Public records in Kentucky are documents or pieces of information that are created and maintained by state and local government agencies, and are available to the public for inspection and copying. These records may include a wide range of information, such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, court documents, property records, and government contracts.
In Kentucky, public records are governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA), which was enacted in 1976. The KORA establishes the right of the public to access and inspect public records, and requires that public agencies make such records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless the records are exempt from disclosure under the KORA or other state or federal laws.
Birth records in Kentucky are kept by the Office of Vital Statistics within the Department of Public Health. These records contain information about individuals who were born in the state, including their name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of their parents. Birth records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for individuals who were adopted or whose records are sealed for other reasons. Certified copies of birth certificates are available by internet, phone, mail or in person.
Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main St., 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
For genealogical searches:
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
P.O. Box 537
300 Coffee Tree Road
Frankfort, KY 40602
(5O2) 564-8300
Death records in Kentucky are also kept by the Office of Vital Statistics within the Department of Public Health. These records contain information about individuals who have passed away in the state, including their name, date of death, place of death, and the cause of death. Death records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for individuals whose records are sealed for privacy reasons.
Marriage records in Kentucky are maintained by the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage took place. These records contain information about individuals who were married in the state, including their names, the date of the marriage, and the names of the officiant and witnesses. Marriage records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for individuals whose records are sealed for privacy reasons.
Divorce records in Kentucky are also maintained by the county clerk's office in the county where the divorce took place. These records contain information about individuals who were divorced in the state, including their names, the date of the divorce, and the grounds for the divorce. Divorce records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for individuals whose records are sealed for privacy reasons.
Criminal records in Kentucky are maintained by the Kentucky State Police. These records contain information about individuals who have been arrested or convicted of crimes within the state, including their name, date of birth, and the nature of the crime. Criminal records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for individuals whose records are sealed for privacy reasons.
Court records in Kentucky are maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice. These records contain information about legal proceedings that have taken place within the state, including criminal, civil, and probate cases. Court records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for cases that are sealed for privacy reasons.
Property records in Kentucky are maintained by the county clerk's office in the county where the property is located. These records contain information about real estate properties within the state, including the owner's name, the property's location, and any mortgages or liens that may be attached to the property. Property records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for properties that are owned by the government or are sealed for privacy reasons.
In conclusion, Kentucky public records are a valuable resource for conducting research, verifying information, and learning about the history and background of individuals and properties within the state. These records are typically available to the general public, with some exceptions for cases that are sealed for privacy reasons. If you are interested in accessing Kentucky public records, you can typically do so by contacting the appropriate government agency or by using online resources that provide access to these records.