Burnsville Birth Records Lookup
Birth records for Burnsville are managed through Dakota County, which handles vital records for all cities in the county. The Dakota County Burnsville License Center is located right in Burnsville at 1101 W. County Road 42 and provides in-person birth certificate service for residents. Dakota County birth records go back to 1870. You can also order through the Minnesota Department of Health if you prefer a mail or online option instead of going to the county office in person.
Burnsville Overview
Where to Get Burnsville Birth Records
Burnsville is in Dakota County, and the county operates a license center right in the city. The Dakota County Burnsville License Center at 1101 W. County Road 42 is the main place to go for birth certificate requests. It handles in-person requests for Burnsville and surrounding Dakota County communities. Having this office within city limits means residents don't have to travel to a distant county seat to get a certified copy.
Dakota County vital records go back to 1870. The county works with the Minnesota Department of Health to register and maintain records for all births that occurred in the county. Both sources can issue a certified copy, but the county office is often more convenient for Burnsville residents.
| Office | Dakota County Burnsville License Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 1101 W. County Road 42 Burnsville, MN 55306 |
| Phone | 952-891-7850 |
| Website | co.dakota.mn.us - Birth Certificates |
The Dakota County birth certificates page below shows the county's online resource for requesting certified birth records, including the Burnsville location details.
How to Request a Burnsville Birth Certificate
Burnsville residents can request a birth certificate in person at the county office, by mail, or through the Minnesota Department of Health. In-person visits to the Burnsville License Center are typically processed the same day. Bring your ID and any required documents and the staff can help you get a copy on the spot.
For online and mail options, the MDH birth certificate page has instructions and links to order forms. MDH accepts requests by mail sent to their St. Paul office, and they also partner with VitalChek at vitalchek.com for online orders. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee. If you're okay with waiting a few weeks, these are both solid options.
Dakota County does not have a general public online ordering portal like some other counties, so for most Burnsville residents, going in person or using MDH are the two main routes. Call 952-891-7850 to confirm what's available and ask about current wait times before you go.
What You Need for a Birth Certificate Request
Under Minnesota Statute 144.2255, only certain people can get a certified birth certificate. The law covers the person named on the record, their parents, legal guardians, and others who can show a direct and legitimate interest. You must prove your identity and show how you are connected to the person on the record.
Standard items to bring or include:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Full name on the birth record
- Date and place of birth
- Names of both parents as listed on the birth certificate
- Your relationship to the person named
- Payment for the applicable fee
Note: If you have a legal name change or if the person's name on file differs from what you expect, bring any legal documentation that explains the difference.
Fees and Payment Options in Dakota County
Dakota County charges a fee for each certified birth certificate copy issued at the Burnsville License Center. There is a 2.49% convenience fee for credit or debit card payments at the county office. To avoid this fee, you can pay by cash or check. For the current fee amounts, check co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7850. Fee amounts can change, so it is worth confirming before you go.
If you order through the Minnesota Department of Health or VitalChek, different fees apply. MDH fees are set by state statute. VitalChek adds its own service fee on top of that. Compare total costs if price matters, but keep in mind that in-person county orders are often the fastest and don't require waiting for mail delivery.
What a Burnsville Birth Certificate Contains
A certified Minnesota birth certificate includes the child's full legal name, date and place of birth, sex, and the full names of both parents. Parent information generally includes each parent's age at the time of birth and their state or country of birth. The document carries the official seal of the issuing office, which is what makes it legally valid. Schools, government agencies, and passport offices all require a certified copy with a seal.
Informational copies do not carry the seal and are not accepted for most official purposes. Make sure to request a certified copy if you need the certificate for identification, enrollment, or legal use. The county issues both types, and the staff at the Burnsville License Center can explain the difference if you ask.
Special Access Programs
Minnesota has a program to help homeless youth get birth certificates without cost. Young people in Burnsville who are experiencing homelessness can apply for a free certified copy through the state. More information is at health.state.mn.us - Homeless Youth. This program helps youth secure the basic identification they need to access housing, healthcare, and other services.
Adoptees born in Minnesota have a right to request their original birth certificate under state law. This is separate from getting a standard certified copy. The request goes through MDH, and details on how to apply are at health.state.mn.us - Adoption Records. Burnsville residents who were adopted can use this process the same as anyone else born in the state.
Historical Records and Genealogy Research
Dakota County birth records date back to 1870, which gives genealogists a solid starting point for research in the Burnsville and south metro area. Older records may be handwritten and contain additional details like the attending physician's name and the family's home address at the time of birth. For records from the 1800s and early 1900s, the Minnesota Historical Society's library and archives are a useful supplement to county records. Their research guide at libguides.mnhs.org outlines what collections exist and how to search them.
Dakota County Birth Records
Burnsville is part of Dakota County. The county manages birth records for the city and handles all vital records requests for the region. Visit the Dakota County birth records page for a full overview of fees, procedures, and office locations.