Introduction to Kentucky Death Certificates

This article is designed to help you get a Kentucky Death certificate.  Counter to common belief, not everything is on the Internet.  Personal Death certificates are one of the items that are not readily available online, and that is probably a good thing.  You do not want your Death certificate in the public domain, where it can be seen by anyone.  However, this does not mean that you can’t easily get your Death certificate.  

Kentucky Death certificates have been maintained by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics for individuals that died in the state of Kentucky since 1911.

Kentucky Death Certificate Authorized Persons

By Kentucky state law, Kentucky Death certificates are confidential records and can only be obtained by the following authorized individuals:

• Mother/Father (or Legal Guardian) of Person Named on the Kentucky Death Certificate
• Legal Representative of an Authorized person of individual named on the Kentucky Death certificate

Kentucky Death Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

Currently, the Office of Vital Statistics does allow requests for genealogical research. Pre-1940 records may be requested by an individual related as at least a cousin. Post 1940 records must be requested by an immediate family member.

Kentucky Death Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order Kentucky Death Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your Kentucky Death Certificate.  Order online and you will get your Kentucky Death Certificate usually in less than a week.  Many times you will have the option of receiving your vital record by next-day or second-day service.

Order Birth and Death Records Online!  

Option 2 – Order Kentucky Death Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your Kentucky Death certificate online.  It usually takes 30 business days upon receipt of genealogy request to be sent to you.  For certified Death certificate request delivery may take 6-8 weeks:

Step 1: Download Mail-In Application

Step 2: Please provide as much of the following information as possible to locate the Kentucky Death certificate:

• Full name of person at Death on the Kentucky Death certificate
• Date of Death on the Kentucky Death certificate
• Sex on the Kentucky Death certificate
• County (or city) of Death on the Kentucky Death certificate
• Your name 
• Your signature 
• Your relationship to the person whose Kentucky Death certificate you are requesting 
• Address where the Kentucky Death certificate is to be mailed 
• Self addressed stamped envelope
• Your daytime phone number
• By Mail: Send the above information and the appropriate fee to:

 

Kentucky Vital Statistics  

275 East Main Street 1E-A

Frankfort, KY 40621

Option 3 – In Person

In Person in Kentucky: You may go to any county health department in the State of Kentucky to obtain a certified copy of a Kentucky Death certificate. Most Kentucky Death certificates can be issued while you wait.

Kentucky Death Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for a Kentucky Death certificate is $6.00, which includes one certified copy of the Kentucky Death certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the Kentucky Death certificate ordered at the same time, the fee is $6.00. Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer." Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service.