Hennepin County Death Records

We are glad you came to this page. We aim to give you the best help for your Hennepin County Death Records needs. Our goal is to make your search simple. We will provide key facts and links.

If you need to find Hennepin County Death Records quickly, you can visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/hennepin-county-death-records/ to begin your search process right now. This resource can help you start looking for the specific death records you need within Hennepin County. It offers a direct path for those ready to search for Hennepin County Death Records without delay. Check their site for details on how they can assist you.

Accessing Hennepin County Death Records

You can get Hennepin County Death Records from a few places. Knowing where to go is key. This saves you time and effort.

Where to Request Hennepin County Death Records

• Hennepin County Service Centers: These are the main local offices. They handle vital records requests. This includes Hennepin County Death Records. You can often get records faster here. They have multiple locations. This makes access easy for residents. Staff can help you in person. They can also answer questions.

• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): The state office also keeps records. They handle mail and fax requests. MDH holds records for the whole state. They have specific forms and fees. Note that MDH does not offer in-person service. All requests must be by mail or fax. Their processing times may be longer than county offices.

• Minnesota Historical Society: For very old records, try here. They keep historical data. This may include older Hennepin County Death Records. Their library in St. Paul has resources. Some records are online too. This is best for genealogy or past research.

Types of Hennepin County Death Records Available

There are two main types of records. Each serves a different need. Choose the one right for you.

• Certified Death Certificates: These are official legal papers. They are printed on special security paper. You need these for legal tasks. This includes settling estates or claiming benefits. Access is restricted by law. Only certain people can get them.

• Non-certified Death Records: These are for information only. They are printed on plain paper. They cannot be used for legal proof. Anyone can buy a non-certified Hennepin County Death Record. Minnesota death records are public data. This type is good for research or personal knowledge. It does not show the cause of death if the death was after 1996.

Who Can Get Certified Hennepin County Death Records (Tangible Interest)

Getting a certified copy has rules. Minnesota law limits who can get one. This law is found in Minnesota Statutes, Section 144.225, Subdivision 7. It requires you to have a "tangible interest". This rule helps prevent fraud. It protects families' private data. You must state your relationship on the form. You may need to prove it.

You have a tangible interest if you are:

• The child of the person named on the record.

• The parent of the person named on the record.

• The spouse of the person named on the record.

• The sibling of the person named on the record.  

• 
  

• The grandparent of the person named on the record.

• The grandchild of the person named on the record.

• A legal representative for the person or their estate. This includes attorneys.  

• 
  

• Someone who needs the record to protect a personal or property right. Proof may be needed.

• A representative authorized in writing by someone with tangible interest.

• A local, state, or federal government agency needing it for official duties.

• Someone with a U.S. court order stating they need the record.

How to Request Hennepin County Death Records

Hennepin County offers several ways to apply. Pick the method that works best for you. Each way has specific steps.

• In-Person: Visit a Hennepin County Service Center. Locations are listed below. Appointments are best but walk-ins are seen. Bring your ID and payment. Fill out the form there, but do not sign it until asked. Staff will check your ID. They can notarize your signature if needed. This is often the fastest way. You may get the record the same day.

• Mail: Download the correct application form. Fill it out fully. Do not sign it yet. If requesting a certified copy, you must sign it before a notary public. The notary confirms your identity. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Mail the signed, notarized form with payment. Use check or money order. Mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes time, allow up to three weeks.

• Fax: You can fax applications too. There is an extra $9.50 fee for fax service. You can pay online first via VitalChek, then fax the notarized form. Or, fill out the paper form. Sign it before a notary if needed. Fax the form and the fax cover sheet. Include credit card details on the cover sheet. The fax number is 612-348-2010. Processing times vary.

• Drop-off: Fill out the application. Get it notarized if required for a certified copy. Place it in an envelope with payment. Drop it off at a Hennepin County Service Center drop box. Write your phone number on the envelope. Note if you want to pick it up or have it mailed.

Information Needed for a Hennepin County Death Record Search

To find the right record, you need key facts. Be sure to provide full details. Missing data can slow things down. Or they may not find the record at all.

You will need:

• The full name of the person who died. First, middle, and last names are best.

• The exact date of death (month, day, year).

• The city where the death occurred.

• The county where the death occurred (Hennepin).

• Your full name and contact info. This includes address, phone, and email.

• Your relationship to the person if getting a certified copy. You must attest to this.

• Payment for the fees.

Fees for Hennepin County Death Records

Fees must be paid when you apply. Fees are not refunded if no record is found.

• Certified Copy: $13 for the first copy.

• Additional Certified Copies: $6 each (ordered at the same time).

• Non-certified Copy: $13 for the first copy.

• Additional Non-certified Copies: $6 each (ordered at the same time).

• Expedited Service: An extra $20 fee. Write "Expedite" on the envelope for mail. This moves your request ahead in line. It does not include express shipping costs.

• Payment: Hennepin County accepts checks or money orders payable to Hennepin County Treasurer. Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex) are accepted for in-person or fax requests. Note that card payments may have extra service fees (around 2.49%).

Hennepin County Death Record Processing Times

How long it takes depends on how you apply. Plan based on these times.

• In-Person: Usually issued the same day while you wait. Wait times depend on staffing.

• Mail/Drop-off (Standard): Ready for mail or pick up within 3 weeks. Mailing time adds to this.

• Mail/Drop-off (Expedited): Ready for mail or pick up within 1 week. Mailing time adds to this.

• Fax: Processing times vary. Check with the office.

• Order Status: If it has been over 4 weeks, use the vital records inquiry form on the county website.

Understanding Hennepin County Death Records

Knowing more about the records helps. Learn what they contain and how far back they go.

Details Within Hennepin County Death Records

All death records filed in Minnesota are public information. This is stated in Minnesota Statutes § 144.225. Anyone can view the basic facts. However, getting a certified copy is restricted. This copy is the official legal document. It contains more sensitive data. It needs the tangible interest proof discussed before. Non-certified copies are informational. They have less data. They may not list the cause of death for recent records. Certified copies usually include the cause of death. They also list date and place of birth, parents' names, and marital status.

Historical Hennepin County Death Records

Hennepin County has records going back quite far. The start date is generally 1870. Where you find older records depends on the year.

• 1870 - 1907: Records were kept at the county level. Contact Hennepin County directly or check historical resources. District Courts may have held early records.

• 1908 - 1996: Records are available from the county where the death occurred (Hennepin). Or you can get them from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

• 1997 - Present: Records are in a statewide system. You can get these from any Minnesota county vital records office. Or you can request them from MDH.

For research, especially genealogy, other places help. The Minnesota Historical Society holds many state records. Their online "People Records Search" indexes deaths from 1904 to 2001. Libraries like the Hennepin County Library offer access. They have genealogy databases like Ancestry Library Edition and FamilySearch affiliate access. These require library visits. FamilySearch also has some microfilmed records viewable online or at centers. For example, Minneapolis death records from 1866-1916 are indexed there.

Online Tools for Hennepin County Death Record Information

Some online tools can help verify a death. They provide basic facts quickly.

• MDH Verify a Death Index: Use this tool on the MDH website. It covers deaths from 1997 to the present. Search requires first name and last name. Add date of birth or Social Security number for better results. A successful search gives the name, date of death, and state file number. Find it at the MDH Verify a Death page.

• Minnesota Historical Society People Records Search: This online index covers deaths from 1904-2001. It also includes birth records (1900-1934) and state census records. This is a great tool for historical research.

• Library Databases: As noted, local libraries offer access. Use Ancestry Library Edition or FamilySearch affiliate access inside a library. Hennepin County Library offers these tools. Check their Genealogy and Local History page for details.

Hennepin County Vital Records Offices and Contact

Here is contact info for key offices. Use this to ask questions or visit.

Hennepin County Service Centers (Vital Records)

These centers handle Hennepin County Death Records requests.

• Vital Records Phone: 612-348-8919 (answered 8 AM - 4 PM)

• General Service Center Phone: 612-348-8240 (answered 8 AM - 4:15 PM)

• Fax: 612-348-2010

• Email: vitalrecords@hennepin.us

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

• Locations:

  • Government Center: 300 South 6th Street, Suite A-025, Minneapolis, MN 55487 (Map)

  • Brookdale: 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 (Map)

  • Maple Grove: 9325 Upland Lane North, Suite 101, Maple Grove, MN 55369 (Map)

  • Midtown Exchange: 2929 Chicago Avenue South, Lower Level, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (Map)

  • North Minneapolis: 1001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411 (Map)

  • Ridgedale: 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305 (Map)

  • Southdale: 1225 Southdale Center, Edina MN 55435 (Map)

• Appointments: Recommended. Schedule online via the Hennepin County website. Walk-ins are helped based on staff levels. Wait times can vary. One service per appointment slot.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Contact

For statewide records or mail/fax requests.

• Phone: 651-201-5970

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

• Mailing Address: Office of Vital Records, PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

• Courier/Express Address: 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN 55155 (Note: No in-person counter service available at this location).

Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office

This office handles death investigations. They provide specific reports, not standard death certificates. Contact them for autopsy reports or cause of death details if needed for legal or medical reasons. Access to these reports is restricted. Only next of kin or authorized persons can get them. Fees apply for reports.

• Phone: 612-215-6300

• Fax: 612-466-9980

• Address: 14250 County Road 62, Minnetonka, MN 55345 ([Map Link Needed if Available])

• Website: Hennepin County Medical Examiner

Forms and Legal Statutes for Hennepin County Death Records

Use the right forms and know the key laws.

Hennepin County Death Record Application Forms

Download forms directly from the Hennepin County website.

• Certified Death Certificate Application: PDF Link (Link may change, check Hennepin County website if broken)

• Noncertified Death Record Application: PDF Link (Link may change, check Hennepin County website if broken)

• Fax Coversheet (For payments by fax): PDF Link (Link may change, check Hennepin County website if broken)

• MDH Death Certificate Request Form: PDF Link (Use if applying through the state office)

Relevant Minnesota Laws

These laws govern access to vital records.

• Minnesota Statutes § 144.225: This law covers disclosure of vital records data. It defines public information. It also outlines the tangible interest requirement for certified copies. You can read it here: MN Statutes § 144.225.

• Minnesota Statutes § 13.3806: This law classifies public health data. It notes how vital records data is handled under state data practices laws. See details here: MN Statutes § 13.3806.

Identification and Notarization Rules

Follow these rules when you apply.

• Notarization: Required for mail or fax requests for certified copies. You must sign the application form in front of a notary public. The notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. E-notarization is acceptable in Minnesota.

• Identification: For in-person requests, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Examples are a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you lack ID, a witness can sign a "Statement to Identify" form. This form is available from the county. The witness must have their own valid ID. For mail/fax requests, include a clear copy of your ID with the notarized application.