Find Kentucky Public Records
Is Kentucky a Public Records State?
Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, residents of Kentucky are granted the right to access and review public records. The act presumes that all records and government information are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This ensures transparency and accountability within the state government.
This platform is designed to facilitate easy and concise access to public records for all Kentuckians, without requiring personal information. The available records encompass criminal records, court records, vital records, and over 41 million other public records.
What is Public Information in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, public information includes a wide range of records:
- Divorce records
- Inmate records
- Land and property records
- Bankruptcy records
- Sex offender information
- Marriage records
- Court records
- Mugshots
- Criminal records
The Kentucky Public Records Act provides a broad definition of public records, including books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, discs, tapes, audio, video, software, and any other documentation. These records can be obtained by contacting the relevant government entity or their designated record custodian.
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Kentucky?
According to the Kentucky Public Records Act, each government agency must appoint an official custodian responsible for maintaining the agency’s records (KRS 61.870(5)). To access these records, follow these steps:
- Identify the Type of Record and Its Custodian
Accurately describe the record you need and identify the correct custodian. For example, court records should be requested from the circuit court clerk, while arrest records can be obtained from the local sheriff’s office. Property records are available from the county assessor’s office, and vital records from the county health department.
- Contact the Custodian
Locate the custodian’s contact details, often found on the government agency’s website. The Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives provides a list of state government agency records officers with their contact information. Some agencies allow preliminary inquiries to verify the existence and public status of a record.
- Submit the Request
Request the record from the custodian, typically using a request form provided by the agency. The Attorney General of Kentucky has a standard record request form that all agencies must accept. The request should include:
- The requester’s name printed legibly
- A clear description of the records required
- The requester’s signature
- Proof of residency if required
Requests can be submitted via hand-delivery, mail, or email. Custodians must mail the records after receiving copying and mailing fees. Keep copies of your requests for potential appeals if the request is denied.
Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Kentucky Public Records Obtaining
City Records
Third-party websites may also provide access to public city records. These platforms offer intuitive tools for expansive searches. Users must provide sufficient information for the search, such as:
- The name of the subject (must be over 18 or not a juvenile)
- The requester’s address
- Case or file number (if known)
- Document or person’s location
- Last known address of the registrant
These sites are not government-sponsored, so record availability and accuracy may vary.
Public Records
Third-party public records websites offer non-geographically limited search services. Users need to provide enough information, such as:
- The name of the subject (must not be a juvenile)
- The last known location of the subject
These platforms are not affiliated with government agencies, and the availability and accuracy of results can vary.
How To Look Up Public Records in Kentucky for Free?
Free access to public records in Kentucky depends on the type of record and the responsible agency. The simplest way is to inspect records in person at the custodian’s office during regular hours (KRS 61.872(3a)). Many agencies have public terminals for free record access.
The state operates an online sex offender database and the Department of Corrections offers an offender locator. These tools allow users to find information online for free using names and other criteria. Court case information can be accessed through the CourtNet database on the Kentucky Courts of Justice website.
The best methods for free record lookup include online searches and in-person inspections at the relevant agency’s office.
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