Minnesota offers one of the most decentralized death certificate systems in the country: any county Vital Records office can issue certified copies of any Minnesota death record, regardless of where the death occurred. This guide explains every option, the cost, and how many copies you'll need.
Dealing with a loss? Omuna helps you manage everything.
Free checklist, notification templates, obituary writer, and memorial pages — all in one place.
Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Minnesota?
Death certificates in Minnesota are issued by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Vital Records, located in Saint Paul. Uniquely, every Minnesota county Vital Records office can also issue certified copies of any Minnesota death record — not just deaths that occurred in that county. Website: health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Minnesota
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Typically 2–3 weeks, plus VitalChek's own processing and shipping fees.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to Minnesota Department of Health to: Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- In person — Saint Paul: Walk-in service is available at the MDH office at 85 East 7th Place, with same-day service in many cases.
- Any County Vital Records office: Minnesota's any-county-can-issue policy means the county office nearest you can usually issue certified copies just as fast as the county where the death occurred — often the fastest option.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Minnesota?
The fee is $13 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. County Vital Records offices typically charge the same rate. Death certificates requested for Veterans Administration purposes are free. Online orders through VitalChek add that vendor's own processing and shipping fees on top of the state fee.
Pro tip
Minnesota's any-county-can-issue policy is unusual. If the death occurred in one county but you live in another, the closer county can usually issue copies just as fast — no need to drive across the state to the county where the death occurred.
What will it cost in Minnesota?
- First certified copy
- $13
- Each additional copy
- $6
- Total for 10 copies
- $67
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Veterans and their next of kin may qualify for a free copy.
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Minnesota families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the District Court (where Minnesota probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and — for larger estates — the Minnesota estate tax filing.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Minnesota.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Minnesota?
Minnesota restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the personal representative; attorneys representing the estate; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online via VitalChek | 2–3 weeks |
| By mail | 4–6 weeks |
| In person, Saint Paul | Often same-day |
| Any county Vital Records office | Often same-day or within a few days |
| Through funeral home | Typically within the first 1–2 weeks |
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Minnesota. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Minnesota may change. Consult a licensed Minnesota attorney for guidance specific to your situation.