Kansas Public Records

Public records in Kansas are maintained by several different government agencies and departments. They are generally easy to order, but it helps to know where to look. Many kinds of public records are kept at the state level, for example, while some are kept at the county level. Many of the most commonly-sought Kansas public records can be ordered and/or viewed online.

Vital Records

In Kansas, vital records - including records of birth, death, marriage, and divorce - are administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, through its Office of Vital Statistics. The Office maintains a searchable online database with more than 10 million vital records. More than 100,000 new records are added each year.

People can order certified copies of their own Kansas vital records online by visiting this website. The online order page is operated by VitalChek, a third party processor, so there is an extra fee associated with this service. It is also possible to order by phone, by mail, or in person.

For more information, visit the Office of Vital Statistics website or call them at (785) 296-1400.

Criminal Records

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of public criminal history records, and makes them available online. There is a $20 fee associated with the service and users are required to sign up for a KanAccess Account, but it's easy. Visit the Criminal History Records search page for more information.

Additionally, it is possible to search inmate records for free via the Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER) System.

Court Records

The Kansas Judicial Branch maintains a website with access to public legal records in Kansas. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals opinions can be viewed for free.

And the Office of Judicial Administration has a website that allows search of Kansas District Court records, for a very reasonable $1.00 per search and $1.00 per case selected for viewing. (But note that you still have to pay the $1.00 search fee, even if the search doesn't return any results).

Property Records

Kansas property records, including real property valuations and tax records, are maintained at the county level, by the Tax Appraiser's Office. A list of county Appraisers Offices is available at here.

Business Records

The Kansas Secretary of State maintains business records for corporations and limited liability companies. Searchable entity records will include such information as the name and file number of the business, the names of any officers or agents, and the date of formation. Additionally, it is possible to check the availability of a business name, view charitable organization records, and search Kansas trademarks and trade names. The document search page is here.

For more information, call the Kansas Business Center at (785) 296-4564.

Driving Records

It is possible to order and view your own driving record online, via the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Control Bureau. Visit the order page to make a purchase. The fee is $8.70 beginning October 1, 2013.

Records are also available for order in person, at any drivers license exam station. For more information, call the Driver Control Bureau at (785) 296-3671.