All Laws Decoded

Getting a Copy of Your Kentucky Criminal Record

Which Kentucky agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.

Short answer: The Kentucky State Police Records Division provides name-based Kentucky adult criminal history checks (no fingerprints) by mail or walk-in, with the person's permission; Kentucky State Police, Background Checks

Getting a copy of your criminal recordThe Kentucky State Police Records Division provides name-based Kentucky adult criminal history checks (no fingerprints) by mail or walk-in, with the person's permission; the fee is $20 by check or money order payable to the KY State Treasurer, and mail requests take about 10 business days. The Records Division is temporarily at 1050 US 127, Frankfort, KY 40601 during renovation of its Louisville Road office; phone 502-227-8700. Request forms are on the KSP Background Check Forms page. KSP notes that the FBI separately lets members of the public obtain their own national criminal history for record review by fingerprints (IdentoGO locations in Kentucky).
FBI Identity History Summary: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/identity-history-summary-checks
What relief the state offersKentucky's main remedy is expungement, which the law defines as removing or deleting records so the matter does not appear on official state-performed background checks. Felony relief works by vacating the conviction and then expunging the records. Kentucky law also allows some drug-possession convictions to be voided and sealed after treatment, juvenile records to be expunged, and pardons from the Governor.

Where to get help in Kentucky

More Kentucky expungement & criminal records

FAQ

How do I check my own criminal record in Kentucky?
The Kentucky State Police Records Division provides name-based Kentucky adult criminal history checks (no fingerprints) by mail or walk-in, with the person's permission; the fee is $20 by check or money order payable to the KY State Treasurer, and mail requests take about 10 business days. The Records Division is temporarily at 1050 US 127, Frankfort, KY 40601 during renovation of its Louisville Road office; phone 502-227-8700. Request forms are on the KSP Background Check Forms page. KSP notes that the FBI separately lets members of the public obtain their own national criminal history for record review by fingerprints (IdentoGO locations in Kentucky).
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Kentucky?
Kentucky's main remedy is expungement, which the law defines as removing or deleting records so the matter does not appear on official state-performed background checks. Felony relief works by vacating the conviction and then expunging the records. Kentucky law also allows some drug-possession convictions to be voided and sealed after treatment, juvenile records to be expunged, and pardons from the Governor.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.