How much do death certificates cost in Minnesota?
Certified copies from the Minnesota Department of Health cost $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates requested for Veterans Administration purposes are free.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| MDH (mail/in person) | $13 first, $6 each additional |
| MDH (rush processing) | $13 + $20 rush fee |
| Online via VitalChek | State fee + processing fee |
| VA purposes | Free |
Rush processing costs an additional $20 and moves your order ahead of the standard queue. Expedited shipping is available for an extra $21.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the fastest and simplest route for recently filed deaths.
From the Minnesota Department of Health
The MDH Office of Vital Records in Saint Paul processes death certificate requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Minnesota.
- Online: Order directly through the MDH website. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks for standard orders.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "Minnesota Department of Health." Include a copy of your photo ID.
- In person: Visit the Office of Vital Records in Saint Paul. Walk-in appointments may be available.
From your county vital records office
Some Minnesota counties also issue death certificates through their local registrar. Contact the county office where the death occurred for availability and fees.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| MDH standard | 2 to 4 weeks |
| MDH rush processing | 5 to 10 business days |
| County office | Varies |
Rush processing significantly speeds up your order but does not include expedited shipping. If you need copies fast, add the $21 expedited shipping fee along with the rush processing fee.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, retirement accounts, and the probate court. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a full list of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Minnesota restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or parent of the deceased
- Child, grandchild, or sibling
- The executor or personal representative
- An attorney or funeral director acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order or demonstrated legal need
You must provide a valid photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased.
What to know about Minnesota specifically
One of the lowest fees in the country. At $13 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies, Minnesota is among the most affordable states for death certificates. If you need 10 copies, the total is $67 (versus $200+ in many other states).
Free copies for veterans. If the death certificate is needed for Veterans Administration benefits, Minnesota waives the fee entirely. Request the VA exemption when placing your order.
Uniform Probate Code state. Minnesota has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which streamlines estate settlement. If you are handling probate, you will need at least one certified death certificate to file with the District Court. See our guide on how probate works in Minnesota for details.
You can track all estate-related tasks with our interactive checklist.
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