St. Louis County Death Records

We are glad you came to this page. We will do our best to help you find St Louis County Death Records. This guide gives you the facts you need to get the job done fast. We aim to make your search easy.

To start your search for St Louis County Death Records right now, you can visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/st-louis-county-death-records/. That site offers a quick way to begin looking for the records you need. It helps you find official sources. Use it if you want to get going without delay. This page offers more detail if you need it first. Find the info you seek here or use the link.

Where to Get St Louis County Death Records

You can get St Louis County Death Records from two main places. The first is the St. Louis County Recorder's Office. This office has several locations in the county. The second source is the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Office of Vital Records. MDH holds state records. Where you can get the record depends on the year of death.

• Deaths from 1997 to Present: You can get these records from any county vital records office in Minnesota. You can also get them from MDH. St. Louis County offices can access these statewide electronic records.

• Deaths from 1908 to 1996: You can get these records from MDH. Or, you can get them from the St. Louis County Recorder if the death took place in St. Louis County.

• Deaths Before 1908: These older records are only held by the county where the death occurred. For a death in St. Louis County before 1908, contact the St. Louis County Recorder's Office.

The St. Louis County Recorder is often the faster choice. Especially if you go in person. MDH requests usually take longer to process by mail or fax.

Types of Death Records Available

Minnesota offers two types of death records. You need to know which one fits your needs. The main types are certified and non-certified copies.

Certified Death Certificates

A certified death certificate is an official legal document. It is printed on special security paper. This paper helps prevent fraud. You need a certified copy for most legal tasks. This includes settling estates or claiming insurance benefits. To get a certified copy, you must prove you have a "tangible interest." This means you have a direct legal connection to the person who died. Minnesota law defines who has this interest.

Non-Certified Death Records

A non-certified death record is for information only. It is printed on plain paper. It is not a legal document. You might use it for family history research. Or you might use it just to confirm death details. In Minnesota, all death records are public information. This means anyone can buy a non-certified copy of a St Louis County Death Record. You do not need to show tangible interest for this type of copy.

Who Can Request Certified Copies (Tangible Interest)

To get a certified St Louis County Death Record, state law says you must have a tangible interest. This rule helps protect privacy and prevent fraud. Minnesota Statute 144.225 outlines who is eligible. You can find details on the MDH website under "Who Can Order Records" (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/tangible.html). You must show valid ID when you ask for a certified copy. You might also need more proof of your link to the dead person. If you apply by mail or email, your signature must be notarized.

Eligible people usually include:

• The spouse of the person who died.

• A parent named on the record.

• A child of the person who died.

• A sibling of the person who died.

• A grandparent or grandchild.

• A legal representative acting for the person's estate.

• Someone named in a court order.

• A government agency needing it for official work.

• A person who can show it is needed to protect a personal or property right.

Special Case: Veterans

Veterans or their families may get free certified copies. This is for use in claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Minnesota Statute 197.63 (https://law.justia.com/codes/minnesota/chapters-196-198/chapter-197/section-197-63/) allows this. You must state the copy is for VA purposes on the application.

If You Lack ID

If you need a certified copy but lack ID, a witness can help. The witness must know you. They must fill out a "Statement to Identify" form. This form is available from vital records offices or the MDH site. The witness swears to your identity. They must show their own valid ID.

How to Request St Louis County Death Records

You can ask for St Louis County Death Records in a few ways. You can go in person, send mail, or use email with online pay. Each way has steps you must follow. First, know what info you need. You usually need the full name of the person who died. You also need the date of death and the place of death. If you want a certified copy, you need to state your link to the person. You also need your own name and contact info.

Requesting In Person

This is often the fastest way. You can usually get the record the same day. You must go to one of the St. Louis County Recorder's office locations. Find addresses and hours below. Bring a completed Death Certificate Application. You can get this form online from the county website (https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/public-records/records/death-certificate) or at the office. You must show a valid photo ID like a driver's license. For a certified copy, you sign the form in front of the county staff. No notary is needed for in-person requests. Be ready to pay the fee. This method allows staff to verify your identity and eligibility directly, simplifying the process for obtaining certified records. It eliminates the need to find a notary public, which is required for mail or email requests for certified copies. Remember to check the specific hours for the office you plan to visit, as some have lunch closures.

Requesting By Mail

To order by mail, first get the Death Certificate Application form. Print it from the St. Louis County website (https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/public-records/records/death-certificate). If you cannot print it, call 218-726-2559 or email birthdeathmarriage@stlouiscountymn.gov to ask for one. Fill out the form fully. If you need a certified copy, you MUST sign the form in front of a notary public. The notary confirms your identity and witnesses your signature. If you only need a non-certified copy, no notary is needed. Include payment with your application. Use a check or money order. Make it payable to the St. Louis County Recorder. Mail the form and payment to: St. Louis County Recorder's Office, Attention: Vital Records Division, P.O. Box 157, Duluth, MN 55801-0157. Allow about one to two weeks for processing. This time includes mail delivery both ways. Ensure your application is complete to avoid delays.

Requesting By Email (with Online Payment)

St. Louis County also lets you request by email if you pay online. First, print and complete the Death Certificate Application form. Make sure  it is easy to read. Include your phone number. For a certified copy, your signature MUST be notarized. The notary seal must be clear on the scanned image. Do not pay online until the application is complete and notarized. St. Louis County uses ACI Payments for credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover). Go to the ACI Payments website (https://www.acipayonline.com/index.jsp). Click "Local Payments." Choose State "Minnesota," Payment Entity "St. Louis County," and Payment Type "death record." Follow the steps. A service fee applies. Use the date of death as the transaction number. Save or print your ACI payment confirmation page. Finally, email the completed, notarized application form AND the ACI payment confirmation page to birthdeathmarriage@stlouiscountymn.gov. Allow one to two weeks for processing and mail time. This method combines digital submission with the security of notarization for certified records.  

Requesting from MDH

You can also request records from the Minnesota Department of Health. MDH handles requests by mail or fax only. They do not offer in-person service. You will need to use MDH forms, found on their website (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/birthnc.html). The process usually requires notarization for certified copies. MDH processing times are typically longer than county offices. Check the MDH website for current processing estimates. This option might be needed for certain amendment types or if accessing county offices is hard.

Costs and Payment Methods

There is a fee for getting St Louis County Death Records. The cost is the same whether you get it from the county or MDH. Fees are set by the state. Please note that fees are non-refundable. This means you pay even if they cannot find the record you asked for.

Here are the costs:

• First Certified Copy: $13.00

• Each Additional Certified Copy (ordered at the same time for the same record): $6.00

• First Non-Certified Copy: $13.00

• Each Additional Non-Certified Copy (ordered at the same time for the same record): $6.00

• Veteran Copies for VA Claims: $0.00 (Free)

When ordering from St. Louis County Recorder's Office:

• In Person: Pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card (via ACI Payments system, may involve kiosk or online step).

• By Mail: Pay with check or money order. Make it payable to "St. Louis County Recorder." Use USA currency only.

• By Email: Pay online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover) through ACI Payments (https://www.acipayonline.com/index.jsp). A service fee is charged by ACI Payments.

When ordering from MDH:

• MDH accepts credit cards, checks, or money orders by mail or fax. Check their forms for exact details.

St Louis County Recorder Office Locations & Hours

You can get St Louis County Death Records in person at several locations. Hours may vary and exclude major holidays. It's wise to check before you go, especially for the Cook office. The main Vital Records phone line is 218-726-2559. The email is birthdeathmarriage@stlouiscountymn.gov.

Duluth Office (Main Office)

• Location: Duluth Courthouse, Recorder and Registrar of Titles

• Address: 100 N. 5th Ave. W., #101, Duluth, MN 55802

• Mailing Address: PO Box 157, Duluth, MN 55801-0157

• Vital Records Phone: 218-726-2559

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

• Services: Birth, Death, Marriage Records, Genealogy Requests, Notary Filings, Military Discharges, Real Estate Recording. This office provides the widest range of services. It serves as the central hub for vital records and recording in the county. It handles mail-in and email requests.

Virginia Office

• Location: Government Service Center, Vital Records Division

• Address: 201 South Third Ave. W., Virginia, MN 55792

• Vital Records Phone: 218-749-0673

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday (Closed for lunch)

• Services: Birth, Death, Marriage Records. Can accept other filings (Notary, Real Estate) for processing in Duluth. This office serves the central part of the county. Note the midday closure when planning your visit.

Hibbing Office

• Location: Hibbing Courthouse, Vital Records Division

• Address: 1810 12th Ave. E., #100, Hibbing, MN 55746

• Vital Records Phone: 218-312-8109

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (Closed for lunch)

• Services: Birth, Death, Marriage Records. Can accept other filings for Duluth processing. Serving the western part of the range. Be mindful of the lunch break.

Ely Office

• Location: SLC Service Center

• Address: 320 Miners Drive E., Ely, MN 55731

• Phone: 218-365-8200 (General Service Center Number)

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (Closed for lunch)

• Services: Birth, Death, Marriage License, Marriage Records. Serving the far eastern part of the county. Use the general number, specify vital records need.

Cook Office

• Location: SLC Service Center

• Address: 9558 Ashawa Road, Cook MN 55723

• Phone: 218-471-7705

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (Closed for lunch)

• Services: Birth, Death, Marriage License, Marriage Records. Important: Please call 218-471-7705 before your visit. This ensures staff is available to help you. Serving the northern area of the county.

Online Death Verification (MDH)

The Minnesota Department of Health offers an online tool. It helps verify deaths that occurred in Minnesota from 1997 to the present. This tool is found at https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/deathsearch/dthSearch.html. It does not provide a full death certificate. It only confirms the basic fact of death.

To use the tool:

• Enter the person's first and last name.

• Enter EITHER their date of birth OR their Social Security number (no dashes).

• The info must match the legal death record exactly.

If a match is found, the search will show:

• The decedent's name.

• The date of death.

• The state file number for the death record.

If the search says "No record found," it doesn't always mean the death isn't registered. The info entered might not match perfectly. This tool is useful for quick checks. Especially for deaths since electronic registration began in 1997. For deaths before 1997, or if you need the full certificate, you must use the request methods above.

Amending St Louis County Death Records

Sometimes information on a death record is wrong. Or maybe info needs to be added later. It is possible to amend (change or correct) a Minnesota death record. The process involves specific forms and proof. The Minnesota Department of Health handles the rules for amendments. You can find detailed instructions and forms on the MDH website. Look for information on changing vital records (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/death.html - check links for amendments).

The main form is often the Death Record Amendment Packet. Funeral homes may use a different form, especially for changes soon after death. You usually need documents to prove the correct information. For example, you might need medical records for cause of death changes. Or you might need court orders for other changes. You can often start the amendment process through the St. Louis County Recorder's office. Or you can work directly with MDH. Contact the County Recorder (218-726-2559) or MDH (651-201-5970) for guidance. Amending records can take time. It depends on the type of change needed.