Scott County Death Records

Thanks for visiting this page. We understand you are looking for Scott County Death Records. We will do our best to guide you to the right resources and information to help with your search for these important documents. We hope this guide makes your task easier.

If you need to start searching for Scott County Death Records immediately, you can visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/scott-county-death-records/. This resource may provide a way to begin your search quickly while you gather more specific details about official procedures. Getting started right away can be helpful, and this link offers a potential path for those eager to find Scott County Death Records without delay. Please review the options carefully.

Where to Get Scott County Death Records

You can get Scott County Death Records from a few key places. The best place depends on the date of death. It also depends on where the death took place.

Scott County Customer Service Center

The Scott County Customer Service Center handles many vital records requests. They can issue certificates for deaths that happened in Scott County. They also handle records for people who lived in Scott County when they died. This applies to deaths from 1871 to 1997. For deaths from 1998 to the present, they can issue certificates for deaths anywhere in Minnesota. This makes them a useful local resource for recent records too. Plan your visit during their service hours.

• Address: Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Ave West, Shakopee, MN 55379

• Phone: 952-496-8432

• Hours: Walk-in service is available. The line for walk-ins closes at 4:00 PM. General office hours are likely 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. It is wise to call ahead to confirm current service hours or check the county website.

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

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) holds statewide vital records. They are the main office for all Minnesota death records. You can request records from them directly. They also handle changes or amendments to death records. If you need to correct an error, you will likely work with MDH. They offer an online tool to check if a death record exists from 1997 on. This tool does not give you the full certificate. It just confirms the death is on file.

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

• Phone: 651-201-5970

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

• Fax: 866-416-1357

• Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Note the help desk is closed for lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM daily.

Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS)

For older records, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is a key resource. They offer non-certified copies of death certificates from 1904 to 2001. These are great for family history research. They cost less than certified copies. You can search their index online first. The MNHS People Records Search helps find specific records. State registration of deaths began in 1908. Records before 1904 may need special search help.

• Online Index Search: http://www.mnhs.org/people 

• Records Available: Non-certified death certificates (1904-2001).

How to Request Scott County Death Records

There are several ways to ask for Scott County Death Records. Choose the one that works best for you. Note that getting a certified copy has rules.

In-Person (Scott County)

Visiting the Scott County Customer Service Center is often the fast way. You must go during their service hours.

• Go to the Customer Service Center in Shakopee.

• You will fill out a Death Record Application form there.

• You must show a valid government-issued photo ID.

• Pay the fee with cash, check, or card. A fee applies to card use.

• Same-day service is often possible if you arrive before 4:00 PM.

By Mail (Scott County or MDH)

Requesting by mail works well if you cannot visit. This process takes more time.

• Download the correct application form. Use the Scott County Death Record Application (PDF) for the county. Or use the form from the MDH website for state requests.

• Fill out the form fully.

• You must sign the form in front of a notary public. The notary must add their seal.

• Include a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to "Scott County" or "Minnesota Department of Health".

• It is best to include a copy of your valid photo ID.

• Mail the notarized form, payment, and ID copy to the right office. Use the Scott County Government Center address or the MDH P.O. Box.

By Email (Scott County Only)

Scott County offers an email option for requests. This still needs a notarized form.

• Download and complete the Scott County Death Record Application (PDF).

• Sign the application before a notary public. Get it notarized.

• Scan the notarized form. Or take a clear photo of it.

• Email the image to customerservicevm@co.scott.mn.us. 

• Put your daytime phone number on the form AND in the email text. This is key.

• County staff will call you. They will take your credit or debit card payment over the phone. A service fee (2.45%) applies to card payments.

• They mail the certificate to the address on your form.

Online Verification (MDH - Not a Certificate)

The MDH has an online search tool. It lets you check if a death record from 1997 or later exists. This is only a verification tool. It does not give you a legal death certificate. It is useful to confirm basic facts like the date of death and state file number before ordering.

• Visit the MDH "Verify a Death" page: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/deathsearch/dthSearch.html 

• Enter the person's name. Add birth date or Social Security number for a better match.

• The search shows name, date of death, and file number if found.

Who Can Request a Certified Copy? (Tangible Interest)

Not just anyone can get a certified Scott County Death Record. Minnesota law limits access. This rule helps prevent fraud. You must have a "tangible interest" in the record.

Legal Requirement

The rule comes from Minnesota Statutes, Section 144.225, Subdivision 7. You can read the law here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.225. This law outlines who is eligible. You must state your relationship or need on the application form. You may need to show proof.

Eligible Individuals

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

• A child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of the person who died.

• The current spouse of the person who died.

• A parent named on the death record.

• A grandparent or great-grandparent of the person who died.

• A sibling of the person who died.

• A legal guardian, conservator, or custodian (you need court papers as proof).

• The personal representative of the person's estate (you need court papers as proof).

• A successor if the person is deceased.

• A trustee of a trust set up by the person (you need trust documents).

• Someone who can show the certificate is needed to protect a personal or property right (you need documents to prove this).

• Someone with written permission from an eligible person listed above. The permission must name you and state the relationship.

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

Purpose of Tangible Interest

This rule protects personal data. It stops people from getting legal documents for bad reasons. While much data on older records may be public, the certified certificate itself is restricted. You must prove you have a valid reason to get one.

Cost of Scott County Death Records

Fees apply when you order Scott County Death Records. The cost is set by the state. It is the same at the county office and the state office.

Certified Copy Fees

• First Copy: $13.00

• Each Additional Copy: $6.00 (You must order these at the same time for the same record to get this price).

Non-Certified Copy Fees

• First Copy: $13.00 (This informational copy cannot be used for legal needs).

• Each Additional Copy: $6.00 (Ordered at the same time for the same record).

Other Fees and Notes

• Veteran Copies: $0.00 (Free if needed for Veterans Administration purposes. You must state this need).

• MNHS Non-Certified Copy (1904-2001): $9.00 (This is for historical copies from the Minnesota Historical Society. It includes digital delivery).

• Payment Methods (Scott County):

  • Cash (Accepted only in person).

  • Check (Payable to "Scott County").

  • Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, etc. Accepted in person or by phone for email requests. A 2.45% convenience fee is added).

• Payment Methods (MDH): Check or money order for mail requests. Check their site for other options if available.

Information Found on Death Records

Death records contain much useful data. This is why they are key for legal tasks and family history. The details listed can vary slightly. The accuracy depends on what the person providing the information knew at the time.

Typical Data Included

A Minnesota death certificate usually lists:

• Full name of the deceased person

• Date of death

• Time of death (sometimes)

• Place of death (city, county, hospital if applicable)

• Date of birth

• Age at time of death

• Place of birth (city, state, or country)

• Sex

• Race

• Marital status at time of death

• Name of surviving spouse (if any)

• Social Security Number (may be partly hidden on some copies)

• Usual occupation and industry

• Residence address at time of death

• Father's full name

• Mother's full maiden name

• Name of the informant (person who supplied the info)

• Cause of death (provided by a medical certifier)

• Place of burial or final disposition (cemetery name, location)

• Date of burial or disposition

• Funeral home name and address

• State file number

• Date the record was filed

Accuracy Note

Keep in mind that the person who gave the details (the informant) might not have known everything. There could be errors in names, dates, or places. It is always good to cross-check facts with other records if you can.