Kentucky, county records

Clay County, Kentucky Public Records

Find the right office in Clay County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly

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About public records in Clay County

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County profile

Clay County at a glance

State
Kentucky
County seat
Manchester
Population
20,345
Area
471 sq mi
Founded
1807
Cities and towns
8

Clay County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Clay County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Clay County.

Police Departments. Law enforcement in Clay County is provided by Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Manchester Police Department.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Clay County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 527 Richmond Road in Manchester, Kentucky 40962, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Clay County. The detention facility, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences under one year.

Criminal Records. For an authoritative source, see Background Checks - Kentucky Court of Justice .

Arrest Records. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

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Clay County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Clay County, Kentucky?

Mugshots or booking photos in Clay County, Kentucky, can be obtained from the Clay County Sheriff's Office. The office may provide access to these records through their official website or by visiting the office in person. It's advisable to contact the Sheriff's Office to inquire about the availability of an online portal for viewing these images.

How do I get a criminal background check in Clay County, Kentucky?

To obtain a criminal background check in Clay County, Kentucky, you should contact the Kentucky State Police, as they handle background checks for the state. You can request a background check online through their official portal or submit a request by mail. Local procedures may also involve visiting the Clay County Sheriff's Office for assistance.

How can I look up sex offenders in Clay County, Kentucky?

You can look up sex offenders in Clay County, Kentucky, by accessing the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Kentucky State Police and provides an online search tool where you can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. The registry is designed to help the public stay informed about registered sex offenders in their area.

How do I register to vote in Clay County, Kentucky?

Voter registration in Clay County is handled by the Clay County Clerk's office at 316 Main Street, Manchester, or online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections at vrsws.sos.ky.gov. You must register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Acceptable proof of identification and residency is required, and Kentucky residents can also register by mail or at various state agencies.

How do I look up property records in Clay County, Kentucky?

Property deeds, mortgages, and land records are maintained by the Clay County Clerk's office at 316 Main Street, Manchester, which can be reached at (606) 598-2544. Property tax assessment information is available through the Clay County Property Valuation Administrator at (606) 598-5168.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Clay County, Kentucky?

Birth and death certificates in Kentucky are maintained by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort, which can be contacted at (502) 564-4212 or accessed online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Birth certificates cost $10.00 and death certificates cost $9.00 for the first certified copy. Processing takes approximately 2-3 weeks for standard mail requests, with expedited options available online for additional fees. You must provide valid identification and prove a direct relationship or legal interest in the record.

How do I find business license records in Clay County, Kentucky?

DBA (Doing Business As) certificates and fictitious business name filings for Clay County are maintained by the Clay County Clerk's office at (606) 598-2544. For formal business entities like LLCs and corporations, search the Kentucky Secretary of State's online business database at web.sos.ky.gov, which is free and provides entity information. Local business permits and zoning matters are handled through the Clay County Fiscal Court at (606) 598-3427.

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Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.