Dakota County Birth Records

We are glad you came here for help with Dakota County Birth Records. Our goal is to give you the facts you need. We aim to make your search for these key papers as simple as can be. This page holds details on how and where to find birth records in the county.

If you want to start your search for Dakota County Birth Records right now, you can visit Minnesota Official Records at https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/dakota-county-birth-records/. This site lets you begin the process quickly. Getting the right records often means knowing where to look and what forms to fill out. Use the link if you are ready to search now. We will cover the steps and places in detail below.

Where to Find Dakota County Birth Records

You can get birth records in two main ways. You can go to a local Dakota County office. Or you can contact the state health office. For very old records, you might need a third place.

Dakota County Service Centers

Going to a county office is often the fast way. Most times, you get the record while you wait. Dakota County has many service centers. Not all offer birth record service. Check the list below. Records for births in Minnesota from 1935 on are usually found here. If the birth was in Dakota County before 1935, the county office is the place to ask.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

The state Office of Vital Records keeps birth records too. They have records for births in Minnesota since 1900. MDH does not offer walk-in service. You must ask by mail or fax. This takes more time than going to a county office. MDH handles some special tasks. This includes fixing records or giving out original birth records for adopted people.

Minnesota Historical Society (MHS)

For old family history research, MHS can help. They have an online tool. It helps find births from 1900 to 1934. They also hold some older county records.

Dakota County Service & License Centers

Dakota County provides vital record services at several locations. This is usually the quickest way to get a certified birth certificate. You will need to bring a completed application and valid ID. Payment is due when you request the record. Check walk-in wait times on the county website if you plan to visit.

Locations Offering Birth Certificates

• Administration Center: 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033

• Northern Service Center: 1 Mendota Road W, West St. Paul, MN 55118

• Burnsville License Center: 1101 W County Rd 42, Burnsville, MN 55306

• Lakeville License Center: 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville, MN 55044

• Robert Trail License Center: 14955 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068

Note: The Western Service Center in Apple Valley does not issue birth certificates.

Contact and Hours

• Vital Statistics Phone: 651-438-4312

• Vital Statistics Email: dakotacountyvitals@co.dakota.mn.us

• General Hours: Most locations are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Extended Hours: Some license centers have late hours one day a week. Check the Dakota County website for specific center hours. Burnsville is open late Thursday. Lakeville is open late Wednesday. Robert Trail is open late Tuesday. All centers are closed on weekends and state holidays.

In-Person Request Steps

1. Fill out the Birth Certificate Request form. You can often get this at the center or print it ahead of time.

2. Go to one of the centers listed above during business hours.

3. Show your valid photo ID. A driver's license or state ID works well.

4. Pay the fee. Cash or check is usually needed. Some centers might take cards.

5. Sign the form in front of county staff.

6. Staff will process your request. You can often get the certificate the same day.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) - Office of Vital Records

The MDH Office of Vital Records holds all Minnesota birth records from 1900 to now. It also handles special requests like changes to records. This office does not serve people in person. All requests must be sent by mail or fax. This means it takes longer to get your record. Plan for days or weeks for processing and mail time. MDH is the only place to get original birth records for adopted people. It is also the only place to amend a birth record.

Contact Information

• Phone Help Desk: 651-201-5970 (Open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM M-F, but closed 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM for lunch)

• Email: health.vitalrecords@state.mn.us

• Mailing Address: Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records P.O. Box 64499 St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

• Fax (Credit Card Orders Only): 866-416-1357

Requesting Records from MDH

To order by mail, send a completed Birth Certificate Request form. Your signature must be notarized if you want a certified copy. Include a copy of your valid ID. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to the P.O. Box above. For fax orders, use the same form. Include credit card payment details. Fax it to the number above. Remember, fees are not refunded, even if no record is found.

Eligibility: Who Can Request a Birth Record?

Not just anyone can get a certified birth certificate. Minnesota law protects privacy and prevents fraud. This law is Minnesota Statute § 144.225. It says you must have a "tangible interest" to get a certified copy.

People with Tangible Interest

You have a tangible interest if you are one of these:

• The person named on the record (the subject)

• A child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of the subject

• The current spouse of the subject

• A parent named on the record

• A grandparent or great-grandparent of the subject

• The legal custodian, guardian, or conservator of the subject (need court papers)

• A health care agent for the subject (need health care power of attorney)

• The personal representative of the subject's estate (need court papers)

• A successor of the subject (if the subject died)

• A trustee of a trust set up by the subject (need trust papers)

• Someone who needs the record to protect a personal or property right (need proof)

• An adoption agency (for required searches)

• A government agency needing the record for official duties

• An attorney representing an eligible person (need MN Attorney License Number)

• Someone with a court order to get the record

• An authorized representative of someone listed above (need signed statement)

Non-Certified Copies

If a birth record is public, anyone can buy a non-certified copy. This copy is just for information. It cannot be used for legal needs. It is printed on plain paper. You still need to fill out a form and pay a fee.

Confidential Records

Some birth records are confidential. This usually applies if the parents were not married when the child was born. The mother could choose to make the record public at birth. If not, it is confidential. Access to confidential records is more limited. Only these people can get one:

• The subject (if age 16 or older)

• A parent named on the record

• A legal guardian (with court papers)

• Someone with a court order

• The Commissioner of Human Services

• Someone with written, notarized permission from an eligible person

Getting a confidential record always requires a notarized application form.

Types of Birth Records and Related Services

You can request different kinds of documents related to a birth. Choose the one that fits your needs. Fees vary based on the type of record.

• Certified Birth Certificate: This is the official record. It is printed on special security paper. It has a raised seal. Use this for legal purposes. Examples include getting a driver's license, passport, or social security card. Cost is $26.

• Non-Certified Informational Birth Record: This is a plain paper copy. It shows the same birth facts. It is for informational use only. You cannot use it for legal ID. Cost is $13.

• Verification of Birth Facts: This document just confirms that a birth record exists in Minnesota for a person. It does not give all the details. Cost is $9.

• Noncertified Original Birth Record (Adopted Person): Available only from MDH. This is a copy of the record before adoption. It is for adopted people age 18+ or certain relatives if the adopted person died. Cost is $40. Form is specific to this request.

• Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth: Available only from MDH. This provides a certificate for a stillbirth. Cost is $16.

How to Make a Request

You can request records in person, by mail, or sometimes by fax. Choose the method that works best for you.

In Person at Dakota County

This is the fastest way. Go to a participating Dakota County Service or License Center. Bring your filled-out Birth Certificate Application form. Show your valid government-issued photo ID. Pay the fee ($26 for the first copy). You usually get the certificate right away. This works for most births after 1935. For births in Dakota County before 1935, this is also the right place.

By Mail

You can mail your request to a Dakota County office or to MDH. Download and complete the Birth Certificate Application form. If you want a certified copy, you must sign the form in front of a notary public. Include a clear copy of your valid ID. Enclose a check or money order for the fee ($26 for first copy, $19 for extras). Make checks payable to "Dakota County" or "Minnesota Department of Health," depending on where you send it.

• Dakota County Mail Address: Use the address for the Administration Center: Vital Records, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033 (confirm best mail address via county website or phone).

• MDH Mail Address: P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499.

Mail takes longer. Expect processing and mail time. MDH posts estimated wait times on its website.

By Fax (MDH Only)

You can fax requests to MDH if paying by credit card. Use the same Birth Certificate Application form. Include your credit card details. You must still meet ID rules. Often this means faxing a copy of your ID too. Fax to 866-416-1357.

Information Required for Search

To find the correct record, you need to give specific details. Be as complete as you can. Missing information can slow things down or make it impossible to find the record.

Provide this information on the application form:

• Subject's Full Name at Birth: First, middle, and last name.

• Subject's Date of Birth: Month, day, and year.

• Place of Birth: City and County in Minnesota.

• Parent 1 Full Name: First, middle, and last name (include maiden name or name before first marriage).

• Parent 2 Full Name: First, middle, and last name (include maiden name or name before first marriage).

• Your Full Name: The name of the person requesting the record.

• Your Address: Where to mail the record.

• Your Phone Number: In case there are questions.

• Your Relationship: How you are related to the subject (e.g., self, parent, child). This proves tangible interest.

Fees and Costs

Fees must be paid when you submit your request. Fees are set by the state and are the same at county offices and MDH. Remember fees are non-refundable.

• First Certified Birth Certificate: $26

• Each Additional Copy (ordered at same time): $19

• Non-Certified Informational Copy: $13

• Verification of Birth Facts: $9

• Noncertified Original Birth Record (Adopted Person): $40

• Birth Record Amendment: $40

• Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth: $16

Fee Waivers

• Homeless Youth: People age 24 or younger who are homeless can get one free certified birth certificate. They must use the Homeless Youth Birth Certificate Packet and meet requirements.

• Veterans Administration: One free certified copy may be available if needed for VA benefits. Use the standard Birth Certificate Request form and indicate it is for VA purposes.

Correcting or Amending a Birth Record

If information on a birth record is wrong, you can ask to fix it. This process is called an amendment. All birth record amendments are handled only by the MDH Office of Vital Records. County offices cannot make these changes. You need to submit a Birth Record Amendment Packet. There is a $40 fee for this service. The packet explains what proof you need for the change. This might include court orders or other legal documents. Contact MDH for details on specific corrections.

Historical Records and Genealogy

Finding very old birth records works a bit differently.

Records Before 1900

Minnesota started keeping statewide birth records in 1900. Records before that were kept by counties or sometimes towns. To find a pre-1900 birth record, contact the county recorder's office where the birth happened. Dakota County vital records service can help with births that occurred within Dakota County back to around 1870.

Minnesota Historical Society (MHS)

MHS is a great resource for family history. They have an online search tool called the Minnesota People Records Search. This index includes many Minnesota births from 1900 to 1934. You can use it to check if a record exists before ordering. MHS also has many older county records on microfilm. Some might be digitized on sites like FamilySearch. You can visit the MHS Gale Family Library in St. Paul to research in person. Check their website for hours and available collections.