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
If you were born in
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.
To obtain a certified copy in person:
1. You may appear in person at the Vital Statistic Department nearest you in the State of
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 $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 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 $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 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:
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
PO Box 518