Minnesota Birth Records

Minnesota began the systematic recording of births at the state level in 1900, following the establishment of a centralized vital records system. Before that, Minnesota law required counties to register births in 1870, but early compliance was uneven, especially in newly formed or rural counties.

Birth records in Minnesota are official documents created to register and certify births within the state. Minnesota birth records may be certified or non-certified copies. The certified copy, also called the authorized copy of the birth records, is an official legal document printed on security paper. It also includes the state seal and registrar's signature.

Certified copies of birth records issued to only eligible persons typically contain the registrant's name, gender, birth date, county of birth, parental information, physician's information, official file number, and signature and seal of the issuing office. Certified birth records are ideal for legal purposes, including enrolling in school and opening bank accounts.

The non-certified copy, or informational copy of the birth record, is typically printed on plain paper and marked "for informational purposes only". Generally, any member of the public may order non-certified copies of Minnesota birth records. Informational copies of birth records are not legal documents in Minnesota but may be used for genealogy research and personal reference.

Minnesota no longer issues long-form birth records, effective in 2001. Persons who require a long-form birth record may order a certified birth certificate or a non-certified birth record, depending on their need.

How To Order a Minnesota Birth Certificate?

Persons seeking certified copies of Minnesota birth certificates may order the document from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Vital Records. The office holds birth records from 1900 to the present. To order the record, fill out the Birth Certificate Request form. The MDH Office of Vital Records requires persons seeking certified birth records to notarize the form and include a government-issued photo ID. It also requires record seekers to provide proof of eligibility to obtain the birth record and pay the fees. You may request the record by mail or fax from the MDH Office of Vital Records.

Certified birth records from 1900 to date are also accessible at the County Vital Records Offices. You may order the record by mail or in person. You may download the birth record application form from the county's website. Provide the relevant details, proof of eligibility, and government-issued photo ID.

Birth records ordered in Minnesota are charged at the same rate across the state. Therefore, in Minnesota, it costs $26 to purchase certified copies of birth certificates, with additional copies of the record costing $19 each. There is an additional $20 fee to expedite the processing of the record request.

Are Birth Records Public in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, birth records are generally classified as either public or confidential, and access to them depends on the classification. Per state law, birth records of children born to parents who were married at the time of birth are public records. The law permits anyone to purchase a non-certified copy of the public birth record. However, only eligible persons may order certified copies of the birth record.

Under Minnesota Statutes, births to unmarried mothers are confidential unless the mother specifically elects to make the records a public document at the time of registration. Confidential birth records are closed to the public.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Minnesota?

Access to birth certificates is governed by state law to protect individuals' privacy and prevent identity fraud. While anyone may obtain non-certified copies of public birth records, only persons who can demonstrate a tangible interest may receive an official, certified copy. They include:

• The person named on the birth record
• Immediate family members, including children, current spouse, parent named on the record, grandparents, siblings
• Legal custodian, guardian, or conservator
• Health care agent under a valid power of attorney
• Government agency representatives
• Authorized representatives
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Minnesota Birth Certificate?

When you fax or mail your application for a certified birth record to the MDH Office of Vital Records, expect to wait 2 -3 weeks to get the record. Similarly, mail requests for certified birth records at the County Vital Records Offices take between 1 to 3 weeks.

Expedited processing of birth records at the MDH Office of Vital Records takes approximately 2 - 3 business days. There is no provision for expedited record requests at the county vital records office. However, if you require faster service, apply in person at your county office. Most offices will issue you the certificate on the same day.

Where Can I Find Minnesota Birth Records Free?

While state law restricts the release of certified records to qualified requesters, informational copies, including those intended for genealogical or historical research, are often available through several public sources without cost.

Although the National Vital Records Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is best known for maintaining federal records, it does provide guidance or links to state repositories where old birth records are archived.

Genealogy websites, like FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com, have digitized historical vital records, including Minnesota birth records. FamilySearch.org offers an extensive collection of Minnesota birth records dating back to the early 1900s, while Ancestry.com provides free access to birth records through scanned documents and indexed data via local library portals.

Some reliable third-party websites, such as PublicRecord.us, compile public records from various states, including Minnesota. The site provides basic access to thousands of current and older Minnesota birth records without charge.

When Would I Need My Minnesota Birth Records?

A birth certificate is the official proof of a person's citizenship, identity, and age. In Minnesota, processing a birth certificate is essential for various legal, governmental, and personal purposes, including:

• Obtaining identification documents, such as a driver's license or state ID
• Prove your citizenship when applying for a passport or for immigration purposes
• Verifying your age during school enrollment
• Accessing health and social services
• Verifying your identity during marriage or divorce proceedings
• Tracing and researching family ancestry
• Verify your eligibility to work

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Minnesota?

A replacement birth certificate is typically needed when the original document is misplaced, damaged, destroyed, or stolen. If you have any of these issues with your birth certificate, It is important to replace the document, as birth certificates validate your identity, grant you access to government services, and protect you from potential identity theft or fraud.

Replacing your birth record is similar to ordering a certified birth record. Contact the MDH Office of Vital Records or the County Vital Records Office. Fill out the application for the birth record form accessible on their websites or in person at the County Vital Records Office. Notarize the application form and provide the relevant supporting documents. It costs $26 to replace your birth certificate in Minnesota.

When Can the Public Access Minnesota Birth Certificates?

Minnesota categorizes its birth records into two types based on the circumstances of birth. Public birth records in Minnesota are accessible to anyone via informational copies. There is no mandatory waiting period. Once the record is filed, it becomes available to the public.

Confidential birth records are closed to the public. Per state law, confidential birth records become accessible to the public after 100 years have passed since the birth date.

How To Correct an Error on a Minnesota Birth Certificate?

If you notice an error on your birth certificate, you may correct the error to ensure that the vital records accurately reflect a person's legal and biological information. Minnesota law permits residents to amend spelling corrections, incorrect dates, omitted information, and misrecorded information.

Contact the MDH Vital Records Office to correct errors on your birth certificate. Fill in the Birth Record Amendment Packet with the item to amend and the correct information. All amendments require supporting documents, usually a school record, hospital record, or certified copies of government-issued documents. Major changes or alterations, such as those involving paternity, require a court order. Sign the form in the presence of a notary public and mail the complete application to the MDH Vital Records Office. There is a $40 fee to process birth certificate amendment requests. There is an additional $26 to obtain a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate.

Does Minnesota Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

At present, Minnesota birth certificates list only the traditional binary gender markers, "Male" (M) or "Female" (F). State law does not provide for a non-binary or gender-neutral option, typically denoted with "X". Therefore, the state does not issue gender-neutral birth certificates, nor does it offer a legal framework for residents to amend their birth records to reflect the non-binary option.