Scott County Birth Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our goal is to give you the best help for finding Scott County Birth Records. We aim to make your search clear and easy. We have put key facts here for you.

If you want to search for Scott County Birth Records right now, you can visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/scott-county-birth-records/. This resource may help you start your search fast. It provides access that can help you find the records you need right away. Check their site for search tools and ways to access information about births in Scott County. They aim to make the process simple for users seeking these important documents.

Obtaining Recent Scott County Birth Records (Post-1900/1935)

You can get recent birth records from two main places. These are the county office and the state office. Each has its own way to help you.

Scott County Customer Service

Scott County Customer Service helps issue birth records. This is for people born in Minnesota. They are found at the Scott County Government Center. The address is 200 Fourth Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379. It is best to use the entrance on 5th Avenue. This brings you to the right floor. Their phone number is 952-496-8432. They are open for walk-in service. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can apply in person, by mail, or by email. You need to fill out the Birth Record Application form. This form is a PDF file. You can find it on the Scott County website. If you apply by mail or email, your signature must be notarized. You must also show you have a "tangible interest." This is required by state law. It means you have a direct link to the record. The cost is $26 for the first certified copy. Each extra copy of the same record costs $19. This applies if you order them at the same time.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

The Minnesota Department of Health holds birth records too. They have records for the whole state. Births since 1900 are kept here. This office is in St. Paul. Their mailing address is PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499. You can call them at 651-201-5970. MDH does not offer walk-in service for records. You must apply by mail. You can find forms on the MDH vital records website. Like the county, you must prove tangible interest. The fees are the same as Scott County. It costs $26 for the first certified copy. Extra copies are $19 each, if ordered together. MDH can be a good choice if you need records from other counties too. Or if mailing is easier for you. Keep in mind mail orders take more time. It can be days or weeks to get your record. County offices are often faster if you go in person.

Finding Historical Scott County Birth Records (Pre-1900)

Older records need a different search. These are often used for family history. The main place for these is the state historical group.

Minnesota Historical Society (MHS)

The Minnesota Historical Society keeps old state records. This includes some early birth records. They help people research family history. MHS has an online search tool. It is called the Minnesota People Records Search. You can find it on their website: http://www2.mnhs.org/people. This online index has many birth records from 1900 to 1934. It also has some records from before 1900. Not all old records are online yet. You can also visit the MHS library in St. Paul. Staff there may help you search the state vital records system. MHS is a key place for old Scott County Birth Records. It is great for those tracing family roots back many years. They protect these old papers for all to see.

Understanding Types of Birth Records

There are two main kinds of birth records. One is official, one is not. Know which one you need.

Certified Scott County Birth Certificates

A certified copy is an official legal paper. It is printed on special security paper. You need this type for most legal uses. This includes getting a passport or driver's license. It proves who you are and when you were born. You can use it for school sign up. Or to apply for Social Security benefits. To get a certified copy, you must qualify. Minnesota law requires you have "tangible interest." This means you have a close link to the person on the record. This rule helps stop fraud. It keeps private data safe. Only certain people can get these official copies. The county or state office issues these. They cost more than non-certified copies. This is the type most people need for official tasks.

Informational Copies (Non-Certified)

An informational copy is not an official document. It is printed on plain paper. It clearly states it is not for legal use. These copies are for personal knowledge or research. They are good for checking facts. Or for doing family history work. You might be able to get these more easily. The rules for tangible interest might be less strict. This depends if the record is public or private. Anyone can buy a non-certified copy of a public birth record. Confidential birth records have tight rules. These often involve births to single mothers. Informational copies cost less. The Minnesota Department of Health charges $13 for one. Extra copies are $6 each. Scott County may have a similar fee. Check with their office. This copy cannot be used as legal ID. It is just for your own information needs.

How to Request Scott County Birth Records

You have a few ways to ask for a record. You can go there, mail it, or email.

Requesting In Person at Scott County

Going in person is often the fastest way. Go to the Scott County Customer Service Center. It is at 200 Fourth Ave W in Shakopee. Find the East building, first floor. Use the door on 5th Avenue. Bring the filled out Birth Record Application form. Or you can fill one out there. You must show a valid photo ID. Like a driver's license or state ID card. You also need payment. They take cash, checks, or credit cards. Checks should be payable to Scott County. Using a card adds a small fee (about 2.45%). Staff will check your form and ID. They will take your payment. Often, they can print the certificate while you wait. This is good if you need the record quickly. Be sure to arrive during business hours. That is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Requesting by Mail from Scott County

You can also order Scott County Birth Records by mail. First, get the Birth Record Application form. Download the PDF from the Scott County website. Fill it out fully and clearly. Your signature on the form must be notarized. Find a notary public to watch you sign. Include a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to Scott County. Do not send cash in the mail. Mail the notarized form and payment to this address: Scott County Government Center, Attn: Customer Service, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379. Mail requests take longer to process. It might take days or weeks to get your record back. Make sure all information is correct. Include your phone number in case they need to call you. This method works well if you cannot visit the office.

Email Requests to Scott County

Scott County also takes requests by email. First, download the Birth Record Application (PDF). Fill it out completely. Just like mail requests, your signature must be notarized. Scan the signed and notarized form. Or take a clear photo of it. Email this digital copy to Customer Service. Find their email address on the Scott County website's Customer Service page. Make sure your contact details are clear. Include your phone number in the email too. Staff need this to process your request. They will call you to get payment. You will need a credit or debit card. Be ready to give the card details over the phone. There is a service fee for card payments. It is around 2.45% or 2.49%. After payment, they process the request. They mail the certificate to the address on your form. This method combines digital steps with phone payment. It can be faster than mail if done right.

Requests via Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

You can also get birth records from the state. Use the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This is good for any Minnesota birth since 1900. MDH only accepts requests by mail. They do not have an in-person counter. You must download their application form. Find it on the MDH vital records website. Fill out the form. Sign it where needed. Follow their rules for proof of identity. Mail the form and payment to their St. Paul address. Office of Vital Records, PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499. MDH processing times can be longer than county offices. Check their website for current wait times. This option is useful for statewide searches. Or if you prefer dealing with the state office. Fees are the same: $26 for the first copy, $19 for more.

Costs and Fees Associated with Scott County Birth Records

Getting birth records involves fees. Know the costs before you apply.

Scott County Fee Schedule

At Scott County Customer Service, fees are set.

• The first certified birth certificate costs $26.00.

• Each additional copy of the same record costs $19.00. You must order these at the same time.

• For payment in person, you have options. You can use cash. You can use a check made payable to Scott County. You can use a credit or debit card. Card payments have a service fee. This fee is about 2.45% to 2.49%.

• For mail requests, use a check or money order.

• For email requests, payment is by credit or debit card over the phone. The service fee applies here too.

• Non-certified copy fees are not listed directly. They are likely $13 based on state fees. Ask the office to confirm this fee if needed.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Fee Schedule

The state health department has similar fees.

• The first certified birth certificate costs $26.00.

• Each extra copy of the same record costs $19.00. Order them together.

• MDH also issues non-certified copies. These cost $13.00 for the first one. Extra non-certified copies are $6.00 each.

• Payment to MDH must be included with your mail application. Check their website for accepted payment methods. Usually check or money order.

• Fees are non-refundable. They keep the fee even if they cannot find the record.

Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Certified Scott County Birth Records?

Not everyone can get a certified birth certificate. Minnesota law limits access.

Tangible Interest Explained (Minnesota Statute § 144.225)

Minnesota Statute § 144.225 sets the rules. It requires "tangible interest" to get a certified copy. This law protects people's privacy. It helps prevent identity theft and fraud. Tangible interest means you have a direct, legal connection to the record. You must prove this connection when you apply. If you cannot prove tangible interest, you cannot get a certified copy. You might still get a non-certified copy if the record is public. But the certified copy is restricted by this important state law. You can read the full law here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.225.

List of Eligible Parties

State law lists who has tangible interest. You likely qualify if you are:

• The person named on the birth record (the subject).

• A parent named on the record.

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

• The current spouse of the subject.

• A grandparent or great-grandparent of the subject.

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

• A health care agent for the subject (must show power of attorney).

• The personal representative of the subject's estate (if deceased).

• A successor of the subject (if deceased, for estate needs).

• An attorney representing the subject or another eligible person. Must provide license number.

• A representative of a government agency needing the record for official work (needs ID).

• An adoption agency needing the record for required searches (needs ID).

• Someone with a valid U.S. court order for the release (not just a subpoena).

• Someone with a signed, notarized statement from an eligible person. This statement must grant you permission. It must identify the record and your relationship.

• Someone who can show the certificate is needed to protect a personal or property right. Supporting documents may be needed.

Identification Requirements

When you apply for a certified copy, you must show ID. This proves who you are. It helps confirm your tangible interest. Acceptable ID is usually a valid government-issued photo ID. This includes:

• An unexpired state driver's license or state ID card.

• An unexpired U.S. passport.

• An unexpired U.S. military ID card.

• Other specific IDs may be allowed. Check with the office. The ID must be current, not expired. A copy is often needed for mail or email requests.

Official Resources and Direct Links

Here are helpful links for your search:

• Scott County Birth Certificates Page: https://www.scottcountymn.gov/337/Birth-Certificates

• Scott County Customer Service: https://www.scottcountymn.gov/1170/Customer-Service

• Scott County Birth Record Application Form (PDF): https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15949/2023-Birth-Application?bidId=

• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Vital Records: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/birth/index.html

• Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) People Records Search: http://www2.mnhs.org/people

• Minnesota Statute § 144.225 (Tangible Interest Law): https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.225