How much do death certificates cost in Kentucky?
Certified copies from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics cost $6 each when ordered by mail or in person. This is one of the lowest fees in the country. Online and phone orders through VitalChek cost significantly more due to added processing and shipping fees.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| OVS (mail/in person) | $6 |
| VitalChek (online/phone) | ~$18.50+ (includes processing/shipping) |
The $6 fee covers the record search and is non-refundable, even if no record is found. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the "Kentucky State Treasurer." Cash is not accepted for mail orders.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the fastest and simplest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
The OVS in Frankfort handles death certificate requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Kentucky.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order for $6 per copy, payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer." Include a copy of your photo ID.
- In person: Visit the Office of Vital Statistics at 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY. Bring a valid photo ID.
- Online or by phone: Order through VitalChek, the only authorized online and telephone vendor for Kentucky. Expect additional processing fees (the total typically runs $18.50 or more per copy plus shipping).
From your local health department
Some county and district health departments in Kentucky also issue death certificates. Contact the local health department where the death occurred for availability and fees.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| OVS by mail | 4 to 6 weeks |
| OVS in person | Same day (if record is on file) |
| VitalChek online | 5 to 7 business days + shipping |
In-person orders at the Frankfort office are the fastest option when records are available. Mail orders can take over a month.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and the probate court. At $6 per copy from OVS, Kentucky is one of the cheapest states to order in bulk. Ten copies cost $60.
For a complete list of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Kentucky restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse, parent, or child of the deceased
- Grandparent, sibling, or grandchild
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order or demonstrated legal need
You must provide a valid photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased.
What to know about Kentucky specifically
Among the cheapest in the country. At $6 per copy, Kentucky has one of the lowest death certificate fees of any state. By comparison, many states charge $20 to $25 per copy. Ordering 10 copies in Kentucky costs $60, versus $200+ in higher-fee states.
VitalChek triples the cost. While VitalChek is convenient, the processing and shipping fees can push the per-copy cost above $18.50. If you are near Frankfort or can send a mail request, ordering directly from OVS saves significant money.
Circuit Court handles probate. Kentucky's Circuit Court oversees estate cases. Small estates with personal property under $30,000 may qualify for a simplified affidavit process. You will need at least one certified death certificate for the court filing. See our guide on how probate works in Kentucky.
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