Paris residents frequently need vital records for college applications to the University of Kentucky and other state schools, employment opportunities in nearby Lexington, establishing Kentucky residency, and documenting family history in this historic region. The city’s role as county seat means residents also need certificates for court proceedings and property transactions involving valuable bluegrass farmland.
Vital Records & Certificates in Paris, KentuckyBourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Paris residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Paris residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Paris
Paris families obtain birth certificates directly from the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk, conveniently located at 310 Main Street in the historic courthouse downtown. Many Paris babies are born at Bourbon Community Hospital right here in the city, or at nearby facilities like Georgetown Community Hospital. As the county seat, Paris processes birth certificates for all of Bourbon County, with Kentucky’s standard fee of $10 for the first certified copy. Local families often need these documents for school enrollment in the Paris Independent School District, youth sports registration, or when applying for Kentucky driver’s licenses at the nearby circuit court clerk’s office.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Paris
Couples planning weddings in Paris’s beautiful bluegrass setting – from intimate ceremonies at Duncan Tavern to elegant receptions at Spindletop Hall – obtain their marriage licenses directly from the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk in the courthouse on Main Street. Kentucky requires no waiting period, and many couples appreciate the convenience of handling their license in the same building where their ceremony might take place. The historic courthouse steps have hosted countless wedding photos over the decades, making it a beloved local tradition.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Paris
Death certificates for Bourbon County residents are handled by the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the Paris courthouse. Local funeral homes like Hinton-Turner Funeral Home work closely with the clerk’s office to ensure families receive the certified copies they need for insurance, social security, and estate matters. The small-town, personal service means clerk staff often know families personally and provide compassionate assistance during difficult times.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Paris
Divorce decree copies for Bourbon County are available through the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the Paris courthouse. Since all county divorce proceedings are handled locally, the clerk maintains complete records and can provide certified copies efficiently. The office’s location in downtown Paris makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Bourbon County who need these documents for remarriage or legal proceedings.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Paris
Visit the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk at 310 Main Street, Suite 106, right in downtown Paris’s historic courthouse. The office operates Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though it’s wise to call (859) 987-2142 to confirm hours. Street parking is available along Main Street and surrounding courthouse square area. From anywhere in Paris, the courthouse is easily walkable or a short drive to the city center. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for vital record requests.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk
Address
310 Main St #106, Paris, KY 40361, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Bourbon County Courthouse is located right on Main Street in downtown Paris. From any direction, simply head to the city center – the courthouse is the prominent historic building anchoring the downtown area at 310 Main Street.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Bourbon County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Paris residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Paris, Kentucky
Can I walk to the courthouse from anywhere in Paris for vital records?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk’s office?
▼What if I live in rural Bourbon County – do I have to come to Paris for certificates?
▼Is parking available at the Bourbon County Courthouse in Paris?
▼How quickly can I get a birth certificate if I visit the Paris courthouse?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Paris residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Bourbon County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs