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.

If you want a copy of a record for a birth or death that occurred in another state, see the National Center for Health Statistics website for contact information.

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 purchase most certificates from County Vital Records Offices, in person or by mail. Some counties permit online orders. Our county vital records office webpage has contact information for all the counties in Minnesota. Check with a county office close to you for information about their services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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 an identity document such as a certified copy of your birth certificate. Request your birth certificate now if you were born in Minnesota, and avoid the rush.

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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.