How to Find Minnesota Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Minnesota Deaths

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

Next Step: When did the death occur?	Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record: Deaths before 1870 Deaths between 1877 and 1939 Deaths after 1908

Learn more about U.S. Death Records

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.

Records that give death information:
Cemetery Records Newspapers Probate (wills, etc) Tax Records	Church Records Census Bible Records

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.

Minnesota Death Databases - Includes Indexes Only
Try 1st:
	1835-1990 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; index to death and burial records from the state of Minnesota. Microfilm copies of original records are available at the Family History Library and at Family History Centers
Try 2nd:
	1866-1916 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; index of death records in St. Paul (Ramsey County) and Minneapolis (Hennepin County), Minnesota. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

There are two options:

• If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
• 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.

Minnesota Death Databases - Includes Indexes Only
Try 1st:
	1908-2001 - At Minnesota Historical Society	Free; index of deaths from the Minnesota Department of Health in Minneapolis
Try 2nd:
	1835-1990 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; index to death and burial records from the state of Minnesota. Microfilm copies of original records are available at the Family History Library and at Family History Centers
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

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 order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
• 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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