The Kentucky Birth Certificate form is an official document used to request a certified copy of a birth certificate for individuals born in Kentucky since 1911. This form requires specific information, including the full name at birth, date of birth, and parental details. To obtain a certified copy, complete the form and follow the submission instructions provided.
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The Kentucky Birth Certificate form, officially designated as VS-37 Rev 1.3.2020, serves as a crucial document for individuals seeking a certified copy of a birth certificate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This form is essential for anyone born in Kentucky since 1911, as it contains vital information necessary for the application process. Sections 1 through 13 must be filled out clearly, providing details such as the individual's full name at birth, date of birth, and place of birth, including the city or town and county. Additionally, the form requires information about the parents, including the mother’s maiden name and the father’s name. In cases of adoption, the original name of the child, if known, should also be included. The relationship of the requestor to the individual named on the certificate must be specified, along with the requestor's contact information, including phone number and mailing address. A signature from the requestor is mandatory, affirming the accuracy of the provided information. Importantly, the application process involves a non-refundable fee of $10.00 for each certified copy requested, with multiple payment methods available, including online orders, telephone requests, and mail submissions. For added convenience, a drop box is located at the Office of Vital Statistics for in-person applications, although all in-person services are currently suspended. Understanding these components is vital for a smooth application process and ensures that individuals can obtain their birth certificates efficiently.
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
Name
5.
Father’s Name
6.
If this child has been adopted, please give
original name if known
7.
What is your relationship to the person whose certificate is being
Relationship
requested?
8.
Requestor’s Printed Name
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
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.
Filling out the Kentucky Birth Certificate form is an important step in obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate. After completing the form, you will be able to submit it through various methods, such as by mail or online, depending on your preference. Below are the steps to guide you through the process of filling out the form.
To complete the Kentucky Birth Certificate form, you will need to provide several key pieces of information. This includes:
The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky is $10.00. If you need additional copies, each one will also cost $10.00. It is important to note that these fees are non-refundable, meaning that once you pay, you cannot get that money back, even if the certificate is not available.
You can pay for a birth certificate using several methods:
The processing time for a birth certificate request can vary depending on the method used to submit your application. If you order by mail, it can take up to 30 working days from the date your payment is posted. Online and telephone requests may be processed more quickly, but specific times can depend on the volume of requests being handled at that moment.
Yes, you can request a birth certificate for someone else, but you must indicate your relationship to that person on the application form. This relationship can be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or another legal connection. Keep in mind that certain restrictions may apply based on privacy laws, so ensure that you provide accurate information.
If you need a birth certificate urgently, consider ordering it online or by phone, as these methods may offer faster processing times. Additionally, you can choose to have the certificate sent via overnight courier for an extra fee. Always check the current processing times and fees to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.
If you face any difficulties while completing the Kentucky Birth Certificate form, you can contact the Office of Vital Statistics directly at (502) 564-4212 for assistance. They can provide guidance on how to fill out the form correctly and answer any specific questions you may have about the process.
Failing to provide the full name at birth. It is essential to include the first, middle, and last names as they appear on the original birth record.
Incorrectly entering the date of birth. The format should be month, day, and year. Double-check for accuracy to avoid delays.
Omitting the place of birth. This includes the city or town and county in Kentucky, as well as the name of the hospital where the birth occurred.
Not providing the mother’s maiden name and the father’s name correctly. Ensure that both names are complete and accurate to prevent issues in processing the application.
Neglecting to include the requestor’s relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested. This information is necessary for verification purposes.
When applying for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Kentucky, there are several other forms and documents that may be necessary or helpful. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and can assist in various situations related to vital records. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents associated with the Kentucky Birth Certificate application.
These documents play an important role in various legal and personal matters. It is advisable to gather all necessary forms and information before submitting a request to ensure a smooth process.
The Kentucky Birth Certificate form is similar to a Marriage Certificate in that both documents serve as official records of significant life events. A Marriage Certificate captures the details of a marriage, including the names of the spouses, the date of the marriage, and the location where it took place. Just like a birth certificate, it requires specific information about the individuals involved and is often needed for legal purposes, such as changing a name or applying for certain benefits.
Another document similar to the Kentucky Birth Certificate is the Death Certificate. This document provides official confirmation of a person's death and includes essential details such as the deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, and place of death. Both certificates are vital records maintained by the state and may be required for settling estates, claiming insurance benefits, or other legal matters.
A Social Security Card is also comparable to a Birth Certificate. While the Social Security Card does not serve as proof of birth, it is often issued based on the information provided in the Birth Certificate. Both documents are crucial for establishing identity and eligibility for government benefits. A Birth Certificate is typically required when applying for a Social Security Card for the first time.
Similarly, a Passport shares some similarities with the Kentucky Birth Certificate. A Passport is an official document that certifies a person's identity and citizenship. To obtain a passport, applicants usually need to provide a Birth Certificate as proof of their identity and date of birth. Both documents are essential for travel and identification purposes.
The Adoption Certificate is another document that parallels the Birth Certificate. When a child is adopted, an Adoption Certificate is issued, which may include the child's new name and the names of the adoptive parents. This document serves as a legal record of the adoption and can be used in place of a Birth Certificate for various legal purposes, such as obtaining a driver’s license or enrolling in school.
A Driver's License also bears similarities to the Kentucky Birth Certificate. While a Driver's License is primarily an identification document for operating a vehicle, it often requires the presentation of a Birth Certificate to verify the applicant's identity and age. Both documents are essential for establishing legal identity in various situations.
The School Enrollment Form is another document that can be compared to the Birth Certificate. When enrolling a child in school, parents often need to provide a Birth Certificate to verify the child's age and identity. This document ensures that the child meets the age requirements for enrollment, similar to how a Birth Certificate serves as proof of birth.
Lastly, a Military Service Record is similar to the Kentucky Birth Certificate in that it documents significant life events. This record includes details about an individual's service in the military, such as enlistment and discharge dates. Like a Birth Certificate, it serves as an official record and may be needed for benefits, employment, or other legal matters related to military service.
When filling out the Kentucky Birth Certificate form, it’s essential to be careful and accurate. Here’s a helpful list of things to do and avoid:
Understanding the Kentucky Birth Certificate form can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise. Here are ten common misunderstandings clarified:
By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can navigate the process of obtaining a Kentucky birth certificate more effectively and with greater confidence.
Complete the Form Accurately: Ensure that all sections from 1 to 13 are filled out completely and accurately. This includes the full name at birth, date of birth, and place of birth.
Provide Parent Information: Include the mother’s maiden name and the father’s name. This information is crucial for the identification of the birth record.
Indicate Relationship: Clearly state your relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting. This helps verify your right to access the record.
Understand the Fees: A non-refundable fee of $10.00 is required for each certified copy of the birth certificate. Additional copies will also cost $10.00 each.
Payment Methods: You can pay via check or money order made out to “Kentucky State Treasurer.” Credit card payments are accepted for online and telephone orders, but additional fees may apply.
Order Options: Certificates can be ordered online, by telephone, by mail, or via drop box. Each method has its own processing times and fees.
Processing Time: If you order by mail, processing may take up to 30 working days from the date your payment is posted. Plan accordingly if you need the certificate by a specific date.
Check for Updates: Since in-person services are currently suspended, always check the Office of Vital Statistics website or call for the latest information on service availability.