Death

We have records for deaths that occurred in Hennepin County. We also have records for deaths that occurred in Minnesota from 1997-present. For deaths before 1997 and those that didn't occur in Hennepin County, contact the county where the death occurred.

To get a certified death certificate you must have tangible interest. Uncertified copies are also available, but are not accepted for legal purposes.

COVID-19 response

Mail, fax or drop-off transactions whenever possible. Walk-in services are limited based on staffing and physical spacing guidelines.

Order status

If it's been over four (4) weeks since you ordered submit a vital records inquiry form.

Death certificate application (PDF)

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Drop off application

Drop-off is only to deliver your application or request.

Prepare application

Complete a death record application (PDF).
Print but do not sign the application.
Certified applications must be notarized (e-notarization is acceptable). Non-certified applications may need to be notarized.
Drop your completed application and payment at one of our drop off locations.

Processing times

Orders will be processed within 3–5 business days of receipt.

Order status

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

Fees

First certified copy: $13
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $6
Non-certified copy: $13

Fax application

Application process

Begin your order at VitalChek.
After placing your order print the Vital Records Authorization form but don't sign it.
Get the authorization form notarized (e-notarization is accepted).
Fax your signed and notarized authorization form to 612-348-2010. For $20 expedited processing write "Expedite" on the authorization form.

Processing times

Regular processing

Orders will be processed in 2–3 weeks of receipt.

Faster processing

Orders will be processed in 5–7 business days of receipt
You must include an additional $20 and write "Expedite" on the envelope

Order status

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

Fees

First certified copy: $13
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $6
Uncertified copy: $13
VitalChek fee: $7
(Optional) UPS express mail: $20
(Optional) Expedite processing: $20

If you are unable to place your order through VitalChek

Complete the death record application (PDF).
Print but do not sign the application.
Get your application notarized.
Submit the death record application and this fax coversheet (PDF) by FAX to 612-348-2010.

Mail in application

Application process

Complete a death record application (PDF).
Print but do not sign the application.
Certified applications must be notarized (e-notarization is accepted). Non-certified applications may need to be notarized.
Mail your completed application with check or money order to the address on the application.

Processing times

Regular processing

Orders will be processed in 2–3 weeks of receipt.

Faster processing

Orders will be processed in 5–7 business days of receipt
You must include an additional $20 and write "Expedite" on the envelope

Order status

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

Fees

First certified copy: $13
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $6
Non-certified copy: $13
Expedited processing fee: $20 (optional)

In person application

Application process

Complete the death record application (PDF).
Print but do not sign the application.
Review appointment requirements and schedule an appointment, or come in to one of our locations— walk-in services are limited based on staffing and physical spacing guidelines.
Bring your unsigned application, payment and identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) to your appointment.

Fees

First certified copy: $13 – generally issued at time of application
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $6
Uncertified copy: $13 – sometimes copy will be mailed
Payment options

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