About the Office of Vital Records

The Office of Vital Records maintains birth and death records for the state of Minnesota. Births have been registered electronically since 2001 and deaths since 1997.

State birth records start in 1900 and death records in 1908. If you want a copy of a birth or death record prior to those years please contact the vital records office in the county where the birth or death occurred.

For information about vital events records in other states, see Where to Write for Vital Records on the CDC website.

Services and Certificates

The Office of Vital Records issues certificates and makes changes to records.

We also register
• Births and deaths not recorded within the first year after the event (delayed registrations)
• Home births
• Deaths, if a funeral home did not make final arrangements for the body of the deceased

The Office of Vital Records accepts requests by fax or mail; we do not have a service window. Fees for services and certificates are due with your application. Fees are not refundable. Minnesota Statutes, section 144.226.

You can buy most vital records documents from a county vital records office in person or by mail. Some counties offer online ordering. Check with a county office close to you for information about their services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. See our County Vital Records Office Contacts webpage.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to October 1, 2021. When you apply for your REAL ID, you must provide documents required by federal law. One document you can use is a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born in Minnesota, request your birth certificate now, and avoid the rush. See Where to Write for Vital Records on the CDC website if you were not born in Minnesota.

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Vital Records News

The Office of Vital Records publishes Vital Records News each month. The newsletter covers topics in birth and death registration, local issuance, the Minnesota Registration & Certification (MR&C) system and other vital records program interests.

We will not share your email address or use it for any other purpose. Read our privacy policy for more information.