City guide · Covington, Kentucky · Details last checked Oct 31, 2026

Covington, Kentucky document errands: printing, fax, notary, passports and certified copies (2026)

Where to print, fax, notarize, apply for a passport and get certified copies in Covington, Kentucky, using only official and provider pages. Each fact links to its source. Some facts are statewide or national rather than local. We label those.

Printing, copying and fax

Kenton County Public Library, Covington Branch

• Printing and copying: 5 cents a page in black and white and 25 cents a page in color, at all locations ^[1].
• Mobile printing: send a job from home or your phone, then come in within 24 hours to print it ^[1].
• Poster printing: $3.00 a foot; the Covington Branch is one of the branches the library lists with a poster printer ^[1].
• Fax and scanning: staff can help you fax free. Scanning stations are at all locations ^[1]. The branch lists a business center for fax, copy and scan ^[12].
• Where and when: 502 Scott Blvd., at 5th and Scott, (859) 962-4000, with free parking. Open Monday–Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. The branch lists a staff development closure on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 ^[12]. The Census Geocoder places it in Covington ^[8].

• The UPS Store: we didn't find a Covington location in The UPS Store's Kentucky directory, which lists Independence and Newport among nearby cities ^[13].

See printing prices and fax prices.

Notary in Covington

• Kenton County Public Library: free at all locations. The Covington Branch lists notary hours of Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (859) 962-4000 first to make sure a notary is available ^[2].
• Library rules: bring current photo ID (no expired ID). Don't sign beforehand. Documents must be typed, not handwritten. Bring your own witnesses. Library notaries notarize only signatures on legal documents and don't give legal advice ^[2].
• Kenton County Clerk: we didn't find a Clerk price for notarizing a signature.
• Becoming a notary in Kenton County: after the Secretary of State approves your application ($10.00 to the SOS), you have 30 days to finish your appointment at the Clerk. Appointments are Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Suite 1300 of the Government Center. Bring current government ID and a $1,000 insurance bond. The Clerk's filing fee is $19.00 ($10.00 to record the bond, $4.00 to take or prepare it and $5.00 for the oath) ^[10].
• How notaries are commissioned (statewide): in Kentucky you apply to the Secretary of State; the application fee is $10 ^[14][15]. You must live, work or practice in the county where you apply. Within 30 days of receiving the commission, you appear in person before that county clerk to take the oath, file a $1,000 surety bond and file the commission, and you pay the clerk's filing fees. A term is four years ^[16].
• Fees (statewide law): under KRS 423.430, a notary may charge a fee that has been "clearly disclosed to the person requesting the service in advance," in line with KRS 64.300 ^[15]. KRS 64.300 bars any fee for notarizing papers filed to claim federal benefits for a person who served in the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard or a reserve component, or their dependents ^[17]. We didn't find a fixed maximum in the statute, so ask for the price before the notary starts.

Passports in Covington

The U.S. Department of State's Passport Acceptance Facility Locator data lists 2 facilities in Covington. The Census Geocoder places both inside the city ^[18][8]:

• Library, by appointment: the Covington Branch takes new passport applications only, by appointment. Book online at least 24 hours and up to two weeks ahead; each application takes about 30 minutes, one per appointment. Questions: passportagent@kentonlibrary.org or 859-578-7931 ^[3]. We didn't find passport hours on the library's passport page itself.
• Library fees and payment: a $35 execution fee and a $10 passport photo fee, each paid to the library by cash (exact change only), personal check, cashier's check or money order ^[3]. The locator also notes that debit and credit cards aren't accepted ^[18]. The State Department fee is a separate check, money order or cashier's check payable to the U.S. Department of State ^[3].
• Post office: the locator says to book appointments or see more passport times at usps.com/scheduler ^[18].
• Post office fees (national): a $35.00 acceptance fee and a $15.00 photo fee "if needed" ^[19].
• Faster return delivery (national): two official pages list different prices. USPS lists "$22.05—1- to 3- day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department" ^[19]. The State Department's fee page lists 1–3 business day return delivery at $26.87, for passport books only ^[20]. We couldn't re-read the State Department page on Oct 31, 2026, because it blocked our check. Confirm the fee with the acceptance facility before you pay.

See the passport checklist and passport photo prices.

Birth, death, marriage, court and recorded-document copies

Birth, death and marriage certificates (statewide)

• Fees (statewide): the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) charges $10.00 for a birth certificate and $6.00 for a death, stillbirth, marriage or divorce certificate or a single status letter. The fees include the search fee and aren't refunded once a search has been done ^[6][21].
• State office in person (statewide): 275 East Main Street, 1E-A, Frankfort. Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Most eligible requests are done the same business day, but not guaranteed after 3:45 p.m. It takes cash, check, money order, or debit or credit card; make checks and money orders payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer ^[6].
• By mail (statewide): to the same address, by check or money order (no cash). Allow up to 30 business days ^[6].
• Online or by phone (statewide): through VitalChek, OVS's only authorized vendor. VitalChek adds $12.50 for online orders and $13.50 for phone orders ^[6][22].
• Phone numbers (two official pages differ): the OVS home page calls (800) 241-8322 "our toll-free number" ^[23], while the OVS order guide lists that number for VitalChek credit card orders ^[6]. The Secretary of State lists (502) 564-4212 for OVS ^[24]. Call to confirm which line handles your question.

• Northern Kentucky Health Department: it says it doesn't provide official birth or death certificates locally; they come from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Its county health centers have applications, and staff can help you fill one out, but you mail it yourself ^[25][26].

Marriage licenses

• Who issues licenses (statewide): in Kentucky, marriage licenses come from county clerks. State law sets the clerk's fee for "Marriage license, indexing, recording, and issuing certificate thereof" at $26.50 ^[27]; the county prices below are the totals the clerks list.
• Marriage certificate copies (statewide): $6.00 from the Office of Vital Statistics ^[6].
• Kenton County Clerk fee: $60.00, effective June 27, 2025, and non-refundable ^[9].
• Appointment rules differ by page: the Clerk's marriage license page and marriage FAQ say to make an appointment, available Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ^[9][28]. The FAQ on the Clerk's contact page says no appointment is needed, Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ^[7]. Call 859-392-1650 to confirm.
• Where and how: both of you apply together at the Kenton County Government Center, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 1300, Covington. Both must be 18 or older and bring unexpired ID, such as a driver's license or state photo ID, a certified U.S. birth certificate, or a passport, visa or green card with a photo. The license is valid for 30 days, counting the day it's issued, and must be used in Kentucky ^[9]. The Clerk can't perform ceremonies ^[28].
• Certified copies of a Kenton County marriage license: $10.50 online ($5.00 copy, $2.00 postage and a $3.50 service fee) or $7.00 by mail with a check or money order ^[9].

Recorded documents (deeds and other land records)

• Kenton County Clerk: its fee schedule lists a deed, a power of attorney and a plat at $50.00 each, a mortgage at $80.00, a full or partial mortgage release at $46.00 and a will at $47.00. Fees cover the first 5 pages (mortgages, the first 30); each extra page is $3.00, plus $4.00 for each additional PIDN or reference. Real estate filings need a Property Identification Number ^[4].
• Certified copies: $5.00, plus 50 cents a page after 5 pages ^[4]. Staff don't fax or email copies ^[29]. Deeds, wills and mortgages can be searched online through Kenton Record Search ^[7].
• Recording counter: drop off in person at the Government Center, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or mail to P.O. Box 1109. The first page needs a 3-inch top margin ^[4]. The Clerk can't help prepare documents and has no blank forms, and it doesn't record health care powers of attorney or living wills ^[29]. Real Estate and Recording: 859-392-1650 ^[7].

Court records

• How to ask (statewide): the Kentucky Court of Justice says requests for court case copies start with the clerk of the court that heard the case; for Circuit, District, Family and Business Court cases, that's the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the county ^[30].
• Circuit Court Clerk fees (statewide manual): the Administrative Office of the Courts' accounting manual lists $5.00 for preparing a certification, $0.50 for an attestation and $0.25 a page for a copy ^[31].
• Kenton Office of Circuit Court Clerk: Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Ave., Covington, 859-292-6521, Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It takes cash, check, money order or cards (fee applies), plus ePay; checks for Circuit Court matters are held 10 days. The public garage off Madison charges for parking ^[11]. The Circuit Clerk's site says phone payments and bond postings close at 3:30 p.m. ^[32].
• Copy requests: $0.25 a copy and $5 to certify each case, with a $1 minimum on card payments. Allow 7 to 14 days ^[5].
• Divorce records: the County Clerk sends divorce requests to the Circuit Court at (859) 292-6521 ^[29].

Apostilles (statewide)

• Fee (statewide): $5 per document from the Kentucky Secretary of State, by check payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer for mail requests ^[24][33][15].
• Steps (statewide): for a paper document, have it notarized by a Kentucky notary, then have the County Clerk where the notary is registered certify the notary's signature. County Clerk records must be signed by a current County Clerk or Deputy Clerk. Circuit Court records go to the County Clerk first to certify the Circuit Clerk's signature. Birth, marriage, divorce and single status certificates must carry the current State Registrar's signature ^[24].
• Where (statewide): by mail with the request form to P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602; mail requests are done within 3 business days and returned by First-Class Mail, or include a prepaid FedEx, UPS or USPS Priority label for tracking. Walk-in at 1025 Capital Center Drive, Suite 201, Frankfort, Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., done while you wait. The e-Apostille option isn't available for vital records. Phone (502) 564-3490 ^[24][33].

• Kenton County step: we didn't find a notary certification fee on the Kenton County Clerk's pages.

More on certified copies: how to get a certified copy.

Money orders

USPS money order fees are national: $2.65 for $0.01 to $500.00, and $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.00. Pay with cash or a debit card, not a credit card. The limit is $1,000 per domestic money order ^[34]. Other sellers: money order guide.

Shredding

• Past event: the City of Covington's annual E-Waste and Foam Recycling and Paper Shred Event was on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holmes High School (enter via Madison Avenue). Shred-it shredded documents on site. It was free for Covington residents, small businesses, schools, churches and nonprofits, with no registration ^[35]. That event has passed, and we didn't find a future official date. The city's Solid Waste and Recycling Division is at (859) 292-2121 ^[35].

For paid per-pound shredding, see where to shred documents.

Questions

Sources

Sources last checked Oct 29 or Oct 31, 2026, as marked on each, except the locator data file.

1. Kenton County Public Library, "Print Copy & Computers": kentonlibrary.org/print-copy-computers (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
2. Kenton County Public Library, "Notary": kentonlibrary.org/notary (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
3. Kenton County Public Library, "Passports": kentonlibrary.org/passports (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
4. Kenton County Clerk, "Recording Delivery Options, Formatting Standards & Fee Schedule": kentonkyclerk.gov/fee-schedule (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
5. Kenton Circuit Clerk, "Request for Copy Work": kentoncourtclerk.org/?page_id=1404 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
6. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, "Order a Kentucky Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce Record, or Single Status Letter": chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Documents/WalkInMailAndWebOrders2020.pdf (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
7. Kenton County Clerk, "Contact Us": kentonkyclerk.gov/contact-us (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
8. U.S. Census Bureau, "Census Geocoder (address to geography lookup)": geocoding.geo.census.gov/geocoder (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
9. Kenton County Clerk, "Marriage License": kentonkyclerk.gov/marriage-license (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
10. Kenton County Clerk, "Notary Public": kentonkyclerk.gov/notary-public (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
11. Kentucky Court of Justice, "Kenton County": kycourts.gov/Courts/County-Information/Pages/Kenton.aspx (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
12. Kenton County Public Library, "Covington Branch": kentonlibrary.org/locations/4 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
13. The UPS Store, "The UPS Store Locations in Kentucky": locations.theupsstore.com/ky (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
14. Kentucky Secretary of State, "Notary Public Application for Appointment or Reappointment": web.sos.ky.gov/Forms/notary/NotaryStateAtLarge.pdf (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
15. Kentucky Legislature, "KRS 423.430 Fees": apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49515 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
16. Kentucky Legislature, "KRS 423.390 Commission as notary public": apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49507 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
17. Kentucky Legislature, "KRS 64.300 Exemption from fees of notaries public": apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=45031 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
18. U.S. Department of State, Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (locator data file, downloaded Oct 28, 2026, filtered to Kentucky): passportfacilitylocator.travel.state.gov (last checked Oct 28, 2026)
19. USPS, "Passports": usps.com/international/passports.htm (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
20. U.S. Department of State, passport fees page (Last Updated March 19, 2026): travel.state.gov/en/passports/apply/help/fees.html (last checked Oct 29, 2026)
21. Kentucky Legislature, "901 KAR 5:050. Fees for searches, certified copies of certificates and records": apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/901/005/050 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
22. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics, "Purchase a Certificate": chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/purchase.aspx (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
23. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, "Office of Vital Statistics": chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/default.aspx (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
24. Kentucky Secretary of State, "Apostilles and Authentications": sos.ky.gov/bus/apostilles/Pages/default.aspx (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
25. Northern Kentucky Health Department, "Health Records": nkyhealth.org/healthrecords (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
26. Northern Kentucky Health Department, "Most Common Requests": nkyhealth.org/requests (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
27. Kentucky Legislature, "KRS 64.012 Fees of county clerks": apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=57720 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
28. Kenton County Clerk, "Marriage FAQ": kentonkyclerk.gov/marriage-faq (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
29. Kenton County Clerk, "Real Estate FAQ": kentonkyclerk.gov/real-estate-faq (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
30. Kentucky Court of Justice, "Request Court Records": kycourts.gov/Pages/Request-Court-Records.aspx (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
31. Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, "Circuit Court Clerks' Accounting Manual (PDF)": kycourts.gov/Courts/County-Information/Documents/CCCAcctManual.pdf (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
32. Kenton Circuit Clerk, "Home": kentoncourtclerk.org (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
33. Kentucky Secretary of State, "Request for Apostille or Authentication (form)": sos.ky.gov/admin/Documents/ApostilleAuthentication.PDF (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
34. USPS, "Money Orders": usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm (last checked Oct 31, 2026)
35. City of Covington, "Purge E-Waste, Old Paper Files, and More on Saturday, June 20 (June 10, 2026)": covingtonky.gov/news/2026/06/10/purge-e-waste-old-paper-files-and-more-on-saturday-june-20 (last checked Oct 31, 2026)

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