Vital Records & Certificates in Hays, KansasEllis County Clerk

Hays residents require vital certificates for numerous reasons tied to the community’s role as a regional center and college town. Fort Hays State University creates ongoing demand for student documentation, while the city’s position as Ellis County seat means residents frequently need certificates for employment with local government, healthcare systems, and regional businesses. Rural families throughout northwestern Kansas also rely on Hays services for their vital record needs.

Families throughout Hays access birth certificates directly through the Ellis County Clerk’s office conveniently located at 718 Main Street in downtown Hays. Most local births occur at HaysMed (Hays Medical Center), with records systematically maintained by the county vital statistics division. The centralized location makes certificate retrieval simple for Fort Hays State University families, downtown residents, and those living in surrounding neighborhoods near Roosevelt Elementary and Lincoln Elementary. Standard requirements include presenting valid identification and establishing relationship to the certificate holder, with initial certified copies priced typically between $15-25. This proximity proves especially valuable for FHSU students and staff who frequently need documentation for employment verification, graduate school applications, or international program participation.

Couples throughout northwestern Kansas obtain marriage licenses at the Ellis County Clerk’s office on Main Street, perfectly positioned for Hays weddings at popular venues like the Historic Courthouse, Fort Hays State University’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, or outdoor ceremonies at Frontier Park. Many couples choose the beautiful FHSU campus for photos and receptions, taking advantage of the university’s historic limestone buildings and manicured grounds. Kansas marriage licenses require both parties to appear in person with proper identification, remain valid for six months from issuance, and cost varies by county with fees typically ranging $75-95.

Death certificates for Ellis County residents are efficiently processed through the county clerk’s Main Street office in Hays, handling records from HaysMed, Good Samaritan Society facilities, and other area healthcare providers. These essential documents support estate administration, insurance settlements, and Social Security processing for families throughout the region. The clerk’s office requires proper identification and proof of relationship or legal authority to release certified copies to eligible family members and legal representatives.

Ellis County District Court maintains divorce records for proceedings throughout the county, with certified copies available through the court clerk’s office in the Ellis County Courthouse on Main Street. These documents prove marriage dissolution for remarriage purposes, property transfers, and name change procedures. Having case numbers speeds the retrieval process, though courthouse staff can search records using party names and approximate dates from Hays-area divorce proceedings.

Visit the Ellis County Clerk’s office conveniently located at 718 Main Street in downtown Hays, easily accessible from any part of the city or surrounding Ellis County communities. The courthouse area offers street parking and is within walking distance of Fort Hays State University campus and major downtown businesses. Office hours typically run Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Payment options include cash, checks, and credit cards. The central Main Street location makes it convenient whether you’re coming from the FHSU campus area, residential neighborhoods near 27th Street, or rural parts of Ellis County.

The Ellis County Clerk’s office is located at 718 Main Street in downtown Hays, easily accessible from I-70 or any city street leading to the courthouse square area.