Although compliance was never complete, birth and death records for Kentucky begin as early as 1852 when statewide registration was first enacted. The requirement continued for only ten years. Some births and deaths were recorded (1874-1879, 1892-1910), but observance remained sporadic.

A few larger cities maintained separate birth and death records prior to 1911, but these too are incomplete. Louisville (1898-1911), Covington (1890-1911), Newport (1890-1911), and Lexington (1906-11) are four cities with registered births in their respective city health departments.

Kentucky’s state legislature granted divorces from 1792 through 1849. Between 1849 and 1958, divorces were usually recorded by the circuit courts in the respective counties.

Birth and death registration was enacted statewide on 1 January 1911 and generally adhered to by 1920.

Kentucky marriage records usually begin about the time of the Kentucky marriage records usually begin about the time of the respective county’s establishment or within a few years of that date. (see Kentucky County Resources for dates). Some counties have marriage records for dates prior to organization. Fayette, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties have marriage records as early as 1785. The respective county clerk has jurisdiction over marriage records. Beginning in 1958 statewide registration was required. Originals are filed in the counties and duplicates are available at the Office of Vital Statistics. The Office of Vital Statistics maintains an index to marriage records from 1958.

Kentucky’s state legislature granted divorces from 1792 through 1849. Between 1849 and 1958, divorces were usually recorded by the circuit courts in the respective counties.

You can find a variety of collection in the links below.