Following are instructions to get either a certified or a non-certified copy of a Minnesota Birth Certificate.

To obtain a Certified Copy of a Minnesota Birth Certificate:

If you were born in Minnesota from 1935 to the present:
Your birth certificate is on a statewide vital statistics system through the Minnesota Department of Health located in our office.

If you were born before 1935:
Birth certificates will take longer to process pending notification of county of birth and verification by the state.

1.       You may appear in person at the Vital Statistic Department nearest you in the State of Minnesota.

2.       When you arrive you will need to complete a Minnesota Birth Record Application and present valid photo identification such as your driver's license. (You must have tangible interest as indicated on the application to obtain a copy of a certified birth record.)

3.       The fee will be $16.00 for the first copy and $9.00 for each additional copy requested for the same record.

To obtain a certified copy by mail:

1.       You must complete a Minnesota Birth Record Application and sign the form in front of a Notary Public. You will need to show the Notary Public a valid photo identification such as a driver's license. (You must have tangible interest as indicated on the application to obtain a certified birth record.) 

2.       Send $16.00 for the first copy and $9.00 for each additional copy requested for the same record. Make check payable to Watonwan County Recorder. Please include a photo copy of government issued ID.

3.       Send the completed application form and correct dollar amount to:  Watonwan County, P.O. Box 518, St. James, MN  56081

                             Birth Certificate requests are processed within 1-3 business days of when we receive them depending on the year of birth.

To obtain a Non-Certified (information only) Copy of a Birth Certificate:

1.       You must complete a Non-certified Birth Record Application.

2.       Make a $13.00 check payable to Watonwan County Recorder.

3.       Send information and check to:
Watonwan County Recorder
710 2^nd Ave S
PO Box 518
St. James, MN 56081