Regardless of where you go to get a Minnesota certificate, you must complete an application. Use the Death Certificate Application (PDF) to order a certificate.
Requirements to Obtain A Death Certificate
- You must meet the legal requirements to get a certified death certificate:
- You can get a death certificate only if you have tangible interest.
- You must complete an application to request a certificate.
- You must show valid identification.
- You must pay a fee of $13. If you order more than one copy, each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time is $6. Fees are non-refundable, as per Minnesota Statutes, section 144.226.
- You must sign your application.
If No Record Exists
You will receive a “Statement of No Death Record Found” if you request a certificate and the state or county vital records office cannot identify or find a record using the information you provide.
Payment
Payment is required to get a death certificate and most other vital records documents.
The fees are the same at all county vital records offices statewide. The State Office of Vital Records accepts payment by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, or Discover), check or money order.
Processing
If you order a death certificate from the Office of Vital Records at the Minnesota Department of Health, please allow approximately four to six weeks for the office to process your request.
All certificates are mailed using First Class Mail. If you would like your certificate returned by priority or overnight mail please provide the appropriate self-addressed stamped envelope. Contact the county for more information at 507-437-9535. We are not responsible for deliveries that do not require signatures.
Contact Us
If you still have questions about how to apply for a death certificate, email the Minnesota Office of Vital Records at or call 651-201-5970.