Kentucky Vital Records

These federal and national sources complement Kentucky's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Kentucky state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.

CDC, Where to Write for Vital Records
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains the official national directory of every state's vital records office. Use this to confirm the correct agency, mailing address, and current fee for the state where the event occurred.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm (cdc.gov) NCHS / National Vital Statistics System
The National Center for Health Statistics collects aggregate vital statistics from all 57 U.S. jurisdictions but does not itself issue individual certificates.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/index.htm (cdc.gov) Kentucky Vital Records — chfs.ky.gov
Plain-language federal portal explaining eligibility rules, processing times, and how to request records for events that occurred abroad.
Kentucky Vital Records (official: chfs.ky.gov) (chfs.ky.gov) SSA, Form SS-5 (Social Security Number Application)
If you need a vital record to replace a Social Security card or establish proof of age, the SSA accepts birth certificates and several secondary documents listed on Form SS-5.
https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf (ssa.gov)  Frequently Asked Questions Kentucky Vital Records Search, FAQ  Last reviewed: April 2026  Updated: April 2026

Record guide

Useful local context without burying the official record links above.

At a glance

Kentucky Vital RecordsStateKentuckyOfficial sources9Vital records6Federal3Links checkedSep. 22, 2026Using these vital record sources

More Kentucky records on this site: Kentucky public records, Free Background Checks.

Straight answers

Open only the answer you need.

Does the federal government keep birth certificates?

No. The CDC is explicit: 'The Federal Government does not maintain files or indexes of these records.' Every U.S. vital record is kept by the state where the event occurred.

What is the difference between a certified and informational copy?

A certified copy has a raised seal and is accepted by SSA, passport offices, and courts. An informational copy is marked 'Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity' and cannot be used for legal ID.

How long does a mail request take?

It varies by state, but a mail order to a state vital records office is typically 4, 8 weeks. Walk-in county clerk requests can be same-day. Online orders through VitalChek add a separate processing time on top of the state's.

Who is legally allowed to order a certified copy?

Most states limit certified copies to the registrant, immediate family, and legal representatives. Informational copies are generally available to anyone after a waiting period defined by state law.

What if I was born abroad to U.S. citizen parents?

You should have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, form FS-240). Replacements come from the U.S. Department of State, not from a state vital records office.

All states