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Kentucky Public Records

The search for public records in any state is never a direct line. Public records are usually scattered across multiple state agencies, making them challenging to locate and request.

You can save time and stress by knowing the state laws and procedures for public records requests.

Most states typically have a list of private documents, such as government employee salaries, which are listed as public.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

• Criminal Records
• Court Records
• Inmate Records
• Vital Records

What does the Kentucky public records law say?

According to Kentucky Public Information Laws currently in place, “all public records created, used or in its possession must be managed by the state.”

The Kentucky Open Records Act consists of laws that guarantee that public access to records is available at all levels in the state.

The state’s executive and legislative branches are both subject to the law. The judicial branch is exempt.

The state takes the law seriously. In subsequent years, Kentucky’s Attorney General has found that agencies that have failed to create a record management program violate the Kentucky Open Records Act.

The state pushes for transparency and strives to provide easy access to the public.

Agencies in Kentucky must respond to a records request within three days. If the state office needs more time, a letter must be written to inform the requester of a 30-day extension.

There are 13 exemptions to the state’s public records act, most of which are standard across the United States.

To learn more, visit Kentucky.gov.

How can a person access public records in Kentucky?

Some records are available online, while others will require a formal records request. If a request is necessary, it can be sent via mail, email, or phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you access records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

• Your name
• Parties name
• Contact information
• The name of the document
• Details about the document
• A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
• Document delivery method, mail or email

Kentucky Criminal Records

Just as in all states, the criminal records in Kentucky contain an official compilation of a person’s criminal history.

These formal records are compiled from the local, county, and state jurisdictions, as also courts and correctional facilities within the state.

Kentucky criminal records are maintained by the state judiciary. The Clerk of Courts is the custodian for public records.

What’s on a Kentucky criminal record?

A criminal record provides a person’s arrest records, convictions, and incarcerations within the state’s nine prisons.

More specifically, a criminal record or a background check will provide the following information:

• Date of birth
• Photograph/mugshot
• Fingerprints
• Current and past addresses
• Former arrest records
• Current and past warrants
• Arrest report

Where can I find Kentucky criminal records?

Requests for criminal records in the state go through the Kentucky Court of Justice via their online portal.

Through this site, name-based and public records reporting are available. Additionally, the Kentucky State Police administers background checks for licensing, criminal justice, and employment purposes.

For $25, the Administrative Office of the Courts provides criminal records reports to individuals, companies, licensing agencies, government entities, and others.

The AOC’s database is statewide through CourtNet 2.0, which collects court information from the local case management system in Kentucky’s 120 counties.

CourtNet 2.0 possesses millions of Kentucky records covering all misdemeanor and traffic cases for the last five years, plus felonies dating back to 1978. Note that criminal record reports do not contain driving or arrest records.

Kentucky Inmate Records

The Kentucky Department of Corrections manages all adult correctional facilities in the state, setting the rules and standards for all county-run facilities.

The KDOC manages 12 correctional facilities throughout the state.

Kentucky inmate records include the personal and official data of those incarcerated in prisons and county jails within the state.

What’s on a Kentucky inmate record?

An inmate record usually contains personal information and specific details about a person’s incarceration situation.

A public records search can provide the following information when accessed:

• Name and aliases
• Date of Birth
• Social security number
• Height and weight
• DOC ID
• Booking photo
• Assigned location
• Sentence summary

Where can I find Kentucky inmate records?

The Kentucky corrections department provides a searchable database for people who are currently incarcerated in the state and previous inmates who have served their time.

The Kentucky inmate finder is available via the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

An inmate search is possible in Kentucky by using the inmate’s legal first and last name in question or by their aliases.

You can also conduct advanced searches by entering a Department of Corrections ID number, offender type, supervision status, location, age, crime or conviction date, race, gender, and location.

The more information entered into the system, the easier narrowing your search. When conducting your search, check a box to view any available photographs of the inmate. Suppose there is a mugshot available in the system.

In that case, you will be able to see a photograph and know whether you recognize the individual.

You can also search for formerly incarcerated inmates who are out on probation or parole, former convicts listed in the sex offender database, and people who are otherwise under community supervision.

Look for inmates who were recently arrested or convicted in Kentucky.

You might have some trouble finding them through the database. According to the Kentucky Department of Corrections website, it may take more than 120 days for new offender data to be finalized and entered into the system.

Kentucky Court Records

In Kentucky, the Supreme Court serves as the highest legal authority. It thus has the power to oversee decisions made by lesser courts. This means that the Supreme Court can check any decision made by the Court of Appeals and weigh in on any legal conflicts and questions within the court system.

The Court of Appeals then acts similarly to District Courts and Circuit Courts, reviewing decisions when one party contests a decision.

What’s on a Kentucky court record?

In most cases, court records are quite large and come with several varying documents.

Most people find these documents the most helpful:

• Names of parties
• Court docket
• Attorney name
• Court case information
• City and state
• Case number
• Case type
• Case information
• Date of birth
• Court orders

Where can I find Kentucky court records?

Information on the Kentucky Court of Justice can be obtained through the Administrator of the Court’s website.

The state has its online CourtNet website where criminals can be searched, providing the corresponding copies requested through the appropriate courthouse.

Public entities that must produce records include all state and local government offices.

This also includes the executive and legislative branches and anybody that receives at least 25 percent of its funds from the state.

Kentucky Vital Records Records

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains public vital records in the state.

Kentucky public vital records include:

• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Marriage Licenses
• Divorce Decrees

Public record requests and record lookups for vital records will differ depending on which document you are seeking.

Office of Vital Statistics Department for Public Health
Office of Vital Statistics
Department for Public Health
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 East Main Street 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621

What information do I need to request a Kentucky birth certificate?

The Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate will require specific details.

• The full name on the birth record
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Parents’ name before marriage

Where can I find a Kentucky birth certificate?

You can order a Kentucky birth certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Kentucky birth record by completing the Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost for a certified birth certificate in Kentucky is $10.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Kentucky?

The Application for a Certified Death Certificate requires specific details.

• Full name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Place of death
• Attending physician’s name
• Funeral home

Where can I find a Kentucky death record?

You can order a Kentucky death certificate online using VitalCheck.

Or, you can obtain a Kentucky death record by completing the Application for a Certified Death Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

The cost for a certified death certificate in Kentucky is $6.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Kentucky?

The Clerk of County Court maintains marriage records in Kentucky.

However, you can request a copy of a marriage certificate through the Kentucky Office of Statistics.

• The name of both spouses before and after marriage.
• County where the marriage license was issued.
• County where the dissolution of marriage was granted.

Where can I find an existing Kentucky marriage record?

You can complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate and submit it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified copy of a marriage certificate is $6 in Kentucky.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Kentucky?

The Clerk of County Court maintains marriage records in Kentucky.

However, you can request a copy of a marriage certificate through the Kentucky Office of Statistics.

• The name of both spouses before and after marriage.
• County where the marriage license was issued.
• County where the dissolution of marriage was granted.

Where can I find a Kentucky divorce record?

You can complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate and submit it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified copy of a divorce decree is $6 in Kentucky.

Kentucky Property Records

The Kentucky Secretary of State Land Office maintains public property records.

The property records you can access include:

• Liens
• Land records
• Titles
• Property deeds
• Mortgages
• Property tax assessment records
• Zoning information
• Probate

What information do I need to request property records in Kentucky?

Public property record requests vary depending on the information you are attempting to obtain.

Where can I find a Kentucky property record?

You will contact the Kentucky Land Office to inquire about forms, fees, and processes.

Example – Kentucky Land Office
Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State Land Office
700 Capital Avenue
Suite 152
Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone number: (502) 564-3490

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents in Kentucky?

Residency does not matter whether you live in Fayette, Louisville, and New York City; residency does not matter.

Anyone can request records.

Is there a records custodian in Kentucky?

The state of Kentucky does not have a records custodian.

What exemptions exist for public records in Kentucky?

There are 13 exemptions in KORA, with the majority of these more or less standard with what can be seen in other states’ FOIA statutes.

Specific categories of personal information regarding civilians, trade secrets, police methods, active investigations, reports, laws, preliminary drafts, homeland security, public agency real estate purchases, patient medical records, some voter records, and specific academic examinations are exempt.

A more thorough breakdown of exemptions can be found on the state’s transparency site.

How long does Kentucky have to respond?

Agencies in Kentucky have three days to deny or accept a request. If more time is necessary, these agencies will write a letter informing the requester of their 30-day extension.

Is there an appeals process in place for open records request in Kentucky?

There is the possibility to appeal, but it’s quicker to administratively appeal to the Attorney General of Kentucky.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Kentucky?

Government agencies are not allowed to charge for searches, but noncommercial requests are subject to copying fees.

For non-commercial requests, agencies can charge the actual cost of making copies of records. Commercial requests are subject to fees at reasonable prices. Expect to pay around 10 cents per page.