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Death Records
Obtain a Certified Copy of a Minnesota Death Certificate
- If the death occurred 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.
- If the death occurred 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 accessible by our office.
Obtain A Certified Copy In Person
- The fee will be $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy requested for the same record.
- When you arrive you will need to complete a Minnesota Death Record Application (PDF) and present valid photo identification such as your driver's license.
- You may appear in person at the Vital Statistics Department nearest you in the State of Minnesota.
- You may call the facility to make sure the name is on the State Vital Statistics System.
Note: You must have tangible interest as indicated on the application to obtain a certified death record.
Obtain A Certified Copy By Mail
- Send $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy requested for the same record. Make your check payable to Watonwan County. A photo copy of government issued ID is appreciated.
- Send the completed application and correct dollar amount to the address listed below.
- You must complete a Minnesota Death Record Application (PDF) and sign the form in front of a notary public. You will need to show the notary public valid photo identification such as a driver's license.
Note: You must have tangible interest as indicated on the application to obtain a certified death record.
Obtain a Non Certified Copy of a Death Certificate
- Complete a Minnesota Non Certified Death Record Application (PDF), but mail it to the address below not the address on the application.
- Make a $13 check payable to Watonwan County.
- Send information and check to:
Watonwan County License Center
710 Second Avenue S
P.O. Box 518
St. James, MN 56081