How to Obtain a Death Certificate

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

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

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

4. A death 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, death certificate fee worksheet, and payment to:
Minnesota Department of Health
Central Cashiering - Vital Records
P.O. Box 64499
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0499

OR

Fax the completed form, death 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.

Death Certificate Application Form (PDF: 59KB/2 pgs) Word file (93KB/2 pgs)
To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or for screen reader accessibility Adobe Acrobat Access (free downloads from Adobe Web site).

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