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Kansas Public Records

Searching for public records is not always a simple task. In some cases, the records are not available to the public. In others, they are kept by different departments and require some significant digging.

However, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) does give citizens the right to access records.

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 Kansas public records law say?

The Kansas Open Records Act states that you can request public documents in Kansas without explaining why you want them, staff in departments are allowed to decline your request if it places an “unreasonable burden” on their department.

Governmental agencies can also reject your request for a public record if it feels it’s “designed to disrupt the follow of the workings of the government.”

To learn more about the public records law, visit the state website at www.Kansas.gov.

How can I access public records in Kansas?

A person must submit a public records request for public records access in Kansas. The request 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
• 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

Kansas criminal records

Many of the criminal records checks requested in Kansas are done by employers seeking a background check on potential employees.

If you are an employer researching a prospective employee’s (potential) criminal history, use this guide to gather information about the process. Kansas-specific resources are also included.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) maintains criminal records in the state.

What’s on a Kansas criminal record?

Sometimes called a “rap sheet,” a criminal record summarizes someone’s criminal history. These records are prepared by state and local law enforcement agencies, detention facilities, and courts.

In Kansas, the document will list the person’s interactions with the law, and the following information will be provided to you:

• Date of birth
• Photograph/mugshot
• Fingerprints
• Current and past addresses
• Former arrest records
• Current and past warrants
• Arrest report
• Department of arrest, police department, sheriff’s office, state police, etc.

Where can I find Kansas criminal records?

The Kansas Bureau of Identification administers background checks in Kansas. Record checks are fee-based, but the fee and the information released will vary depending on Kansas statutes and regulations.

The Kansas Central Repository allows you to search criminal records by name or fingerprint. You must use the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s blank fingerprint card to submit a fingerprint.

You can obtain the following types of conviction criminal history information on adults:

• Court convictions for felonies or misdemeanors in Kansas
• Court convictions for violations of municipal ordinances or county resolutions in Kansas
• Confinements in Kansas Department of Corrections facilities
• Arrest Records from the past 12 months
• Active diversions (not yet completed)

Kansas inmate records

Kansas state prisons have approximately 10,000 inmates. According to Prison Policy Initiatives, this is near the national average for prisoners per 100,000 people.

The Kansas Department of Corrections maintains inmate records in the state.

What’s on a Kansas inmate record?

You can obtain information on any Kansas inmate who is currently incarcerated, under post-incarceration supervision, or who has been discharged from a sentence.

However, you cannot use the state’s database to get information on inmates sent to Kansas under the provisions of the interstate compact agreement.

Public information on inmates includes:

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

Where can I find Kansas inmate records?

You will search the Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER) for the inmate record you are trying to access.

The searchable site will require you to enter one or more pieces of information into the search fields like a name or KDOC number.

You can also use the advanced search option, which lets you filter by additional information, such as race, age, gender, facility, and more.

Kansas Court Records

Barring any exemptions from disclosure, anyone can obtain court records in Kansas.

The Kansas Judicial Branch has gradually transitioned to a new centralized case management system, which is expected to be complete by early 2022.

In the meantime, you can still find and request many court records online through their district website.

What’s on a Kansas court record?

The most commonly requested court records in Kansas include:

• Court case
• Case information
• Case number
• Dockets
• Orders of the court
• Case records.
• Jury records and files
• Small claims judgments

Where can aI find Kansas court records?

Until the entire Kansas court system is added into the centralized case management system, your best bet for finding court records in the state is to review the Kansas Courts website.

You can find links to search for court records and request documents. There is also a search box to help you find district court records by county or district.

Before you get started, it will help to understand how the court system works in the state.

• Supreme Court: As the highest judicial authority in the state, the Kansas Supreme Court hears direct appeals from district courts (in severe criminal cases), cases first heard by the Court of Appeals, and cases in which a statute has been declared unconstitutional.
• Court of Appeals: Except for those cases appealed to the Supreme Court, this appellate court hears appeals on civil and criminal cases from Kansas district courts. The Court of Appeals also hears appeals of decisions from Kansas administrative agencies.
• District Courts: These trial courts hear civil and criminal cases from their jurisdiction.
• Municipal Courts: These city courts deal with city ordinance violations.

To search for cases by the judicial district, you will be directed to the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration. You can search by record number or name.

Your results will only contain case information, not a complete filing record.

To obtain additional information on a case, you will need to contact the County Clerk where the case is filed.

To search for cases brought before the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals, you must use the Kansas Appellate Courts’ Case Inquiry System.

You can search by name, appellate case number, or the county where the case originated.

Kansas Vital Records Records

Kansas Department of Health and Environment maintains public vital records in the state.

Kansas public vital records include:

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

Kansas vital records requests will be different depending on the agency you are making the request.

Office of Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson St #120
Topeka, KS 66612

Phone number: 785-296-1400

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

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

• Full name on the birth certificate
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Race
• Gender
• Hospital the birth took place
• Full name of both parents

Where can I find a Kansas birth certificate?

You can request a birth record online using VitalChek or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Birth Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

You can also request a birth certificate in Kansas by phone.

Kansas Division of Public Health
877-305-8315

The cost for a certified birth certificate in Kansas is $15 per copy.

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

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

• Full name on the death certificate
• Date of death
• Race
• Gender
• Place of death
• Date of birth or the deceased age at the time of death
• Marital status
• Spouse’s full name
• Parents’ full name
• Residence at time of death
• Place of birth
• Funeral home
• County where buried

Where can I find a Kansas death record?

You can request a death record online using VitalChek or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Death Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

You can also call the Division of Public Health to request a certified copy of a death record.

Kansas Division of Public Health
877-305-8315

The price for a certified death record is $15 in Kansas.

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

The Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Marriage Certificate requires specific information:

• Both spouses’ full names
• Both spouses’ date of birth
• Date of marriage
• The county the marriage license was issued
• The city the marriage took place

Where can I find an existing Kansas marriage record?

You can request a marriage record online using VitalChek or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Marriage Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

You can also call the Division of Public Health to request a certified copy of a marriage certificate.

Kansas Division of Public Health
877-305-8315

The price for a certified marriage record is $15 in Kansas.

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

The Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Divorce Certificate requires specific information:

• Both spouses’ full names
• Both spouses’ birth dates
• Date of a divorce
• County the divorce was granted
• City where the divorce took place

Where can I find a Kansas divorce record?

You can request a divorce record online using VitalChek or by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Divorce Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

You can also call the Division of Public Health to request a certified copy of a divorce decree.

Kansas Division of Public Health
877-305-8315

The price for a certified death record is $15 in Kansas.

Kansas Property Records

The County Appraiser maintains property records in Kansas.

The property records you can access include:

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

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

Public property record requests differ depending on the county you are requesting the documents from.

Contact your clerk’s office for fees, processes, and office hours.

Where can I find a Kansas property record?

You will contact your local County Appraiser to access public property records.

Example – Russell County
Russell County Appraiser’s Office
1 Courthouse Sq.
Liberty, MO 64068

Phone number: 816-407-3550
Fax: 816-407-3551

FAQs

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

Many Kansas records are considered public, meaning that residents of any state may request them; some records are limited in who is eligible to request them.

You may need to get legal representation, provide proof of your relationship to the person of record, or explain why you are justified in doing a record search.

Is there a records custodian in Kansas?

An agent must designate a local Freedom of Information Act officer to resolve the dispute.

What exemptions exist for public records requests in Kansas?

There are 55 exemptions to the Kansas Open Records Act. Many exemptions deal with personal information, like medical records or adoption records.

Records that pertain to security protocols, criminal investigations, and trade secrets are also exempt from public access.

How long does Kansas have to respond to a public records request?

The state of Kansas has three days to respond to a request.

Is there an appeal process for public records requests in Kansas?

Suppose you feel your records request was unfairly denied.

In that case, you can appeal to the Kansas Court of Appeals or the corresponding Clerk of the District Court.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Kansas?

Public agencies typically charge “reasonable” fees to provide access to or copies of public records. The fees vary depending on the factors involved in researching and providing that specific record.