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.

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.

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.

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