Hennepin County Birth Records

Thank you for coming to our page. We are glad you are here. Our goal is to help you find the Hennepin County Birth Records you need. We will give you the best facts we have. This guide aims to make your search simple.

If you need to find Hennepin County Birth Records right now, you can start your search right away. Visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/hennepin-county-birth-records/ to begin. This resource may help you locate the specific records you are searching for without delay. Use their tools to see if they have the birth information you seek from Hennepin County.

Understanding Hennepin County Birth Records

Hennepin County Birth Records are official papers. They show proof of a birth in the county. These records hold key facts. This includes the full name on the record. It lists the date of birth. It shows the place of birth (city or town). It names the parent or parents. These details are vital for many uses. The county keeps these records safe. You can ask for copies.

Types of Birth Certificates Available

Hennepin County offers two main types of birth records. Each type serves a different need. Know which one you need before you ask. This saves time and cost.

Certified Copies

Certified copies are official documents. They have a raised seal. They show the county registrar’s signature. You need these for legal tasks. This includes getting a passport. You use them for school sign ups. Getting a driver's license may need one. Social Security proof often requires it. Only certain people can get a certified copy. This rule helps stop fraud. Minnesota law states who is able to get one. We list the rules below. These copies cost more than non certified ones. They hold legal weight. Make sure this is the type you need for official use. The county ensures these copies are true and correct. They are printed on special security paper. This paper helps show it is real. Not just anyone can walk in and get one. You must prove who you are. You must show you have a right to the record. This is called having a "tangible interest". This keeps private data safe.

Non-Certified Copies

Non certified copies are for information only. They cannot be used for legal needs. You cannot use them to prove who you are. They do not have the official county seal. These are good for family history research. They help with genealogy projects. You might want one just for your own records. It is often easier to get this type. Fewer rules apply to asking for them. The cost is less than a certified copy. These copies still show the birth facts. They list the name, date, and place of birth. They show parent names listed on the record. Hennepin County can issue these for births in Minnesota. Remember, they are not for ID or legal proof.

How to Request Hennepin County Birth Records

You can get birth records in a few ways. Choose the way that works best for you. You can go in person. You can mail your request. You can also send a fax.

Requesting In Person

You can visit a Hennepin County Service Center. This allows for same day service often. Wait times can vary based on how busy they are. It depends on staff levels too. The main location is downtown. Hennepin County Government Center Service Center Address: 300 South 6th Street, Suite A-025 (Skyway Level), Minneapolis, MN 55487 Phone: 612-348-8240 (Calls answered 8 AM - 4 PM) Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Other service center locations exist too. Check the Hennepin County website for all locations. Plan your visit during their open hours. Bring what you need.

• A filled out application form (do not sign it yet). You can download the form first. Get the Certified birth certificate application (PDF).

• Valid identification (like a driver's license or state ID).

• Payment for the fee. They accept cash, checks, money orders. Credit and debit cards are also okay (fees may apply).

You will sign the application form there. Staff will check your ID. They will take your payment. Most times, they print the certificate while you wait. This is often the fastest way. Ask staff any questions you have. They are there to help you. Make sure you have the right address and hours before you go.

Requesting By Mail

You can also ask for a record by mail. This takes more time than going in person. First, get the application form. Print the Certified birth certificate application (PDF). Fill out all the needed information. This includes the full name at birth. You need the date and place of birth. Include the parents' full names. State your link to the person on the record. You must sign the form for a certified copy. Your signature must be notarized. An E-notary is okay too. Find a notary public to watch you sign. They will stamp or seal the form. Include payment. Use a check or money order. Make it payable to Hennepin County Treasurer. Do not send cash in the mail. Mail the signed, notarized form and payment. Send it to the address on the application form. Mail processing takes time. Expect up to 3 weeks for regular mail service. This does not count mail delivery time. Be sure all steps are done right. This avoids delays. Double check the fee amount.

Requesting By Fax

Hennepin County allows requests by fax. There is an extra fee for this service. The fee is $9.50 plus the certificate cost. You still need the application form. Fill it out completely. For certified copies, you MUST get it notarized. Sign it before a notary. Fax the completed, notarized form. Use the fax coversheet found on their site. Fax to 612-348-2010. The coversheet has payment details. You can pay by credit or debit card. Faxing might be faster than mail. But it still needs processing time. Call them if you have questions on faxing.

Fees for Birth Records

Know the costs before you order.

• First Certified Copy: $26

• Each extra certified copy (same record, same time): $19

• Non-Certified Copy: $13

• Fax Fee: $9.50 (extra)

• Expedite Fee: $20 (extra, for faster processing by mail/drop off)

Payment methods vary. In person, you can use cash. Checks, money orders work too. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex) are accepted. Note that card payments have a service fee added. By mail, use check or money order. Make payable to Hennepin County Treasurer. Do not send cash. Fees can change. Check the Hennepin County website for current costs.

Who Is Eligible to Get a Certified Copy?

Not everyone can get a certified birth record. Minnesota law protects these records. It limits access to people with a "tangible interest". This helps prevent identity theft and fraud. Minnesota Statutes, section 144.225, subdivision 7 lists who qualifies. You can read the law here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.225.  You must show proof you are one of these:

• The person on the record (if 16 or older).

• A parent named on the record.

• A child, grandchild, or great grandchild of the person.

• The current spouse of the person on the record.

• A grandparent or great grandparent of the person.

• The legal guardian, custodian, or conservator (need court papers).

• A legal representative (like an attorney) for one of the above.

• Someone with a valid US court order for the record.

• Someone with a signed note from an eligible person above. The note must give permission. It must name you. It must list the needed record details.

• A representative of a government agency (needs work ID).

You will need to show valid ID when you apply. This proves who you are. If you apply by mail or fax, your signature needs a notary. This confirms your identity too. These rules protect personal data. Be ready to prove your eligibility.

Finding Older Birth Records

Hennepin County holds many birth records. Their records go back quite far for the county. Some sources say back to 1856 or 1870 locally. The Minnesota Department of Health is the main state office. They have statewide records from 1900 to the present. You can request recent Minnesota births from any county office. For very old records, check other places. Records before 1900 might be at the county office. Or they could be at the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). MHS has an online search tool. It includes many birth records from 1900 to 1934. Minnesota Historical Society Address: 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102 Phone: 651-259-3000 Website: https://www.mnhs.org/ If Hennepin County cannot find the record, ask them where else to look. They may guide you to the state office or MHS.

Correcting a Birth Record

Sometimes a birth record has errors. Maybe a name is spelled wrong. The date could be wrong. You can ask to fix these mistakes. This is called an amendment. The process depends on the error type. It depends on how old the record is. You usually need proof of the correct fact. This might be other old documents. Contact Hennepin County Vital Records about corrections. Or reach out to the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office. They have forms and rules for amendments. Making sure the record is right is key. It avoids problems later on. Ask them what proof you need. Follow their steps with care.

Key Contact Information

Here are main contacts for Hennepin County Birth Records.

Hennepin County Vital Records

• Location: Hennepin County Government Center Service Center

• Address: 300 South 6th Street, Suite A-025, Minneapolis, MN 55487

• Phone: 612-348-8240 (Vital Records specific number might be 612-348-8919 based on some results, best to call 8240 first)

• Email: vitalrecords@hennepin.us or license.gc@hennepin.us

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Website: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/licenses-certificates-permits/birth 

Minnesota Department of Health - Vital Records

• Address: P.O. Box 64499, St Paul, MN 55164 (Mailing Address)

• Phone: 651-201-5970

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

• Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/index.html 

Minnesota Historical Society

• Address: 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

• Phone: 651-259-3000

• Website: https://www.mnhs.org/