Madison County death records

Thank you for visiting. We want to help you find the Madison County death records you need. This page offers ways to search. We aim to give you the best tips and links. Use this guide for your search task.

If you need to start your Madison County Death Records search now, one option is available at Kentucky Official Records. Visit https://kentuckyofficialrecords.com/madison-county-death-records/ to explore their search tools. This resource may help you begin looking for specific death information within Madison County right away. They provide access points for various public record searches within the county.

Understanding Kentucky Death Records

What Are Death Records?

Death records are official state documents. They mark the end of a person's life. Each record holds key facts. This data is filed after a death. It is kept safe by the state. These are vital records. They are used for many tasks. Think of them as a final life note.

Information on a Death Certificate

A Kentucky death certificate has much detail. You can find the full name of the person who died. It shows their date of birth. It lists their date of death. The place where they died is noted. This includes the city and the county, like Madison County. The cause of death is often listed. You might see the parents' names. The person's last known address may be there. Information about burial or cremation is also included. A doctor or coroner signs the form.

Accessing Official Death Records: State Level

Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS)

The main place for death records is the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. This state office keeps all records from 1911 to now. It is part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. They ensure records are safe and correct. They handle requests from the public. You must contact OVS for official certified copies. They follow state law for all requests. This is the key source for modern death records.

OVS Contact Information and Hours

You can reach the OVS in Frankfort.

• Address: 275 E. Main St, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621. (Use the Martin Luther King Blvd entrance. Follow signs for visitor parking.)

• Phone: (502) 564-4212

• Website: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/default.aspx

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. They close for state holidays. Same-day service is not sure after 3:45 PM ET.

How to Request Records from OVS

There are a few ways to ask for a death record.

• Online: You can order online through VitalChek. This is a service linked on the OVS site. You need a credit card. It is often the fast way.

• Mail: Download the state form. It is called the Application for a Certified Copy of Death Certificate. Fill it out fully. Send it with a check or money order. Make it payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Do not send cash. Mail it to the OVS address in Frankfort. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish.

• In-Person: Go to the OVS office in Frankfort. You can find them on the first floor. Bring your ID and payment. Be sure to arrive well before 3:45 PM for possible same-day help.

Remember that only certain people can get certified copies. Usually, this means close family members. This includes spouse, parent, child, or sibling. Legal agents may also apply. You must show proof of who you are. You must also show your link to the person on the record. This rule helps keep private data safe. Mail orders can take time. Allow up to 30 work days. Some delays might happen. This is true if the first record was filed late by others.

Fees and Eligibility

The cost for a Kentucky death certificate is $6.00. This is a non-refundable search fee per copy. Even if no record is found, the fee applies. Payment must be in US funds. Use a check or money order for mail requests. Credit cards work for online or phone orders.

Who can get a record? Kentucky law is strict. Only these people can typically get a certified copy:

• Spouse

• Parent (listed on the record)

• Child (adult)

• Sibling (adult)

• Grandparent

• Grandchild (adult)

• Legal guardian (with court papers)

• Legal representative (lawyer for the estate)

You must state your link to the deceased. You need valid photo ID. If you need a record for legal reasons, explain why. Death records become public after 50 years. Older records have fewer limits.

Accessing Records: Madison County Level

Madison County Health Department

The Madison County Health Department helps the community's health. Their office is in Richmond. They provide some vital statistics support. They have forms and instructions. They file Provisional Reports of Death. They help with paternity acknowledgments. They issue permits for moving bodies in a cemetery. However, they do not issue certified copies of birth or death certificates. You must get those from the state OVS in Frankfort. They can guide you on how to apply to the state.

• Address: 216 Boggs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475

• Phone: (859) 623-7312

• Email: [email address removed]

• Website: https://madisoncohd.com/

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET

Madison County Clerk

The Madison County Clerk's office handles many county records. This includes land records, car tags, and voter rolls. Kenny Barger is the current County Clerk. The clerk's office might have very old death records. These could be from before state records began in 1911. But most death record tasks go through the state OVS. You can ask the clerk's staff for guidance. They may know local history sources too. They are a good source for other county public records.

• Address: 101 West Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475

• Phone: (859) 624-4703

• Fax: (859) 624-8747

• Email: [email address removed] 1  

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• Website: https://www.madisoncountyclerk.us

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET

Older Records & Genealogical Research

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA)

For older records, check the KDLA in Frankfort. They hold many state and county records. This includes death records from 1852 to 1910. These early records are not complete for all counties. But they are key for family history work. KDLA has lists online showing what death years they have by county. You can visit their research room. You can also request copies online or by mail. Check their site for fees and forms. They have a specific online request system.

• Address: 300 Coffee Tree Road, Frankfort, KY 40601

• Phone: (502) 564-8300

• Website: https://kdla.ky.gov/

• Online Records Request: https://kdla.ky.gov/Archives-and-Reference/Pages/Records-Requests.aspx

Other Genealogy Resources

Finding death information often involves many sources. Look into sites that gather public records information, such as https://kentuckypublicrecords.com/vital-records/, which can offer guidance on accessing various vital statistics documents. Also check these resources:

• FamilySearch: Their wiki has a great page for Madison County, Kentucky Genealogy. It lists many record types and where to find them. https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Madison_County,_Kentucky_Genealogy

• Local Libraries: The Madison County Public Library system (Richmond and Berea branches) may have local history rooms. They often have old newspapers on microfilm, which contain obituaries.

• Cemetery Records: Websites like Find A Grave or BillionGraves have user-submitted tombstone photos and data. Local historical societies might have cemetery surveys.

• Newspapers: Old newspapers are rich sources. Check online archives or library microfilm collections for obituaries.

Kentucky Laws on Death Records

Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 213

Kentucky law controls all vital records. Chapter 213 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) covers births, deaths, marriage, and divorce records. This law sets up the Office of Vital Statistics. It tells how records must be filed. It states who can get copies. The full chapter is viewable online.

• Link to KRS Chapter 213: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38242

Access Rules: KRS 213.131

One key part is KRS 213.131. This section deals with inspecting records. It aims to protect people's privacy. It keeps records safe. Generally, vital records are not open public records. Access is limited for a time. However, death records become public fifty (50) years after the date of death. Records older than 50 years can be viewed or copied by anyone, often through KDLA or OVS following their rules. The state registrar also makes yearly public lists of deaths. These lists show the name, date of death, and county of death.

• Link to KRS 213.131: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=8746

Information Needed for Your Search

To search well, you need some basic facts. The more details you have, the easier it is. Try to gather this information first:

• Full Name: The person's complete name at death. Include maiden name for married women if known.

• Date of Death: The exact date is best. An approximate year or month helps a lot.

• Place of Death: Madison County is key. Knowing the city (Richmond, Berea, etc.) helps too.

• Date of Birth: This helps confirm you found the right person.

• Your Relationship: Needed if requesting a certified copy less than 50 years old.

• Parents' Names: Can help sort people with common names.