Homepage Blank Kentucky Birth Certificate Form
Outline

Obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky involves a straightforward process, guided by the Kentucky Birth Certificate form, VS-37 Rev 1.3.2020. This form is essential for individuals seeking official documentation of births that occurred in the state since 1911. It includes key sections that must be filled out, such as the full name of the individual at birth, date and place of birth, and parental information. Notably, if the individual has been adopted, the form allows for the inclusion of the original name, if known. The requestor must also provide their relationship to the person named on the certificate, along with their contact information and signature. Payment details are crucial, as a non-refundable fee of $10.00 is required for each certified copy requested. The form also outlines various methods for submitting requests, including online, by phone, by mail, or through a drop box at the Office of Vital Statistics. Each method may incur additional processing fees, and it is important to note that in-person services are currently suspended. By understanding these components, individuals can navigate the process more effectively and ensure they receive the necessary documentation in a timely manner.

Sample - Kentucky Birth Certificate Form

VS-37 Rev 3.30.2023

 

 

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

BIRTH

STATE REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS

APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFIED COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE

 

Certificates of Birth that occurred in Kentucky since 1911 are on file in this office

 

Please Print or Type Sections 1 through 13.

PRINT

RESET

BIRTH CERTIFICATE INFORMATION

1.

Full Name at Birth

 

 

First

Middle

 

 

 

 

Last

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Date of Birth

 

 

Month

 

 

Day

 

Year

Sex

 

Age Last Birthday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Place of Birth

 

Kentucky City or Town

 

Kentucky County

 

 

Name of Hospital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Mother’s Maiden

 

 

First

 

Middle

 

 

 

Last

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Father’s Name

 

 

First

 

Middle

 

 

 

Last

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

If this child has been adopted, please give

 

First

 

 

 

Last

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

original name if known

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

What is your relationship to the person whose certificate is being

 

 

Relationship

 

 

 

 

 

 

requested?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

Requestor’s Printed Name

 

 

 

First

 

 

 

Last

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Requestor’s Phone Number

 

 

 

 

Phone Number With Area Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Requestor’s Mailing Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Requestor’s City, State, Zip

 

 

 

 

 

City, State, Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Requestor’s Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE

Volume

Certificate

Year

Date

Searched by

13. FEES – NON REFUNDABLE

A fee is to be paid for certified copies or records, or for a search of the files or records when no copy is available. The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $10.00 U.S. Additional copies are $10.00 U.S. each. Make check or money order payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer.” This fee is non refundable.

________ Certified Copies @ $10.00 each

= $

 

How many

 

Total payment

Certificates may also be ordered by the following methods:

In Person: The Office of Vital Statistics is located at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort. Visit our lobby and complete an application for a certified copy of a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday through Friday, excluding official state holidays. Orders received after 3:30 p.m. Eastern time will be processed the next business day.

Internet: Certificates may be ordered on the internet using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or check. An additional charge card fee will apply. This is in addition to the fee for each certified copy requested. Certificates requested via internet at this website: https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/kentucky/kentucky-office-of-vital-statistics may be returned by overnight courier for an additional shipment fee (if that record is available).

Telephone: Orders may be placed by telephone using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or check. An additional processing fee will apply. This processing fee is in addition to the fee for each certified copy requested. Certificates requested via telephone may be returned by overnight courier for an additional fee. The telephone number to place your order is (800) 241-8322, choose option 1.

Mail: Orders are accepted by mail, using a check or money order in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank for payment. It can take up to 30 working days to process your request from the date payment is posted. Mail application and payment to Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621. The Office of Vital Statistics telephone number is (502) 564-4212.

Drop Box: The Office of Vital Statistics installed a drop box at the visitor entrance at 275 E. Main St., Frankfort for applications for certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. Blank applications are provided on the drop box.

Form Information

Fact Name Details
Governing Law Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 213
Form Version VS-37 Rev 1.3.2020
Availability of Records Birth certificates from Kentucky since 1911 are on file.
Fee for Certified Copy $10.00 for the first copy; $10.00 for each additional copy.
Payment Methods Payments can be made by check, money order, or credit card.
Processing Time Requests by mail may take up to 30 working days to process.
Internet Orders Certificates can be ordered online with an additional card fee.
Drop Box Availability A drop box is available for applications at the Office of Vital Statistics.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Kentucky Birth Certificate

To obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky, you will need to fill out the Kentucky Birth Certificate form accurately. This form collects essential information about the individual whose birth certificate you are requesting. Once you have completed the form, you will submit it along with the required payment to the appropriate office.

  1. Full Name at Birth: Enter the first, middle, and last name of the individual as it appears on their birth certificate.
  2. Date of Birth: Fill in the month, day, and year of birth. Indicate the sex and age at the last birthday.
  3. Place of Birth: Specify the city or town, county, and name of the hospital in Kentucky where the individual was born.
  4. Mother’s Maiden Name: Provide the first, middle, and last name of the mother at the time of the birth.
  5. Father’s Name: Enter the first, middle, and last name of the father.
  6. Adoption Information: If applicable, provide the original name of the child before adoption.
  7. Relationship to the Individual: State your relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested.
  8. Requestor’s Printed Name: Fill in your first and last name.
  9. Requestor’s Phone Number: Provide your phone number, including the area code.
  10. Requestor’s Mailing Address: Enter your street address.
  11. Requestor’s City, State, Zip: Specify your city, state, and zip code.
  12. Requestor’s Signature: Sign the form to validate your request.
  13. Fees: Calculate the total payment based on the number of certified copies requested. Each copy costs $10.00, and payment must be made via check or money order payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer.”

Obtain Answers on Kentucky Birth Certificate

  1. What information do I need to provide on the Kentucky Birth Certificate form?

    When filling out the Kentucky Birth Certificate form, you will need to provide several key pieces of information. This includes:

    • The full name of the person whose birth certificate you are requesting.
    • The date of birth, including the month, day, and year.
    • The place of birth, specifying the city or town and county in Kentucky.
    • The mother's maiden name and the father's name.
    • If applicable, the original name of the child if they have been adopted.
    • Your relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested.
    • Your contact information, including your name, phone number, and mailing address.
  2. How much does it cost to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate?

    The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky is $10.00. This fee is non-refundable, meaning that if you do not receive the certificate for any reason, you will not get your money back. If you wish to order additional copies, each one will also cost $10.00.

  3. What payment methods are accepted for ordering a birth certificate?

    You can pay for a birth certificate using several methods:

    • Online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) or check.
    • By telephone using a credit card or check.
    • By mail with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank.

    Be aware that additional processing fees may apply depending on the payment method you choose.

  4. How can I order a birth certificate online?

    To order a birth certificate online, visit the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics website at VitalChek. You will need to provide the required information and make your payment using a credit card. Keep in mind that there may be an additional charge for using a credit card.

  5. What is the processing time for mail orders?

    If you choose to order your birth certificate by mail, it can take up to 30 working days to process your request once your payment has been posted. It's important to plan ahead if you need the certificate by a specific date.

  6. Can I pick up my birth certificate in person?

    Currently, all in-person services at the Office of Vital Statistics are suspended. However, there is a drop box available at the visitor entrance for applications. You can use this drop box to submit your application for a certified copy of a birth certificate.

  7. What if I need to contact the Office of Vital Statistics?

    If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach the Office of Vital Statistics by calling (502) 564-4212. For placing orders, you can call (800) 241-8322 and select option 1.

  8. What should I do if I need a birth certificate urgently?

    If you need a birth certificate quickly, consider ordering it online or by phone, as these methods may expedite the process. You can also opt for overnight courier services for an additional fee to receive your certificate faster.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Kentucky Birth Certificate form can seem straightforward, but many people make common mistakes that can delay their requests. One frequent error is providing incorrect information in the Full Name at Birth section. It’s essential to ensure that the name matches exactly as it appears on the original birth certificate. Even a small typo can lead to complications.

Another mistake involves the Date of Birth. Some individuals forget to double-check the month, day, and year, leading to inaccuracies. This is critical because the date of birth is a key identifier. If it doesn’t match the official records, the request may be denied or delayed.

People often overlook the Place of Birth section as well. It’s important to provide the correct city or town and county where the birth occurred. Misreporting this information can cause significant delays in processing the request.

Additionally, many applicants fail to include their relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested. This information is vital for the office to verify that the requestor has the right to access the records. Without this detail, the application may be returned or rejected.

Finally, a common oversight is in the Requestor’s Signature section. Some individuals forget to sign the application, which can halt the entire process. Always remember to sign and date the form before submission to avoid unnecessary delays.

Documents used along the form

When applying for a Kentucky Birth Certificate, several other forms and documents may be required or beneficial. These documents can help clarify your request or serve as supplementary identification. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents alongside the Kentucky Birth Certificate form.

  • Application for a Marriage License: This form is necessary for individuals planning to get married. It includes personal information about both parties and is typically submitted to the county clerk's office.
  • Application for a Death Certificate: This document is used to request a certified copy of a death certificate. It requires details about the deceased, including their full name, date of death, and relationship to the requester.
  • Affidavit of Parentage: This form is often used when establishing paternity for a child born outside of marriage. It includes signatures from both parents and may be required for certain legal processes.
  • Social Security Card Application: Individuals may need to apply for a Social Security card, especially if they are new to the country or have changed their name. This application requires proof of identity and citizenship.
  • Passport Application: If traveling internationally, a passport application may be necessary. This form requires personal identification and proof of citizenship, often including a birth certificate.
  • Change of Name Petition: This document is filed in court when an individual wishes to legally change their name. It includes the reason for the change and may require a hearing.
  • Adoption Records Request: For individuals who have been adopted, this request form can be used to obtain original birth records or adoption decrees, depending on state laws.
  • Driver’s License Application: When obtaining a driver's license, applicants must fill out this form, which includes personal information and may require proof of residency and identity.

These documents can play an important role in various life events and legal processes. Having them ready can streamline your requests and ensure that you have all necessary information at hand when applying for a Kentucky Birth Certificate or related services.

Similar forms

The Kentucky Birth Certificate form is an essential document for establishing identity and citizenship. Several other documents share similarities with it, particularly in terms of the information they contain and their purpose. Here’s a list of seven documents that are similar to the Kentucky Birth Certificate form:

  • Social Security Card: Like the birth certificate, this card includes personal information such as your full name and date of birth. It is crucial for identity verification and accessing government services.
  • Passport: A passport serves as a proof of identity and citizenship. It contains your name, date of birth, and place of birth, similar to the birth certificate, making it essential for international travel.
  • Driver’s License: This document requires proof of identity and age, much like the birth certificate. It typically includes your full name, date of birth, and address, serving as a primary form of identification.
  • Marriage Certificate: A marriage certificate records the union between two individuals. It often requires the birth certificates of both parties to confirm their identities and birth details.
  • Adoption Records: These documents provide information about the adoption process and typically include the original birth certificate of the adopted individual, reflecting their birth details and biological parents.
  • Death Certificate: A death certificate records the details of an individual's death. It contains information such as the deceased's name, date of birth, and place of birth, similar to the birth certificate.
  • Voter Registration Card: This card verifies a person's eligibility to vote and includes personal information like name and date of birth. It often requires proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, during the registration process.

Understanding the similarities between these documents can help individuals navigate various legal and administrative processes more effectively.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Kentucky Birth Certificate form, there are several important dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Below is a list that can help guide you through the process.

  • Do print or type your information clearly in Sections 1 through 13.
  • Do provide the full name at birth, including first, middle, and last names.
  • Do include the date of birth in the correct format: month, day, and year.
  • Do indicate the place of birth, including the city or town and county.
  • Do provide the requestor’s printed name and contact information accurately.
  • Don't forget to sign the application; your signature is required.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may delay processing.
  • Don't forget to include the non-refundable fee for the certified copy.
  • Don't use abbreviations or nicknames; use legal names as they appear on official documents.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your application for a Kentucky birth certificate is completed correctly and submitted without unnecessary delays.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: Birth certificates can be obtained without any fees.
  • In Kentucky, there is a non-refundable fee of $10.00 for each certified copy of a birth certificate. This fee applies regardless of whether the request is fulfilled.

  • Misconception 2: Anyone can request a birth certificate.
  • Only individuals with a direct relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested can obtain it. The form requires you to specify your relationship to the individual.

  • Misconception 3: Birth certificates are available for any year.
  • Birth certificates for events that occurred in Kentucky are only available from 1911 onward. Requests for earlier records cannot be fulfilled.

  • Misconception 4: You must request a birth certificate in person.
  • Requests can be made via multiple methods, including online, by phone, by mail, or using a drop box. In-person services are currently suspended.

  • Misconception 5: The processing time for a birth certificate is always quick.
  • While online requests may be faster, mail requests can take up to 30 working days to process. It is important to plan accordingly.

  • Misconception 6: You can change the information on a birth certificate after it has been issued.
  • Once a birth certificate is issued, the information cannot be changed without following a formal amendment process. This requires additional documentation and fees.

  • Misconception 7: You can pay for a birth certificate using any form of payment.
  • Payments must be made via check, money order, or specific credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express). Ensure you follow the payment guidelines provided.

  • Misconception 8: Birth certificates can be requested anonymously.
  • The requestor's name and contact information must be provided on the application form. Anonymous requests are not permitted.

  • Misconception 9: You can receive a birth certificate immediately after requesting it.
  • Even if you request a birth certificate online or by phone, there may be additional processing times. It is not an instant service.

  • Misconception 10: All birth certificates are the same regardless of the method of request.
  • While the content of the birth certificate remains the same, different methods of request may incur additional fees. Be aware of these potential costs when choosing your method.

Key takeaways

  • Complete All Sections: Make sure to fill out all sections of the form from 1 to 13. Use clear printing or type your information to avoid any confusion.
  • Provide Accurate Payment: The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $10.00. Remember, this fee is non-refundable, so ensure you include the correct amount.
  • Choose Your Ordering Method: You can request a birth certificate online, by phone, by mail, or through a drop box. Each method has its own processing times and fees, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
  • Know Your Relationship: Be prepared to state your relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting. This information is necessary for processing your request.