Kansas Genealogy FAQs

Where do I find Kansas vital records?

Answer

Early birth & death records were kept by the counties. Later records may be obtained from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Vital Statistics Department as discussed below.

•Birth Certificates--

Birth certificates are on file beginning July 1, 1911, with a few delayed birth certificates dating back to the 1860's. (Filing of delayed birth certificates started in 1940.) In your request, state the name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth, father's name, and mother's full name including maiden name. If you have the birthplace of the parents, race, sex or other information, include it since it may be helpful in locating the correct record, especially if the name on the record is a common name such as Smith, Jones, Wilson, etc..

•Death Certificates--
Death certificates are on file beginning July 1, 1911. In your written request, state the name of the deceased whose record you are requesting, the date of death and the city and county of death. It is helpful to include the date of birth of the deceased, social security number, last known address, spouse's name, parents' names, place of burial, race, sex or any other information that may assist us in locating the correct record, especially if the name on the record is a common name such as Smith, Jones, Wilson, etc.

•Marriage or Divorce Certificates--
Marriage records are on file beginning May 1, 1913 and divorce records are on file beginning July 1, 1951. For records prior to those dates, contact the Clerk of the District Court in the county where the event occurred. Note that marriage records where the license was issued and not necessarily where the marriage occurred. In your written request, state the names as they appear on the record, the date of the event, and the city and county of the event. If you have additional information such as birthplaces or parents name, include that information since it may be helpful in locating the correct record, especially if the name on the record is a common name such as Smith, Jones, Wilson, etc. Instructions for submitting a written request for vital records:

Submit a signed request with the appropriate information for the type of record you are requesting. (See below). Also include your name, your specific relationship to the person whose record is being requested, your reason for requesting the record, your daytime telephone number and a personal identification number, such as your driver's license or social security number. Do not send in an original license or social security card. Make your check or money order payable to Vital Statistics. (Do not send cash.) Forward your request and fee along with a business size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

 

Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson
Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: (785) 296-1500
Fax: (785) 368-6368

For more information, visit the KDHE web site.

Submitted by James Zell

Background and KsGenWeb logo were designed and are copyrighted by
Tom & Carolyn Ward for the limited use of the KsGenWeb Project.
Permission is granted for use only on an official KsGenWeb page.