Death Certificates

Death Certificates


Following are instructions to get either a certified or a non-certified copy of a Minnesota Death Certificate.

To Obtain a Certified Copy of a Minnesota Death Certificate:


If the person died in Minnesota between January 1, 1997 to the present:
The death certificate is on a statewide vital statistics system through the Minnesota Department of Health located in our office.

If the person died in Minnesota before January 1, 1997:
You will need to obtain a certified copy from the county in which they died or the county where they resided at the time of the death.

To obtain a certified copy in person:
  1. You may appear in person at the Vital Statistics Department nearest you in the State of Minnesota.
  2. You may call the facility to make sure the name is on the State Vital Statistics System.
  3. When you arrive you will need to complete a Tangible Interest Form (PDF) and present valid photo identification such as your driver's license. (A Tangible Interest Form certifies your right to a copy of the death certificate for that person.)
  4. The fee will be $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy requested for the same record.
See the Tangible Interest Form (PDF) for persons eligible to obtain a death certificate. This person must appear in person with valid photo identification.

To obtain a certified copy by mail:
  1. You must complete a Tangible Interest Form (PDF) and sign the form in front of a Notary Public. You will need to show the Notary Public a valid photo identification such as a driver's license.
  2. Send $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy requested for the same record. Make check payable to Rice County Recorder.
  3. Send the completed Tangible Interest Form and correct dollar amount to the address listed on the bottom of the Tangible Interest Form.
To obtain a Non-Certified Copy of a Death Certificate:
  1. Complete the Noncertified Death Record Transcript Application (PDF)
  2. Make a $13 check payable to Rice County Recorder.
  3. Send form and check to:
    Rice County Recorder
    320 NW Third Street
    Faribault, MN 55021