Kentucky charges one of the lowest death certificate fees in the country — a flat $6 per copy — which makes it easy to order all the copies your family will actually need without worrying about cost. Here's every ordering option and what to expect.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Kentucky?
Death certificates in Kentucky are issued by the Office of Vital Statistics, part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, located in Frankfort. The office holds death records from 1911 to present. Website: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Kentucky
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor, which adds a processing fee (typically around $10.50) on top of the state fee. Typically 2–3 weeks.
- By phone: Call (800) 241-8322 and choose option 1. Payment by credit card.
- By mail: Submit a completed application with a check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Mail to: Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621. Allow up to 30 working days (roughly 4–6 weeks).
- In person — Frankfort: Walk-in service is available at the Office of Vital Statistics, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern. Often same-day, depending on volume.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Kentucky?
The fee is a flat $6 per certified copy, with no premium for the first copy — among the lowest pricing of any state. Ten copies cost just $60 total. The fee is a non-refundable search fee, so it applies even if no record is found. Online and phone orders add VitalChek's own processing fee on top of the state's $6.
Pro tip
Kentucky's $6 fee is genuinely cheap compared to most states. Order generously — 12 copies cost just $72, and between banks, insurers, and the probate court, you'll likely use them all.
What will it cost in Kentucky?
- First certified copy
- $6
- Each additional copy
- $6
- Total for 10 copies
- $60
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Kentucky families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the District Court (where Kentucky probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and the Kentucky inheritance tax filing (when applicable).
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Kentucky.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Kentucky?
Kentucky restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the personal representative of the estate; attorneys representing the estate; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID and complete the application form in full — the Office of Vital Statistics cannot search or verify records without it.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online via VitalChek | 2–3 weeks |
| By phone | Similar to online, plus processing fee |
| Mail to Office of Vital Statistics | Up to 30 working days (roughly 4–6 weeks) |
| In person, Frankfort | Often same-day, depending on volume |
| Through funeral home | Typically within the first 1–2 weeks |
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Kentucky. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Kentucky may change. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for guidance specific to your situation.