Getting your ID and documents back in Kentucky

The short answer

Order your Kentucky birth certificate from the Office of Vital Statistics by mail (275 East Main Street, 1E A, Frankfort, KY 40621) or online through VitalChek. Ask 211 about help with ID costs.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now 988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours 211Shelter, food, bills, anything else 1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

Birth certificate

Mail the Birth Certificate Application (VS 37) with a check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer to the Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, 1E A, Frankfort, KY 40621. Include your mailing address, daytime phone and number of copies. You can also order online through VitalChek. The fee covers the search and is not refunded if no record is found.

Birth certificates

Official page: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/birth-certificates.aspx

Help with essential documents

Kentucky's KY RISE site has a page on essential documents. 211 can also tell you about local help with ID costs.

KY RISE essential documents Dial 211

Official pages: prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyrise/Home/EssentialDocuments, kentucky211.org

Social Security card

You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online at ssa.gov. Replacing a card costs nothing.

Replace your card

Official page: ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card

More help in Kentucky

Start here Emergency shelter tonight Food Clothing and hygiene ID and documents Health and mental health Jobs and job training Legal and tenant help Phones and internet Veterans Youth and young adults Domestic violence safety and housing How to make blessing bags

Back to Kentucky housing help

Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.

Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.