How to Find Minnesota Death Records

Minnesota gained statehood in 1858. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1908. General compliance followed shortly after in 1910.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record:


 * Deaths before 1870
 * Deaths between 1877 and 1939
 * Deaths after 1908


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Deaths before 1870
Before 1870, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths between 1870 and 1908
Some counties in Minnesota began to keep death records in 1870. Statewide registration started in 1908. General compliance throughout the state began in 1910.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For death that exist during this time period, try the following databases.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
There are two options:


 * If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the Family History Library or some FamilySearch Centers.
 * You may also order the certificate, for a fee, from one of the two locations:
 * Minnesota Department of Health
 * VitalChek

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths after 1908
The state of Minnesota began recording deaths in 1908.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following database.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
To get an image of the certificate, you can order a copy of the death certificate from one of the following locations:


 * FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the Family History Library or some FamilySearch Centers.
 * Minnesota Historical Society - click on the "Add To Order" button to the left of each desired listing. Clicking on that link will start the process of ordering the certificate.
 * You may also order the certificate, for a fee, from one of the two locations:
 * Minnesota Department of Health
 * VitalChek

Death records are also maintained at the county level. County copies may be obtained at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred.

'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search. ''' Return to top: Choose another death year

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