Death

You can get certified and non-certified copies for deaths that happened in:

• Hennepin County 1870 - present
• Any county in Minnesota from 1997 - present

You can't use non-certified copies for legal purposes.

Fees

• Certified copy: $13 (each extra is $6)
• Non-certified copy: $13

There may be extra processing fees.  

Processing times

Processing is how long it takes us to get your order ready.

Mailing time depends on the postal service.

Regular processing

We’ll have your order ready for mailing or pick up within 3 weeks of receipt.

Faster processing

We’ll have your order ready for mailing or pick up within 1 week of receipt.

• You must include an extra $20 and write "Expedite" on the envelope.

In person processing

We can issue most copies at the time you apply.

Order status

If it's been over 4 weeks since you ordered use our vital records inquiry form.

How to apply

You can apply by mail, drop off, fax or in person.

Mail or drop off

Print either a:

• Certified death certificate application (PDF, 1MB)
• Noncertified death record application (PDF, 1MB)

1. Fill out but don't sign the application.
2. Get your application notarized if required.
   
   • E-notarization is ok.
   • Requests for certified copies must be notarized.
   • Some requests for non-certified need to be notarized. See the application for details.
3. Submit your completed application with check or money order by mail to the address on the application or at one of our drop off locations.

Fax application 

There is an extra $9.50 fee to apply by fax.

Pay by American Express, Discover, MasterCard (credit or debit) or Visa (credit or debit).

There are 2 ways to submit your application.

Online and fax

Complete your application and payment online. Then fax in your application.

1. Start your application and pay online (VitalChek).
2. Print the identity verification form but don't sign it.
3. Get the verification form notarized. E-notarization is ok.
4. Fax your signed and notarized verification form to 612-348-2010.

By hand and fax

Complete your application by hand. Then fax in your application and payment.

Print either a:

• Certified death certificate application (PDF, 1MB)
• Noncertified death record application (PDF, 1MB)

1. Fill out but don't sign the application.
2. Get your application notarized if required.
   
   • E-notarization is ok.
   • Requests for certified copies must be notarized.
   • Some requests for non-certified need to be notarized. See the application for details.
3. Fax your application and the fax coversheet (PDF, 1MB) to 612-348-2010.

In person application

We can issue most copies at the time you apply.  

Print either a:

• Certified death certificate application (PDF, 1MB)
• Noncertified death record application (PDF, 1MB)

1. Fill out but don't sign the application.
2. Schedule an appointment or come in to one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing.
3. Bring the following:
   
   • Your unsigned application
   • Payment — payment options
   • Identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you don't have an ID, a witness can complete the statement to identity (PDF, 1MB).