OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Kentucky Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Kentucky. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 120 counties across 57 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Kentucky State Police — Criminal History Background Check
  • Records law: Kentucky Open Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Kentucky State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Kentucky has 120 counties across 57 judicial circuits. You can search court cases using Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet, the official online case search system.

County-level court records include circuit courts and district courts. Most courts are accessible through the CourtNet system.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Kentucky are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Lexington, Covington, Frankfort, Ashland, London, Pikeville
  • Western District — Louisville, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Kentucky CourtNet — Court Records Search 🏛️ Kentucky Court of Justice Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Kentucky are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Kentucky State Police provides criminal history background checks.

🔍 Kentucky State Police — Criminal History 📋 Kentucky State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Kentucky operates under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870–61.884). Any person can request government records in writing. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Kentucky

Court records are maintained by the Kentucky Court of Justice across 57 judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through the Kentucky State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Kentucky

Kentucky has 120 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Kentucky state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Kentucky for free?
Use Kentucky CourtNet, the official court records search system.
Are arrest records public in Kentucky?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Kentucky?
The Kentucky State Police provides criminal history checks. Visit kentuckystatepolice.org for details.
What is the Kentucky Open Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. The Kentucky Attorney General handles disputes.
How many court systems does Kentucky have?
Kentucky has a unified court system with 57 judicial circuits: district courts, circuit courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Kentucky.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026