Non-certified Copy of a Death Record

What is a non-certified copy of a death record?

A non-certified copy of a death record is a plain paper copy of the death record. Changes made to the death record after 2000 may not be reflected on the non-certified copy if the death took place before 1997.

A non-certified copy is for information only and will not be accepted for any legal purpose, such as settling an estate or applying for life insurance benefits. If you need a copy for a legal purpose, see certified death certificate.

Demonstration of tangible interest is not required to obtain a non-certified copy of a death record. You may request a non certified copy of a death record with or without cause of death information.

How to obtain a non-certified copy of a death record

1. Print and complete the Death Record Application - Non-certified Copy Form (see below).

2. Complete a separate application form for each death record.

3. Compute the charges for your order.

The charge for a non-certified copy of a death record is $13. Additional copies of the same record purchased in the same order are $6.

Optional fees include:

An Expedite fee is an optional $20 per-record fee that will place your request ahead of other requests. An Expedite fee does NOT include Federal Express or other special mailing fees.

Federal Express Mail Service for next day delivery is $16 for most deliveries. Higher rates apply to Saturday or international service and to deliveries to Alaska and Hawaii.

4. 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.

5. Mail the completed form and payment to:
Minnesota Department of Health
Central Cashiering - Vital Records
P.O. Box 64499
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0882

OR

Fax the completed form, 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 Record Application - Non-certified Copy Form (Interactive PDF: 86KB/1 page). Word file: 35KB.
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.