St. Paul Birth Records Lookup
St. Paul birth records are handled by the Ramsey County Vital Statistics office, which has kept birth certificates for the city going back to the mid-1800s. What makes Ramsey County stand out is that it can issue certified birth records for any county in Minnesota for births from 1935 forward, not just for Ramsey County births. If you need a birth certificate for someone born in St. Paul or anywhere else in Minnesota, the Ramsey County office is a convenient one-stop option. In-person requests are processed the same day at the Plato Building office in downtown St. Paul, and mail requests are also accepted.
St. Paul Overview
Ramsey County Vital Statistics Office
The Ramsey County Vital Statistics office in St. Paul handles birth certificate requests for the county and for all Minnesota counties for births from 1935 onward. This statewide issuance authority makes the Ramsey office one of the most versatile in the state. If you live in St. Paul and need a birth certificate from a different county, you can get it here without traveling to that county's office.
The office is located in the Plato Building in the West Side neighborhood of St. Paul. It is open weekdays and handles walk-in requests with same-day service. Mail and fax requests are also accepted. For noncertified copies, Ramsey County can provide records from any Minnesota county going back to the year 2000.
| Office | Ramsey County Vital Statistics |
|---|---|
| Address | Plato Building 90 Plato Blvd. West Saint Paul, MN 55107 |
| Phone | 651-266-1333 |
| Fax | 651-266-1334 |
| AskVitalRecords@co.ramsey.mn.us | |
| Website | ramseycounty.us - Birth Records |
The Plato Building is just south of downtown St. Paul, near the Robert Street bridge. Street parking is available nearby. Bring a valid photo ID and any documents showing your relationship to the person on the record. This is required under Minn. Stat. 144.2255 to receive a certified copy.
St. Paul Office Issues Statewide Birth Records
Ramsey County has authority to issue certified birth certificates for any Minnesota county for births from 1935 to present. This is a notable feature that sets the St. Paul office apart from most other county vital records offices in the state. Most counties can only issue certificates for their own births. If you are in St. Paul and need a record from Duluth, Rochester, or anywhere else in Minnesota, the Ramsey County Vital Statistics office can issue it directly.
For noncertified informational copies, Ramsey County can provide records from any Minnesota county going back to 2000. These copies show the same information as a certified copy but are not valid for legal purposes like passport applications, name changes, or enrollment in school programs that require an official certified document. If you just need to verify a birth date or confirm a name, a noncertified copy is often sufficient and costs less.
Note: For certified copies of births before 1935, contact the county where the birth occurred or the Minnesota Department of Health at health.state.mn.us.
St. Paul Birth Certificate Fees
Ramsey County charges $26 for the first certified copy of a birth certificate. Each additional certified copy ordered at the same time costs $19. A noncertified copy, which shows the same information but is not valid for official use, costs $13. These fees apply regardless of whether the birth was in Ramsey County or another Minnesota county.
Payment methods vary by request type. In-person requests can be paid by cash, check, or card at the Plato Building office. Mail requests require a check or money order payable to Ramsey County. For questions about payment methods for fax requests, call the office at 651-266-1333 or email AskVitalRecords@co.ramsey.mn.us before submitting. Always confirm the current fee schedule before sending payment, as fees can change.
How to Request a St. Paul Birth Certificate
You can request a birth certificate for a St. Paul birth in person, by mail, or by fax. In-person requests at the Plato Building are handled the same day. Walk in during business hours, bring your ID, complete the request form at the office, and pay the fee. Staff will issue the certificate before you leave.
For mail requests, send your completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the appropriate fee to the Plato Building address. Fax requests go to 651-266-1334 with the same documentation plus payment by credit card. The Minnesota Department of Health also processes St. Paul birth certificate requests online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Online orders include an additional service fee.
You can also request a birth certificate by phone using a credit or debit card through the MDH and VitalChek. Processing times for mail and fax requests depend on current volume at the office. Call 651-266-1333 to check current wait times before mailing your request.
Who Can Request St. Paul Birth Records
Certified birth certificates in Minnesota are not open to the general public. Under Minn. Stat. 144.2255, access is limited to the person named on the record (age 18 or older), their parents or legal guardians, legal representatives, or others with a legitimate and documented need such as an estate executor. You must present valid photo ID and may need to show proof of your relationship to the person on the record.
If you are an adoptee seeking your original birth certificate, the process is separate. Minnesota law gives adoptees the right to request their original birth certificate through the MDH. Details are available at health.state.mn.us/adoption.
Homeless youth who need a birth certificate may qualify for free or low-cost assistance. The MDH has a program for this at health.state.mn.us/homelessyouth.
The Ramsey County birth records page at ramseycounty.us outlines the full process for requesting a certified or noncertified birth certificate in St. Paul, including downloadable forms and fee information.
The page covers both in-person and mail request procedures and lists what documentation is needed for different types of requestors.
Ramsey County Birth Records
St. Paul is the county seat of Ramsey County. All birth certificates for the city and county go through the Ramsey County Vital Statistics office. For more information on county-level services and resources, visit the Ramsey County birth records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near St. Paul with their own birth records pages: