Dakota County Death Records

Thank you for visiting this page. We will do our best to help you with your Dakota County Death Records search. Our goal is to give you the key facts you need. We want to make your search as easy as we can. You will find locations, costs, and rules here.

For those who want to start searching for Dakota County Death Records right away, visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/dakota-county-death-records/. This resource can help you begin your quest for specific death record information. Navigating official records can seem complex. Having a starting point can streamline the process. Remember to gather all needed details about the person whose record you seek before starting your search. This preparation will save you time and effort as you use online tools or contact official offices.

Where to Find Dakota County Death Records

You have a few main places to get Dakota County Death Records. The best place depends on the date of death and your needs. Dakota County itself handles many requests. The state health department is also key. For old records, the state history group helps.

Dakota County Service & License Centers

Dakota County offices are a great source for death records. They issue both certified and non-certified copies. You can get records for anyone who died in Minnesota from 1997 to now. If the death was before 1997, they only have records if the person lived or died in Dakota County. For deaths outside the county before 1997, you must go to the state. Old death record books from 1870 to 1945 can be seen at the Administration Center. This is good for old family research. Plan a visit if you need these very old books. Note that looking at books gives info but not a legal copy.

These county locations offer death certificate services:

• Administration Center:

  • Address: 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033

  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Vital Statistics Phone: 651-438-4312

• Northern Service Center:

  • Address: 1 Mendota Road West, West St. Paul, MN 55118

  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Service Desk Phone: 651-554-6531

  • Note: Mail-in applications are sent here.

• Burnsville License Center:

  • Address: Burnsville, MN

  • Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Thu 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Phone: 952-891-7850

• Lakeville License Center:

  • Address: Lakeville, MN

  • Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wed 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Phone: 952-891-7878

• Robert Trail License Center:

  • Address: Rosemount, MN

  • Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Tue 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Phone: 651-480-1234

For general questions, call Vital Statistics at 651-438-4312 or email dakotacountyvitals@co.dakota.mn.us. Walk-ins are fine, but making an appointment is a good idea.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

The Office of Vital Records at the MDH holds statewide death records. They have records for deaths occurring anywhere in Minnesota from 1908 to the present. If you need a record from before 1997 for someone who did not live or die in Dakota County, MDH is the place to ask. While county offices might be faster for recent records (1997+), MDH provides a central point for all Minnesota vital records. They offer mail-in request options. Be aware that MDH does not have a walk-in counter service at their St. Paul street address. All requests must be submitted by mail or potentially fax if using a credit card with their form. Their processing time is longer than county offices. Plan for four to six weeks for standard mail processing.

• Phone: 651-201-5970

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

• Mailing Address: PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

• Online Death Verification: You can verify deaths from 1997 onward using their online search index. This tool confirms the name, date of death, and state file number but does not provide a certificate.

Minnesota Historical Society

For very old records or family history research, check the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). They are a prime resource for records before statewide registration began in 1908. They also maintain indexes, like the Minnesota Death Certificates Index (covering 1908-2001). This index is a great starting point for finding state record numbers. MNHS also has other resources like newspaper obituaries and county specific records from before 1908. Their library in St. Paul offers public access to vast collections. Some resources are also available online through their website.

• Research Questions Phone: 651-296-2143

• Research Email: reference@mnhs.org

• Website: www.mnhs.org

How to Request Dakota County Death Records

Getting a death record copy involves specific steps. You must be eligible to request it. You need key details about the deceased. You must use the proper forms and methods.

Eligibility Rules - Tangible Interest

Minnesota law limits who can get a certified death record. This is called having a "tangible interest". You must state your relationship to the person on the application. According to Minnesota Statutes § 144.225, subdivision 7, people with tangible interest include:

• A child of the subject

• A parent of the subject

• The spouse listed on the record

• A sibling of the subject

• A grandparent of the subject

• A grandchild of the subject

• The personal representative of the estate

• The successor of the subject (if record needed for estate)

• An authorized agent (like an attorney or funeral director)

• Someone with a court order

• Someone with a signed statement from an authorized person allowing the request.

Information Needed for the Request

To find the correct Dakota County Death Record, you must provide key facts. Make sure you have this info ready:

• Full name of the person who died (first, middle, last).

• Exact date of death (month, day, year).

• County where the death occurred (Dakota or other Minnesota county).

• Your relationship to the person (e.g., child, spouse, legal rep).

• Date of birth or age at death is helpful but may not be required.

• City of death is also helpful.

Methods for Requesting Records

You can ask for Dakota County Death Records in person or by mail.

In-Person Requests

Go to one of the Dakota County locations listed above that handles death certificates. You will need to fill out the Certified Death Certificate Application. Do not sign the form before you go. Bring the form, payment, and your valid photo ID. A staff member will watch you sign the form. This is often the fastest way to get a record. Many centers offer same-day service.

Mail Requests (Dakota County)

To order by mail from Dakota County, download the Certified Death Certificate Application by Mail. Fill it out completely. You must sign this form in front of a notary public. The notary must add their signature and stamp or seal. Mail the notarized form and your payment (check, money order, or credit card info) to the Northern Service Center. Do not send cash. Allow time for mail delivery and processing.

• Mail Address: Northern Service Center, Service Desk, 1 Mendota Road West, West St. Paul, MN 55118.

Mail Requests (Minnesota Department of Health)

You can also mail a request to the state MDH office. Use the MDH Death Certificate Application. Like the county mail form, this must be signed before a notary. Mail the notarized form and payment to the MDH PO Box address listed earlier. Note the longer processing time (4-6 weeks).

Identification Requirements

When requesting a certified death record, you must prove who you are. Bring a valid, current, government-issued photo ID. Examples include:

• State driver's license

• State identification card

• Passport

Types of Death Records and Costs

There are two main types of death records you can get. Each has a different purpose and cost. Fees are set by state law and are the same statewide.

Certified Copies

These are official copies used for legal matters. You need them for things like closing bank accounts, claiming life insurance, settling estates, or transferring property titles. Certified copies have a raised seal and official signature. Access to cause of death information on these copies is usually restricted to those with tangible interest.

• Cost: $13 for the first certified copy.

• Additional Copies: $6 for each extra copy of the same record requested at the same time.

• VA Copies: Free ($0) if needed for Veterans Affairs related purposes (must specify on application).

Non-Certified Copies

These are for informational use only. They cannot be used for legal purposes. They are often used for family history or personal records. They may not contain all the information found on a certified copy, such as cause of death. Dakota County offers these. The cost is typically the same as a certified copy unless stated otherwise. Assume $13 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies based on standard fee structures.

Payment

Payment is required when you submit your application. Fees are non-refundable, even if no record is found.

• Dakota County In-Person: Accepts check, money order, credit card (check specific location).

• Dakota County Mail: Accepts check, money order, or credit card info on the form. Do not mail cash. A $30 fee applies to returned checks.

• MDH Mail: Accepts check, money order, or credit card info on the form. Do not mail cash. A $30 fee applies to returned checks.

Processing Times

How long it takes to get a Dakota County Death Record varies.

• In-Person (Dakota County): Usually the fastest. Often processed while you wait or same-day service.

• Mail (Dakota County): Depends on mail speed and current workload. Typically faster than MDH mail requests.

• Mail (MDH): Allow about 4 to 6 weeks for standard processing. MDH offers faster processing for an extra $20 fee, plus options for express mail delivery at cost (provide your own pre-paid express envelope or pay their fee).

Access Restrictions and Minnesota Law

Minnesota laws protect the privacy of vital records. They control who can access certain information.

Public vs. Confidential Information

Most information on vital records is public under Minnesota Statutes § 144.225. However, access to the physical records and specific data points can be restricted. Cause of death information is generally private. It is only available to those with a defined tangible interest. Certified copies always require proof of tangible interest. While the fact of death might be public, getting the official document is controlled. Older records may become fully public over time (e.g., after 100 years for some birth data).

Tangible Interest Importance

The tangible interest rule is key for certified copies. You must prove your connection to the deceased as listed in the statute. This protects the family's privacy and prevents fraud. Be prepared to state your relationship clearly on the application.

Legal Penalties

It is against the law to give false information to get a vital record. Doing so can lead to fines or jail time under Minnesota Statutes § 144.227. Always provide true and accurate information.

Older Records and Genealogy Research

Finding older Dakota County Death Records requires looking at different sources.

Dakota County Resources

The Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings holds early death record books. These cover the years 1870 through 1945. You can view these books in person for research. Remember, these are viewings, not certified copies.

Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS)

MNHS is essential for genealogy. They hold many pre-1908 county-level death records. Their Minnesota Death Certificates Index online covers state records from 1908 to 2001. This index helps find the certificate number needed for ordering from MDH or the county. They also have microfilmed newspapers with obituaries, which add great detail. Explore the MNHS website and library resources for deep historical searches.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

MDH holds all official state death records from 1908 onward. If you know the death occurred in Minnesota between 1908 and 1996 but outside Dakota County (or the person didn't live there), MDH is your source. You will need the county of death for these requests if ordering from MDH. For deaths 1997 to present, any county office or MDH can issue the record.