Birth Records

You can request most Minnesota birth records in any county of Minnesota, regardless of the county of the event.

For a birth outside of Minnesota, visit the Out of State Vitals Information website for contact information.

Applications

Birth Certificate Application form (PDF)
Non-Certified Birth Record Application form (PDF)

Confidential Birth Records

The birth record of a child born to unmarried parents is confidential unless the mother chose to make the birth record public at the time of birth.  Confidential birth records are only available to specific individuals or interests as listed on the Birth Certificate Application.

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Birth Certificate

Effective January 1, 2022, a youth experiencing homelessness may apply for a no-cost certified copy of their birth certificate. The youth must be 24 years of age or younger and born in Minnesota. A youth experiencing homelessness who is younger than 16 years of age may get their birth certificate even if the birth record is “confidential.”  You can find the form that needs to be completed on the MN Department of Health page; look for the Homeless Youth Birth Certificate Application.

How to Request a Certified Birth Record

If you visit our office in person, the birth certificate will be issued while you wait, with the exception of historical births. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, we will mail the certificate(s) typically the same day we receive the completed application and fee. 

In Person - Stevens County Recorder's Office, 400 Colorado Ave., Suite 305, Morris, MN 56267

1. Complete a Birth Certificate Application form indicating you are an authorized requestor; you can print and complete this ahead of time or get a form in the office.   The form must be signed while you are present in the office.
2. Present a current, valid photo ID (with your picture and signature on it).
3. Pay the appropriate fee by cash, check or credit card.

By Mail - Stevens County Recorder's Office, 400 Colorado Ave., Suite 305, Morris, MN 56267

1. Complete a Birth Certificate Application form indicating you are an authorized requestor.
2. Show identification and sign the completed application in front of a notary.  Have the notary sign the application and apply their notary seal.
3. Mail the completed and notarized application along with the correct fee.  The certificate(s) will be mailed to the address you include on the application form.

By Fax or Email

1. Complete a Birth Certificate Application form indicating you are an authorized requestor.
2. Show identification and sign the completed application in front of a notary.  Have the notary sign the application and apply their notary seal.
3. Fax or email the completed and notarized application by fax to 320-589-7112 or email to recordergroup@co.stevens.mn.us.  Be sure to include credit card information on the form.  A credit card fee of 2.5% with a minimum fee of $1.50 applies. The certificate(s) will be mailed to the address you include on the application form.

How to Request a Non-Certified Copy of a Birth Record

A Non-Certified copy is a plain paper copy of a birth record.  Non-Certified copies are for informational use only and cannot be used for legal purposes.

1. Complete a Non-Certified Birth Record Application form.  
2. Pay the correct fee.  The Stevens County Recorder returns applications that are incomplete, not signed in front of a notary public and not paid in full at the time of application.