Office of Vital Records
Birth Records
- Birth certificates
- Noncertified birth records
- Change a birth record
- Birth records and adoption
- Birth records and paternity
- Stillbirth
Death Records
For Professionals
- Medical certifiers
- Funeral directors
- Hospital birth registrars
- County vital records offices
- Child support workers
- Training for Vital Records Professionals
Related Information
Notary Information
What is a notary public?
A notary public is a person licensed or commissioned by a state government. In Minnesota, the Secretary of State licenses notaries public.
What does a notary do?
A notary public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on important documents. The most common function of a notary public is to prevent fraud.
What does it mean to have an application notarized?
You present your government-issued photo identification to the notary. The notary verifies your identification and watches you sign and date the application. Then, the notary marks the application with a stamp (or a "seal") and signs the application. The notary’s signature and stamp show that your signature matches your photo ID, and that you signed the application willingly. A notarized application helps vital records offices know that your signature is valid.
Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the information you put on your application.
Do I have to have my application notarized by a Minnesota notary?
No. Any notary public in any U.S. state may notarize your application.
Where can I find a notary public?
- If you live outside of Minnesota, search for “notary public” on the internet. Include the name of your state, for example "notary public Wisconsin".
- If you live in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Notary Public website.
- Mailbox shops, copy services, banks and some libraries often provide notary services to the public.
- Your place of employment may have notary public services.
Where can I find more information about notaries public?
Visit the Notary & Apostille website for more information. You can search for a notary by county or find out how to file a complaint against an individual notary.
If you live outside of Minnesota, see your state’s main government website.