Washington County Death Records

We are glad you came here for help. Our goal is to guide you in your Washington County Death Records search. We aim to give you clear facts. Let us help you find the death records you need in Washington County, Minnesota. We have looked at many sources for this page.

If you need to start your search for Washington County Death Records right now, you can visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/washington-county-death-records/. This resource provides a way to access records directly. For those wanting to understand the full process, including where to go, what forms to use, the costs, and who is eligible to obtain official copies, please read on. We provide detailed steps and official links below.

Locating Washington County Death Records

Where Records Are Kept

Washington County Death Records from 1870 to the present day are mainly held by the Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services department. This office is located at the Government Center in Stillwater. They handle most requests for these vital documents.

For deaths that took place in Minnesota, you can also request records from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Office of Vital Records. However, requesting directly from the county office is often faster. Especially if you go in person. MDH handles mail and fax orders for the whole state. This can take more time, often four to six weeks. The state office keeps death records from 1908 onwards.

Access Points for Recent Records

If the death occurred between 1997 and the present, you have more options. Besides the main office in Stillwater, these recent Washington County Death Records can also be requested at:

Washington County Public Health and Environment at the Cottage Grove Service Center.
Washington County Public Health and Environment at the Headwaters Service Center. Check their specific hours before you go.

Requesting Certified Washington County Death Records

A certified death record is an official legal document. It has a raised seal. You need it for many legal tasks. This includes things like closing bank accounts or claiming life insurance. Minnesota law states who can get one.

In-Person Requests

Going in person is the fastest way. You can often get the record the same day.

Location: Go to the Washington County Government Center. The address is 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Hours: Office hours are Monday through Friday. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They close on holidays.
What to Bring:
- Fill out the Death Certificate Application (PDF). You can find it here: https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/119/Death-Certificate-Application-PDF. You must sign it stating you are allowed to get the record.
- Show a valid form of identification. This proves who you are.
- Pay the fee. They only accept cash or check for in-person requests.

Mail Requests

You can also ask for Washington County Death Records by mail. This takes longer.

Application: Fill out the same Death Certificate Application (PDF) form.
Notary: You must sign the form in front of a notary public. The notary must add their seal. You can find notaries at banks or mail shops. Some town halls also have them. There is often a small fee for this.
Payment: Include a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to Washington County. Do not send cash.
Address: Mail the notarized form and payment to: Washington County Vital Records 14949 62nd St. N. P.O. Box 6 Stillwater, MN 55082-0006

Costs for Washington County Death Records

You must pay a fee to get death records. Fees are set by the state. They are the same in all Minnesota counties. These fees are non-refundable. This is true even if no record is found. Minnesota Statutes, section 144.226, states this rule.

Certified Death Certificate: The first copy costs $13.00.
Additional Copies: If you order more copies of the same record at the same time, each extra copy costs $6.00.
Non-Certified Death Record: An informational copy costs $13.00. Extra copies are $6.00 each.
Veteran (VA) Certificates: There is no charge for a death certificate needed for VA purposes.

Payment at the county office in person is by cash or check only. For mail requests, use a check or money order payable to Washington County. The State Office of Vital Records accepts credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover), checks, or money orders.

Eligibility: Who Can Get Certified Records?

Not just anyone can get a certified copy of a Washington County Death Record. Minnesota law limits access. You must have a "tangible interest" in the record. This is defined in Minnesota Statutes § 144.225, subdivision 7.

Who Has Tangible Interest?

The law lists those who are eligible. This includes:

The spouse named on the record.
A parent of the subject (person who died).
A child of the subject.
A sibling of the subject.
A grandparent or grandchild of the subject.
The personal representative of the subject's estate.
A successor of the subject (if the subject is dead).
A trustee of a trust.
Someone with a court order saying they can get it.
A local, state, tribal, or federal government agency that needs it for official duties.
An attorney representing an eligible person or the estate.
An authorized representative acting for an eligible person. They need a signed statement from the eligible person.

Identification Needed

You must prove your identity when you ask for a certified record. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Examples include a driver's license or state ID card. A passport also works.

If You Lack ID

What if you do not have a valid ID? You can ask someone else to vouch for you. This person must have their own valid ID. They must fill out and sign the Statement to Identify Applicant (PDF) form. They sign it in front of county staff or a notary. You can find this form here: https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/118/Statement-to-Identify-Applicant-PDF.

Non-Certified Washington County Death Records

All Minnesota death records are public information. This means anyone can buy a non-certified copy. These are sometimes called informational copies. They are printed on plain paper. They do not have the official raised seal.

These copies are for informational use only. They cannot be used for legal purposes. They show the same core facts as a certified copy. This includes name, date and place of death, and parent info. You can request one using the Non-Certified Death Record Application. Find it here: https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/117/Non-Certified-Death-Record-Application-PDF. The cost is $13.00 for the first copy. Extra copies are $6.00 each.

Historical Washington County Death Records

Finding older records requires looking in different places. Washington County holds records going back to 1870. For very old records, historical societies are key resources.

Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS)

The MNHS holds many state and county records.

Microfilm: They have Washington County Death Records on microfilm from 1870-1994. These are at the Gale Family Library in St. Paul. The call number is SAM 234, Rolls 42-77. A finding aid is online: http://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/gr01889.xml. This film includes indexes for 1870-1981 and 1982-1994. Original record books are closed but are on the film.
Online Death Index: MNHS has an online search tool. It includes death records from 1904-2001. You can search it here: https://www.mnhs.org/people/search.

Washington County Historical Society (WCHS)

The local WCHS may have some unique records.

Stillwater Records: Their research center holds some Stillwater birth and death records. These cover 1884-1940, but some years might be missing.
Location: The Robert & Nancy Goodman Research Center is at the Washington County Heritage Center. The address is 1862 South Greeley Street, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Access: Non-members may pay an $8 research fee. WCHS members can use the center for free. Check their hours and rules before visiting. Their website is https://www.wchsmn.org/research/.

Correcting Errors on Death Records

Sometimes a death record has wrong information. It is possible to amend (correct) it. The process depends on when the death occurred. Washington County staff can help amend records if the death was within the last five years.

For older records, or more complex changes, you must work with the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records. They have specific forms and require proof for changes. You can find more details on the state process here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/amenddeath.html. The fee to amend a record is typically $40. Contact the state or county office for guidance.

Minnesota Laws on Death Records

Access to and handling of Washington County Death Records follows state law. The main laws are in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144. You can view it here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.

A key section is § 144.225. This covers disclosure of information. It defines public versus confidential data. It details the 'tangible interest' rule for certified copies. Read it here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.225. This law aims to protect privacy while allowing needed access. It ensures records are handled right.

Contact Information Summary

Washington County Vital Records

This office is part of Property Records and Taxpayer Services.

Phone: 651-430-6175
Address: Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/737/Death-Records

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

This office handles state-level requests and older amendments.

Phone: 651-201-5970
Email: health.vitalrecords@state.mn.us
Mailing Address: PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Help desk closed 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch)
Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/death.html

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