Birth

Certified copies of a birth certificate are available for those born in Minnesota. If the birth occurred outside of Minnesota, contact the vital records office of that state.

To get a certified birth certificate the birth record must be your own or you must have a legal interest. Non-certified copies are also available, but are not accepted for legal purposes.

COVID-19 response

Resident and employee safety is our primary focus to ensure that services are restored in a planful, safe manner that mitigates the potential transmission of COVID-19 within county facilities.

We strongly encourage remote processing (mail in or drop box) of transactions whenever possible. If you require face to face assistance, please schedule an appointment.

We are receiving a high volume of phone calls. You may experience long wait times. Thank you for your patience.

Check order status

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

Open all

Fax application

Application process

Begin your order at VitalChek.
Print the Vital Records Authorization form but don't sign it.
Get the authorization form notarized. E-notarization is accepted.
Fax our coversheet (PDF) and your signed and notarized authorization form to 612-348-2010.

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: $26
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $19
Non-certified copy: $13
VitalChek fee: $9.50
UPS express mail: $20 (optional)
Expedited processing: $20 (optional)

Apply by mail

Application process

Complete the certified birth certificate application (PDF) or the non-certified birth certificate application (PDF).
Print but do not sign the application.
Applications for certified copies and some non-certified copies must be notarized. E-notarizations are not accepted at this time.
Mail your completed application, along with check or money order to the address on the application.

Orders are processed within 7 - 10 business days of receipt. For one-day processing, include an additional $20 and write "Expedite" on the outside of the envelope.

Fees

First certified copy: $26
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $19
Non-certified copy: $13
One-day processing fee: $20 (optional)

Apply in person

Application process

Complete a certified birth certificate application (PDF) or non-certified birth certificate application (PDF).
Print but do not sign the application.
Bring the application, fee and acceptable identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc) to any Hennepin County Service Center. If you don't have acceptable identification also complete the statement of identity form (PDF).

If you choose to have the application notarized before coming in, e-notarizations are not accepted.

Fees

First certified copy: $26 (generally issued at time of application for in person applicants)
Each additional certified copy of the same record: $19
Non-certified copy: $13 (sometimes copy will be mailed for in person applicants)
One-day processing fee: $20 (optional)
In person payment options

Verification of birth

A birth verification document confirms that a birth record is on file with the State of Minnesota. It is not the same as a birth certificate.

If the birth record is restricted or confidential, we cannot release any information other than whether or not there is a record on file for the name provided.

Application process

Call us at 612-348-8240 or email us at license.gc@hennepin.us.

Fee

A birth verification is $9 per copy. A number of payment options are available.

Open all