How to Request Records from the Archives

The Archives Research Room at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) is pleased to announce a new online records ordering system. Customers can now use a credit card to pay for copies of records ordered from KDLA.

Records Inventory

CLICK HERE for the KDLA Records Inventory

This inventory lists some of the most regularly used resources at KDLA including; birth, marriage, death, county order books, wills, deeds, and civil and criminal cases. Records vary greatly by County and type. Consult this list for a better idea of the availability of records for your research interests when planning to visit KDLA or when considering placing a records request order with us. This is not a comprehensive inventory, questions about the records listed, or other material not included here, should be directed to staff at KDLA.Archives@ky.gov or at (502) 564-1770.

Records Request Forms

If you prefer to not use a credit card for the research fee, you can fill out one of the request forms below and mail it, along with a check, to:

Archives Research Room
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
P.O. Box 537
300 Coffee Tree Road
Frankfort, KY 40602

Your request will be handled in the order of its receipt. While typically shorter, please allow 4-6 weeks for a response. Check or money order should be payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Do not send cash.

Birth Record Request

For birth records after 1911, please contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (502) 564-4212.
(CLICK HERE for a list of birth records for 1852-1910 available at the Archives, by county.)
(CLICK HERE for a list of birth records for 1852-1910 available at the Archives, by city.)

Census Record Request

Civil Case File Record Request

(CLICK HERE for a list of dates of civil and criminal case files available at the Archives, by county.)

Court of Appeals Record Request

Criminal Case File Record Request

(CLICK HERE for a list of dates of civil and criminal case files available at the Archives, by county.)

Death Record Request

For death records after 1966, please contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (502) 564-4212.
(CLICK HERE for a list of death records for 1852-1910 available at the Archives, by county.)
(CLICK HERE for a list of death records for 1852-1910 available at the Archives, by city.)

Deed Record Request

Divorce Record Request

(CLICK HERE for a list of dates of civil and criminal case files available at the Archives, by county.)

Marriage Record Request

Military Record Request

Name Change Record Request

Naturalization Record Request

Probate/Will Record Request

Tax Record Request

Fees

Billing (In-State Patrons)

In-state customers must submit a $10.00 non-refundable search and copy fee with each genealogical reference request.

Check or money order should be payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Do not send cash.

Billing (Out-of-State Patrons)

Out-of-state customers must submit a $15.00 non-refundable research fee with each genealogical reference request. Staff will not undertake any research unless this fee is pre-paid.

Check or money order should be payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Do not send cash.

PLEASE NOTE: Additional copy charges (25¢ per photocopy and 50¢ per microfilm copy), as well as postage charges, will be applied to requests that require the reproduction of extensive records consisting of more than 20 photocopies and/or 10 microfilm copies. Please allow 4-6 weeks for a response.

The Kentucky State Archives' Research Room has reopened to the public. Appointments are highly encouraged due to limited capacity. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9-11:30 AM EDT and 1-3:30 PM EDT (except when closed for state holidays).

To speak to an Archives Research Room staff member to discuss your research needs and to schedule an appointment, please call (502) 564-1770.

Research Room staff available by phone, Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm ET.

300 Coffee Tree Road
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Email: kdla.archives@ky.gov

Phone: (502) 564.1770

Toll Free: (800) 928.7000