How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Minnesota?
From Everendium · Last reviewed October 15, 2026
This guide covers Minnesota. For the general overview, see Getting Death Certificates: How Many You'll Need and Why.
Quick answer
Minnesota sets no required number of death certificates; the right count depends on how many banks, insurers, and agencies each need an original certified copy. What Minnesota does set is the price: A certified copy costs $13, and each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time costs $6. A death certificate with or without the cause of death costs the same $13 for records from 1997 on. Qualifying veterans' copies for VA purposes are free.
This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. Minnesota sets no required number, but it does set the price, which makes the count worth deciding before you order.
Is there a set number required by Minnesota?
No. The right number depends on how many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies in your situation each need their own certified copy, not on Minnesota law.
What will the copies cost in Minnesota?
A certified copy costs $13, and each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time costs $6. A death certificate with or without the cause of death costs the same $13 for records from 1997 on. Qualifying veterans’ copies for VA purposes are free. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $67 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.
Does it matter when I order in Minnesota?
The $6 additional-copy price applies when copies are ordered at the same time, so order your full number together.
Which institutions typically require one?
Banks and credit unions, life insurers, retirement account administrators, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) are common examples, though your own list depends on your accounts and assets. See our general guide on getting death certificates.
Can I use photocopies instead?
Generally no. Most institutions require an original certified copy, though it’s worth asking each one, since policies occasionally vary.
Where can I order more in Minnesota?
Any county vital records office can issue them, usually the same day, so you don’t have to wait on mail from St. Paul. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in Minnesota.
Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the Minnesota Department of Health or a county vital records office before you send payment.
Sources
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed October 15, 2026.
Fees, eligibility rules, and ordering options were checked on October 15, 2026 against the state's own published fee information, application forms, and county government pages listed in the sources. Death certificate fees change often, and some official pages were read only as search extracts, so the current fee should be confirmed on the agency's page before paying. Recommended for periodic re-verification. This is general information, not legal advice
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