Kentucky Public Records
Kentucky, like most states, spreads its public records across a number of different government agencies. Many of the most commonly-sought public records are available online in Kentucky. Some of them are available for free, but there are often administrative fees associated with acquiring public records; it all depends on the agency.
Criminal Records
Criminal record reports are available in Kentucky through the Administrative Office of the Courts. The records are gathered from the CourtNet database and so include information from all 120 Kentucky counties. The easiest way to order criminal records is online, using something called AOCFastCheck. AOCFastCheck makes the records viewable online as soon as the request has been processed, so it is, aptly, the fastest option. (Users do have to register for an account, but it takes less than a minute.)
Criminal records are also available for order by mail or in person. For more information, visit the criminal record reports page or call the Administrative Office of the Courts at (502) 573-1682.
Court Records
Like its criminal records, Kentucky's court records are well-organized and easy to access. The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains a searchable online database. The system is searchable by party name, case number, or citation number.
Vital Records
Records of Kentucky births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, through the Office of Vital Statistics. It is possible to order Kentucky vital records online, by mail, or in person.
Online - To order records online, visit this search page. The database is operated by a third-party processor, VitalChek, which offers online ordering service for several U.S. states. There is an extra fee associated with VitalChek's service, but it is often the most convenient way to request vital records online.
By Mail - To order records by mail, send a check or money order for the fee (make it out to the Kentucky State Treasurer), along with a letter containing the necessary information, and a copy of a photo ID, to the following address:
Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
In Person - To order records in person, visit the Office of Vital Statistics at the address above.
For more information, call the Office of Vital Statistics at (502) 564-4212.
Business Records
The Kentucky Secretary of State has a website called FastTrack, through which it is possible to search Kentucky business records. Corporate and limited liability company records available typically include current good standing and things like officer and agent names and contact information. It's free and easy to use. Start here.
For more information, call the Secretary of State at (502) 564-3490.
Property Records
Property records such as valuations, title documentation, and tax history are managed at the level of the county, by the County Property Valuation Administrator. The options for ordering and viewing these records vary from county to county; it's best to call the local PVA office to inquire about ordering records.
Driving Records
A three-year driving record is public information in Kentucky and can be ordered via the Driver History Record System. Three-year records do not include personal information or accident information. The three-year record order page is here.
Five-year records, which are more comprehensive, cannot be ordered online, and are not available to the general public. But people can order their own five-year driving records, in person, from a Driver Licensing Field Office. A list of office locations is available here.
For more information, call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (502) 564-4890.