How to obtain a birth certificate

1. Print and complete the Birth Certificate Application Form (see below).

2. If you are ordering certificates for more than one birth record, complete a separate application form for each record.

3. Complete the Birth Certificate Fee Worksheet to compute the charges for your order (see below). Applications without fees will not be processed.

4. Access to some birth records is restricted. See confidential birth records for more information. A birth certificate cannot be mailed to you unless you demonstrate tangible interest. You demonstrate tangible interest by checking the appropriate box on the application and by having your signature on the application notarized. Applications that are not notarized will not be processed.

5. Make your check or money order payable to Minnesota Department of Health. Checks returned for nonpayment will be charged a $30 fee according to Minnesota Statutes, section 604.113, subdivision 2, and civil penalties may be imposed for nonpayment.

6. Mail the completed form, birth certificate fee worksheet, and payment to:

Minnesota Department of Health
Attention: Office of the State Registrar/ Birth Certificates
P.O. Box 64499
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0499

OR

Fax the completed form, birth certificate fee worksheet, credit card (Master Card, VISA and Discover Card) number and expiration date to 651-201-5740.

Before you choose to pay with a credit card, please read the authorization and disclaimer.

Allow 4-6 weeks for processing applications.

Birth Certificate Application Form (PDF: 45KB/3 pgs) Word file (3 pgs)

If you have questions, please e-mail health.osr1@state.mn.us or call 651-201-5970.

To view the PDF files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download from Adobe's Web site).