Birth Certificates

Effective December 29, 2020, anyone needing the following services will need to make an appointment using the Olmsted County Online Check-in System. These services will not appear as options in the Olmsted County Online Check-in System until December 29.

Birth Certificates can be obtained the same day if you are applying in person. Valid identification and tangible interest in the record are required for all requests.

1. Gather your information

You will need information about:

  • the person who was born (birth date and the Minnesota city and county where the person was born)
  • both (if available) of the person's birth parents (first, middle, last name; and last name before 1st marriage - also known as maiden name)

For certified copies, you will need to have a sufficient relationship to the subject. (See the request form for more information about relationship requirements.)]

2. Complete the application

Download, print, and complete the Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Request.

Download, print, and complete the Persons Who Have Tangible Interest form.

3. Submit application

By mail:

Remember, if you are mailing your request, the application must be notarized.

  • Include your notarized application.
  • We accept either credit card, personal check, cashier's check, or money order. There is a 2.49% convenience fee for credit card payments.
    • Cost is $26. (Additional copies are $19 each.) Note that fees are subject to change. The most up-to-date cost can be found in the document below. 
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    • Make checks payable to: Olmsted County Vital Records
  • Allow one week for processing

Send the request to:
Olmsted County Vital Records
151 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904-3709

In-Person:

Deliver the application

To minimize health risks, we ask that you bring no more than one guest along with you (and your guest should only be invited if necessary).

Come to:
Olmsted County Government Center
Vital Records and Licensing
151 4th Street South East
Rochester, MN 55904

Remember to bring the information you gathered and payment for any fees.

We accept credit cards. There is a 2.49% convenience fee for all credit card payments We also accept cash and personal checks made payable to Olmsted County Vital Records.

For everyone's health and safety, when you arrive follow the posted directions. If you have questions, there will be staff available to direct you. When it is your turn, you will be called to the desk.

Fax

Remember, if you are faxing your request, the application must be notarized and the payment must be via credit card.

Include your notarized application.

  • Payment by credit card (There is a 2.49% convenience fee for credit card payments.)
    • The cost is $26. (Additional copies are $19 each.)

Fax the request to:
Olmsted County Vital Records
507-328-7965

Do you need to change or complete the information on a birth certificate?

You need to contact the Minnesota Department of Health to request an amendment of a record you have already purchased, or if it is more than one year after the birth.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information and their application.