Official Government Sources
Kentucky Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Kentucky government websites.
General Records
Kentucky Asset Search
Search government agencies open to the public to find assets of companies, corporations, or individuals.
Kentucky Background Check
Resources to navigate public records and obtain documents or filings on individuals in Kentucky.
Kentucky Bankruptcy Records Search
Conduct a bankruptcy search through public records to find individual or corporate bankruptcy filings.
Kentucky Criminal History Records
Search state repository for criminal records in Kentucky.
Kentucky Court Records
Direct access to Kentucky courts online; from district and county to Supreme courts.
Kentucky Vital Records Index
Record index of Kentucky marriages, deaths and divorces.
Kentucky Death Row
Information from the Kentucky Dept. of Corrections about Kentucky death row inmates.
Kentucky Driving Records
Access online forms from the state DMV to request a drivers license, complete registration and more.
Kentucky Criminal Record Expungements
Information and resources to assist in expunging criminal records state and nationwide.
Kentucky Fictitious Business Names Filings
Find general info and check name availability with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Kentucky Federal Resources
Learn about the government of the United States, including the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.
Kentucky Genealogy Records
Browse state archives, historical records, and online databases, search Kentucky census records to find info about ances
Kentucky Inmates
Find the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Kentucky Dept. of Corrections.
Kentucky Judgments and Liens
Find judgments, liens and UCC filings of any individual in Kentucky.
Kentucky Lawyer Lookup
Verify an attorney's licensing status with the State Bar.
Kentucky Historic Public Records
Request records from the Kentucky department for libraries and archives.
Kentucky Missing Children
Search Kentucky missing and exploited kids.
Kentucky Most Wanted
Current posting of fugitives and absconders from the KY State Police.
Kentucky Police Search
Kentucky Police and Law Enforcement Agency Directory.
Kentucky Property Records
Obtain property tax info by contacting specific Kentucky counties.
Kentucky Sex Offenders
Search the KY State Police Sex Offender Registry database of registered offenders by name or location.
Kentucky Unclaimed Property
Search property and claim status by individual name or business through the state treasurer.
Kentucky Vital Records
Request birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce filings in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Kentucky Public Records
What is included in a Kentucky background check?
In Kentucky, background checks are governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (ORA) (Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) § 61.870 through § 61.884). They may include criminal history, sex offender status, court filings, arrest records, and vital statistics. Agencies must respond within 5 business days (standard). The law is administered by Kentucky Attorney General's Office, Open Records and Open Meetings Division, (502) 696-5300.
Where can I find police reports in Kentucky?
Police reports in Kentucky are public records under the Kentucky Open Records Act (ORA). Submit your request to the agency that generated the report. Who may request: Any person - no residency requirement. Response deadline: 5 business days (standard). If access is denied, you may appeal to district or circuit court. Police report requests in Kentucky are processed under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870). Requesters must provide the incident date, location, and the names of parties involved. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) administers state trooper report requests from its records office in Frankfort, KY. For local reports, contact the municipality or county where the incident occurred. Most agencies respond within 10 business days; certified copies are available for court use.
What are the procedures to obtain Kentucky vital records, and what is included in those records with address, not URLs?
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) in Kentucky are maintained by the state Department of Health or Vital Statistics. Standard fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; agencies may not charge for the cost of staf. Certified copies carry separate fee schedules. Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofits, and public-interest requesters - always ask.
What is the school district and performance data for Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Education provides school district performance data for all public schools in the state. The data includes information on student achievement, graduation rates, teacher quality, and school finance. The data can be accessed through the Kentucky School Report Card website. The Kentucky Department of Education (education.ky.gov), headquartered in Frankfort, KY, is the authoritative source for Kentucky school district performance metrics. Reported metrics include proficiency rates in English language arts and mathematics, English learner progress, science achievement, and school climate indicators. Data is updated annually and can be searched by district, school, or student group on the department's data portal.
What is the crime statistics for Kentucky?
Kentucky crime statistics are compiled by the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Records Branch, and published in the annual Crime in Kentucky report at kentuckystatepolice.org. The FBI UCR program also includes Kentucky data. In 2022, Kentucky reported a violent crime rate of approximately 230 per 100,000 residents. The Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) publishes aggregated safety data at kystats.ky.gov. Local data is available through the Louisville Metro Police Department and other city agencies.
If I get arrested in Kentucky where would I go to jail and court? include address.
If arrested in Kentucky, you would be taken to the local county jail. Court appearances are scheduled in the county where the arrest occurred. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act (ORA), arrest records and booking information are generally public. Oversight: Kentucky Attorney General's Office, Open Records and Open Meetings Division, (502) 696-5300. Appeals go to district or circuit court.
Can I find Public records in Kentucky State Library?
Yes. Kentucky state and public libraries provide access to public records databases. The Kentucky Open Records Act (ORA) (Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) § 61.870 through § 61.884) guarantees public access to government documents. Many libraries offer free access to LexisNexis, court records portals, and vital record indexes. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870), Kentucky residents can access public records through state and local libraries. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA), 300 Coffee Tree Rd, Frankfort, KY 40602 maintains research collections including historical newspapers, land records, probate files, and legislative archives. Libraries also provide free access to LexisNexis Public Records and other subscription databases not available at home. Reference librarians are available to help navigate Kentucky government records portals and submit public records requests.
Where is the Kentucky State Library located?
The Kentucky Library is located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In addition to its main location, the Kentucky State Library coordinates resources and services for public libraries statewide. Patrons can access LexisNexis, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and PACER court records indexes through the library. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870), government documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Reference librarians in Frankfort, KY can assist with inter-library loans, records requests, and genealogical research inquiries.
Kentucky State fingerprinting office
The Kentucky State Police provides fingerprinting services for individuals who need to be fingerprinted for employment, licensing, or other purposes. The Kentucky State Police has offices located in Frankfort, London, Madisonville, and Richmond. In addition to Kentucky State Police (KSP) facilities in Frankfort, many county sheriff offices and city police departments in Kentucky offer walk-in or appointment fingerprinting. LiveScan electronic fingerprinting is accepted for most Kentucky licensing boards, courts, and employment agencies. The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number must be provided by the requesting agency. Fees typically range from $5 to $50 depending on purpose. Results are sent directly to the requester's agency, not to the applicant.