Non-certified Copy of a Death Record

A non-certified copy is a plain paper copy of a death record, which may be a photocopy of the paper record or an electronic transcript, depending on the date of death. It does not show an issue date or issuance location. It cannot be used for any official purpose, such as settling an estate or applying for life insurance benefits.

In person:                                                           
You can request a non-certified copy of a death record in person from the local issuance office in the county where the death occurred.

By mail or fax:
You can request a non-certified copy for a death that occurred anywhere in the state by mail or fax from the Office of the State Registrar.

The State office does not have walk-in service.

Application for a Non-certified Transcript of a Minnesota Death Record (PDF: 240Kb/1pg)

Information about requesting a non-certified copy (transcript) of a death record:

  • Because death records in Minnesota are public information anyone can get a non-certified copy of a death record.
  • Make sure all boxes on the application are complete. Write “unknown” or “none” as needed.
  • If you fax your application, do not fax it more than once. Each faxed application will be processed as a separate request.
  • If no death record can be found, you will receive a Statement of No Death Record Found.
  • According to Minnesota Statutes, section 144.226, the fee for a non-certified copy of a death record or a statement that no record can be found is nonrefundable.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you have questions, you can email us at health.issuance@state.mn.us

 

Updated 12.9.11