Get your certified Minnesota Birth Certificate

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.

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.

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.

Other FAQs

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

  

  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?

  

  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?

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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: