Obtaining Birth, Marriage Certificates and Apostilles in Minnesota 🔎📜

Are you in need of certified copies of your birth certificate or marriage certificate in Minnesota? Perhaps you require these documents to be apostilled for international use. Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining authorized copies of these vital records and getting them apostilled by the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Birth Certificates 👶

Apply In-Person

1. Complete the Application: Download and fill out the “Birth Certificate Application” form from the MDH website or get a form from the local county vital records office.

2. Visit the Office: Go to the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records or a local county vital records office. Bring your completed application, identification, and payment.

3. Submit and Receive: Submit your application. In-person requests are often processed immediately, so you may receive your certified copy right away.

Apply by Mail

1. Complete the Application: Download and complete the “Birth Certificate Application” form from the MDH website.

2. Prepare Documents: Include a photocopy of your valid identification and a check or money order for the fee.

3. Mail the Application: Send your completed application, ID copy, and payment to:

   Minnesota Department of Health
   Office of Vital Records
   PO Box 64499
   St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records or contact them directly at 651-201-5970.

Marriage Certificates 💒

By Mail

To request a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail, follow these steps:

1. Locate Your County Office: Find the nearest county vital records office. You can search online or check the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.
2. Provide Identification: Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Payment: Prepare a check or money order for the required fee. As of 2024, the fee for a certified copy is $9 for the first copy and $9 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
4. Mail the Request: Send the completed form, photocopy of your ID, and payment to the appropriate county’s vital records office.

In-Person

You can visit your local county vital records office to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

1. Locate Your County Office: Find the nearest county vital records office. You can search online or check the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.
2. Bring Necessary Documents: Bring a government-issued photo ID and payment for the fee.
3. Fill Out the Form: Complete the “Marriage Certificate Request” form available at the office.
4. Submit and Pay: Submit your form, show your ID, and pay the required fee. You will typically receive the certified copy immediately.

Online

For the convenience of requesting a certified copy of your marriage certificate online, Minnesota offers services through a third-party provider: VitalChek – Minnesota Marriage Certificates

Steps to Get a State Apostille from Minnesota

Once you have your certified birth or marriage certificate, you can get it apostilled by the Minnesota Secretary of State. Here’s how:

In Person (by Appointment) 🏢

1. Schedule an appointment via Microsoft Bookings (available fourteen days in advance).
2. Present the certified document(s) and/or original notarized document(s) at the appointment.
3. The office is located at:
   • Minnesota Secretary of State
   • First National Bank Building
   • 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
   • Saint Paul, MN 55101

By Mail 📬

1. Include the certified document(s) and/or original notarized document(s), the applicable fee, and the completed Authentication Request Form.
2. Mail your documents to:
   • Minnesota Secretary of State
   • First National Bank Building
   • 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
   • Saint Paul, MN 55101
3. You may enclose a prepaid FedEx, USPS Priority Mail, or UPS label for mail tracking.

Helpful Resources 🌐

• Minnesota Secretary of State – Apostille Authentication
• Verify Apostille Issuance (for Apostilles issued after May 15, 2018)
• Minnesota Department of Health – Office of Vital Records

Simplifying the Process 🗝️

Obtaining certified copies of vital records and getting them apostilled may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and resources, the process can be straightforward. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to securing the necessary documents for your personal or professional needs. Remember, the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Department of Health are there to help you navigate this process smoothly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for assistance along the way.