Vital Records Online is a secure and dependable, US-based service that simplifies the process of obtaining Kansas birth, marriage, and death certificates. The online application system ensures the safe delivery of your documents while maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information.
Summary:
Kansas, known as “the Sunflower State,” has a population of nearly 3 million. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is responsible for overseeing the state’s public health system, medical records, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1974, the KDHE plays a vital role in preserving and maintaining vital records.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics (KDHE-OVS) receives and preserves vital records for events, births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and divorces in the state. Registers of births and deaths date back to July 1st, 1911. Marriage licenses were required beginning in 1867 but were only filed at the state level on May 1st, 1913.
If you are doing a family tree project, the Bureau of Vital Records may be able to help, or else you can try many public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start Your Application Online for KS Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential documents in our lives. They serve as official proof of identity, citizenship, and family relationships, and they can aid in resolving legal disputes, claiming inheritances, and discovering family histories. These vital records offer valuable insights into our ancestors’ lives with details like names, birth and death dates, and places of origin. In the event of a lost or stolen vital record, it’s important to report the loss to the police immediately and request a certified replacement.
Vital records are certified and issued in the county where the birth, death, or marriage occurred. If you need a replacement of a vital record, consult the list of Kansas county agencies that issue these certificates. The list includes locations, contact information, and links to online applications for requesting vital record certificates. Vital record copies are also certified and issued by the KDHE-OVS.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Kansas, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Kansas residents can obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates in multiple ways. Though in-person and mail requests are viable, online applications are the most dependable and sometimes the only feasible option, depending on your circumstances. The KDHE-OVS issues certified copies of vital records for those who are eligible and the requirements are met. Once you are familiar with the criteria, the procedure is straightforward.
The type of vital record you’re requesting, and the method you use to obtain it determines the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Whether ordering online, by mail, or in person, it’s fundamental to understand the process and requirements before requesting a certified vital record replacement from the KDHE-OVS.
Ordering Kansas vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Eligible and authorized individuals can order their Kansas birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Ensure you are prepared by having the necessary documents ready to upload during the secure application process.
Vital Records Online facilitates your ability to apply for vital record copies by quickly gathering the required documents and directing you on how and where to submit these documents. The online application can be done from any internet-enabled device and completed in as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online’s system also helps reduce the chances of your application being rejected due to errors or missing documents.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
You can apply for certified copies in person if you live near a vital records-issuing state health department. Make sure the office is open before visiting, and be prepared for potentially long lines. Alternatively, you can save time by ordering via mail or online.
The requirements are similar whether you apply for vital records in person or by mail. Applying in person at the vital records office will involve the following steps:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
Review all required documents and criteria before mailing your application to prevent it from being denied due to errors or incomplete information.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be sure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Understanding the conditions and requirements is essential before gathering the documents required to complete your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The table below outlines what you will need to order new Kansas vital records. If you lack a primary ID, a secondary form of identification may be accepted.
The KDHE-OVS mandates that all applicants validate their identity. A driver’s license or state photo ID meets this requirement for most vital records. Check other acceptable IDs per certificate needed.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Kansas?
The KDHE-OVS sets specific criteria for different certificate types and personal situations. Review Kansas’s eligibility and requirements for replacing birth, death, and marriage certificates.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Kansas?
When applying for a vital record in Kansas, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Who can request vital records in Kansas?
The person on record can apply for an official copy of their vital records. They must confirm their identity during the application process.
To request vital records on someone else’s behalf, verify your eligibility for each birth, death, or marriage certificate to ensure authorization. Only third parties authorized by the KDHE-OVS, like family members or legal representatives of the individual on record, can legally request a copy of the individual’s vital record.
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The KDHE-OVS generally does not require applicants to obtain a notarized sworn statement when requesting certified copies of Kansas birth, death, or marriage certificates. Notarizations are typically only needed when amending birth or marriage certificates.
When ordering vital record replacements through Vital Records Online, the online Application Filing Service starts at $29. The costs for these replacements depend on the fees set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics (KDHE-OVS). For each certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage record, the KDHE-OVS charges a $20.00 fee. The total cost will vary based on factors such as how you submit your application and whether a notary is required to prove your identity.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Kansas?
The processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates can vary. Ordering online is generally the most efficient method.
✔︎ All VRO orders include an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by KDHE-OVS may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
If you use Vital Records Online to submit your application, you can easily monitor its progress and processing status. Every online order includes first-class mail tracking, allowing you to monitor your application packet to the Kansas Department of Public Health.
Remember to use first-class mail tracking if sending your application packet to the vital records health department manually so that you can confirm its successful delivery. The KDHE-OVS uses USPS first-class mail to deliver all vital records to your home securely; however, they are not responsible for any lost or misdirected certificates. If your birth certificate goes missing, report it immediately. Mistakes, typos, or missing documents can cause prolonged wait times, additional shipping charges, or the risk of exposing your personal information. So, be sure to review your application carefully.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Kansas counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required when submitting a vital record to a foreign government. Apostilles are issued for records initially issued with the KDHE-OVS Secretary of State. You can apply for an apostille for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The Secretary of State or Vital Records Online are the only options for obtaining an apostille for Kansas vital records. Vital Records Online provides apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, with professional assistance. Various governments and organizations recognize the service in over 100 countries, and it can be completed online in just three steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees).
Under most circumstances, you can complete the procedure online without needing physical copies of your documents. Once your apostille documentation is completed, it will be delivered to you through FedEx or DHL, regardless of your location. We rely on reputable courier services for global delivery, ensuring your package arrives at your doorstep.
You will need to provide the following information:
For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Kansas Secretary of State,
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 SW 10th, Room 100,
Topeka, KS 66612
You can reach the office at (785) 296-4564 or https://sos.ks.gov/business/apostilles-and-authentications.html.
The KDHE-OVS offers a list of common circumstances requiring an amendment to a vital record to assist record holders who need corrections.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics (KDHE-OVS) offers a simple procedure for legally correcting or amending birth, marriage, and death certificates. The forms vary based on the information that requires modification. When any amendments are made to the vital records, such as a change in name or birthdate, it becomes necessary to create an addendum to the initial document. This addendum serves as an official record of the changes made and is attached to the original document for reference. The original document remains unaltered.
The requirements for requesting an amendment will depend on which certificate needs to be corrected.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Some third-party websites make it easy to research specific types of vital records. These websites are often not limited to your geographic location and can be a great point of reference when researching records. However, the data on third-party sites may differ from official government records. To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following:
Are Kansas Vital Records Open to the Public?
Access will depend on the types of records you’re looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred. The Office of Vital Statistics currently does allow requests for genealogical research. However, pre-1940 records are the only ones accessible to the public. For post-1940 records, requests must be made by an immediate family member, and additional supporting documentation may be required to establish eligibility for these requests.
Kansas vital records are not public records and are not subject to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). They are considered confidential and contain sensitive information that could be used for identity theft. Due to the increased instances of identity theft and fraudulent use of vital records, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has implemented strict eligibility requirements, and proof of identification is required to access these records.
Each state, county, and municipality creates unique birth, death, or marriage certificates. To ensure that your certificate is an official certified copy, look for a stamp or large print indicating “informational copy” or stating that it’s not valid for establishing identity. To confirm that your certificate is a certified copy, refer to the official certified documents issued in the county where your certificate was initially issued.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies of vital records are considered legal documents and can be used for official identification purposes. On the other hand, informational copies of vital records cannot be used to establish identity. It is important to note that certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates, also known as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificates,” are not official legal documents. They are intended for display or personal reference and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. These copies are typically used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. If you request an informational copy, you do not need to provide a Sworn Statement.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Kansas government website at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1165/Office-of-Vital-Statistics
