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. All requests to the Office of Vital Records must be made by mail or fax. The Office of Vital Records does not have walk-in service. Fees for services and certificates are due with your application. Fees are not refundable. Minnesota Statutes, section 144.226.

Please choose a topic from the menu on the left for more information about our services.

How long does it take to get birth and death documents?

For same day service, visit a Minnesota county vital records office near you.

As of January 24, 2020, the Office of Vital Records is fulfilling requests for birth and death documents from applications specifying regular processing and received on or before November 27, 2019.

Documents from requests received at the Office of Vital Records on or before January 17, 2020 and specifying rush processing, are in the mail.

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.