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