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Minnesota Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Minnesota Birth Certificates from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The current processing time is 30 business days. The state fee for a certified copy is $26.00, with additional copies costing $19.00 each. You can expedite the processing for a fee of $20.00. Authorized individuals for ordering include the person on record, family members, health care agents, legal representatives, and other eligible third parties with a legal interest in the record.

How to Order State of Minnesota Birth Certificates

You can now order Minnesota birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person from certain county offices, or by mail through the MDH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Regardless of the method you use, confirming costs, eligibility,  requirements, and processing times is essential to ensure a smooth ordering experience.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Minnesota birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Minnesota Birth Certificates?

Applicants must provide proof of identity to the Minnesota Department of Health when requesting certified copies of birth records. The table below displays the information and documents required to order a birth certificate in Minnesota:


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Notarized Signature

Statement of Identity Form: A witness who has known the requester for at least two years may confirm the requester's identity.

How to Get a Minnesota Birth Certificate Without ID

Though you do not need to submit a photocopy of your ID when requesting certificates from the MDH, you must present your ID when you sign your application in front of a notary. If you do not have a valid government-issued photo ID, you can ask a witness to complete the Statement to Identify (PDF) form to swear to your identity before the notary. Alternatively, authorized third parties can make requests on your behalf.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Minnesota?

The costs and fees associated with replacing a birth certificate in Minnesota vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). The MDH charges a $26.00 fee for a certified copy and a fee of $19.00 for each additional copy. Rush processing and express delivery is available for an additional fee. See the table below. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.

Homeless and Veterans:

Homeless people who are 24 years old or younger and born in the state can get a birth certificate free of charge. The certificate is valid for six months from the issue date. Veteran’s Affairs (VA) birth certificates (for VA purposes only) are free of charge.


State Fee

$26.00


Rush Processing

$46.00


Additional Copy

1 x $19.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Minnesota?

Processing and replacement times for Minnesota birth certificates may vary. Refer to the chart below for the current delivery and processing times. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

2 - 3 weeks

Rush Processing Time

5 - 10 days




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Minnesota Birth Certificate?

The person on record and authorized individuals can order certified copies of their Minnesota birth certificate with proof of identity. If you request a certified copy on behalf of the person on record, it's crucial to confirm eligibility before applying. The birth records of children born to unmarried parents may have additional restrictions.


Authorized People


“Public” birth records are available to individuals who meet any of the legal requirements:

  • A parent named on the subject’s record
  • A grandparent of the subject
  • A great grandparent of the subject
  • A child of the subject
  • A grandchild of the subject
  • A great-grandchild of the subject
  • Spouse of the subject (You must be the current spouse)
  • I am the subject; I am requesting my own birth record
  • The legal custodian, guardian, or conservator of the subject (we need a copy of the court order that names you)
  • The health care agent for the subject
  • The subject’s representative: the certified birth certificate is required for the administration of the estate.
  • Successor of the subject; the certified birth certificate is required for the administration of the estate
  • Person who provides proof that they need a birth certificate for the determination or protection of a personal or property right
  • Adoption agency — to complete post-adoption search (we need a copy of your Employee ID)
  • Local/state/tribal or federal governmental agency (we need a copy of your Employee ID) (Best practice: wait for family to verify records)
  • Attorney – I represent the subject, or a person listed in items 1-14 above. My Minnesota Attorney License Number is: If you are a NON-Minnesota attorney, attach a copy of your attorney license.
  • Pursuant to a valid copy of a U.S. court order (not a subpoena) releasing the certificate
  • I have a signed statement from a person above; it specifies the subject’s full name, date of birth, parents’ names,

Confidential” birth records are available only under the conditions, or to the following:

  • Parent named on the subject’s record
  • The legal custodian, guardian, or conservator of the subject (you need a copy of a court order naming you)
  • The subject, when 16 years old or older
  • Representatives of Minnesota programs that administer child support, medical assistance, Minnesota Care, and services under select Minnesota Statutes.
  • Pursuant to a valid copy of a U.S. court order (not a subpoena) releasing the certificate.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

You must notarize your application to verify your identity when submitting your application by mail or online. However, you do not need to notarize your application for Minnesota birth certificate replacements when requesting in person at the county office.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Minnesota Department of Health -Office of Vital Records (MDH-OVR) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the health department.

If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to know when your application is delivered to the MDH-OVR.

The MDH-OVR does not provide tracking for certificate delivery. To monitor the status of your vital records, it's advisable to choose express delivery during the application process. This option includes tracking for secure and prompt delivery. Once your certificate is mailed from the MDH-OVR, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Minnesota Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    Those born on a U.S. military base overseas will not have a Minnesota birth certificate on record with the state; their birth was recorded by the U.S. Department of State. In such cases, requesting a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is required, which serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship and is equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate. This document can be used for various purposes, such as proof of birth and citizenship, passport applications, and social services. For further details on obtaining a CRBA, contact the U.S. Department of State or visit their website for Form FS-240.

    When additional copies of the CRBA or equivalent documentation are needed, individuals can contact the birth hospital or order them from the Department of State. Access to these records is crucial for various official transactions and applications. Please visit the Department of State's official website for more information on this process, refer to their guidelines, or contact their offices directly for assistance.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Minnesota Birth Certificate?

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    Birth certificates are necessary documents for life's most meaningful affairs. They prove your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names, which is crucial for identity and citizenship. Government and commercial entities widely accept certified copies of birth certificates for various purposes, such as legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.
    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a Minnesota Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    Official birth certificates issued by the MDH have unique features to verify authenticity. The appearance of the certificates may vary by year of issue, and they contain essential details such as identity and citizenship. Long-form certificates are used for legal purposes and differ from short-form certificates. State guidelines may include distinct colors and layouts, with standard features displayed, including the state seal, individual's name, registrar's signature, and secure paper.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Minnesota Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the MDH (Minnesota Department of Health).

    a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The MDH does not accept walk-ins at their location.

    b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the MDH at:

    Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records

    PO Box 64499 St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

    Courier/express delivery: 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN 55155

    c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

    2. The MDH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Minnesota Birth Certificate

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    The amendment process for a birth certificate can vary depending on the specific alterations required. In some cases, an addendum is created to address these changes. The original record remains unchanged and unaltered during this process. The addendum serves as a supplementary document to reflect the necessary corrections or updates without modifying the existing information on the original birth certificate. Minnesota amendments require a completed application, a $40.00 fee, and supporting documents.

    1. A completed amendment application: Before applying, review the Birth Record Amendment Packet for requirements and guidelines for the change you are requesting. Birth Record Amendment Request form requires a notary.
    2. Supporting documentation:
      Acceptable Supporting Documents Include:
      Authenticated U.S. K-12 school record, or official college transcript
      Authenticated hospital, clinic, or social services record
      Valid (unexpired) passport – NOT a notarized photocopy
      Original or certified copy of U.S. military discharge papers
      Certified copy of a marriage certificate
      Certified court orders from a U.S. court that: Show the subject’s name and date of birth as they currently appear on the birth record
      Certified copy of a birth certificate of a child
      Certified copy of a birth certificate of a parent or sibling (only to amend parent information)
      U.S. baptism certificate
    3. Appropriate fee(s): A $40.00 processing fee, a $26.00 fee for the first copy of amended birth certificate, and $19.00 for each additional copy.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Minnesota Birth Certificate

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    Apostilles for Minnesota birth certificates can be ordered directly through the Secretary of State or online through VRO's Express Apostille Service. Only the Minnesota Secretary of State issues Apostilles, often required when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

    If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille, follow these steps:

    1. Complete the Apostille Authentication Request Form: Obtain and fill out the Apostille Request Form from the Minnesota Secretary of State's website or office.
    2. Gather Required Documents: Collect the original or certified copy of the birth certificate that needs the apostille.
    3. Payment of Fees: Include the appropriate fee for processing the apostille - $5.00 per certificate.
    4. Include a Return Envelope (Optional): If you need expedited delivery, provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope or pre-paid label for the return of your documents.
    5. Submit the Request: Mail or deliver the completed form, fee, and documents to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office.

    Mailing Address: