How to Get a Death Certificate in Kentucky

Getting a death certificate is one of the first practical steps after a death in Kentucky, and the details of who issues it and what it costs are specific to Kentucky.

Who issues death certificates in Kentucky?

Certified copies come from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort, which has death certificates on file back to 1911. In practice, the funeral home usually files the certificate and orders an initial batch of certified copies for you.

How much does a certified copy cost in Kentucky?

A certified copy costs $6, and the fee is non-refundable. Checks and money orders are made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Ordering through VitalChek adds a processing fee on top of the $6 per copy, and the state lists $10.50 for phone orders.

Who can order a copy in Kentucky?

The state’s application asks for details about the death, and the office handles requests by mail, in person, and through its approved online partner. Check its page for any identification it currently requires.

How do I order more copies in Kentucky?

• In person: at the Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, where you can complete an application in the lobby or use the drop box at the visitor entrance.
• By mail: to Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621, or by email to OVSresponse@ky.gov or fax to (502) 564-3318.
• Online or by phone: through VitalChek, the state’s approved partner, with a will-call pickup option; the office’s number is (502) 564-4212.

What else should I know before I order?

Mail requests can take up to 30 working days, and delays can occur if the funeral director or certifier hasn’t promptly filed the original certificate.

The state warns that unofficial third-party websites may overcharge, so order from the office or its approved partner. Qualifying VA copies can be ordered free (limit of 3, requested when the certificate is filed).

What should I do next?

Confirm with the funeral home how many copies it is ordering for you, then decide how many more you need; see how many death certificates you need in Kentucky and our general guide to death certificates.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: your Social Security number, birthplace, and parents’ full names - the death certificate application asks for these, and they’re often surprisingly hard for a family to track down under pressure.

Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics before you send payment.