visit in person. Search public records in Kentucky in person at their History Campus, which requires a small admissions fee and a fee for any copies made.