Find Birth Records in Faribault County

Faribault County birth records are held at the County Recorder office in Blue Earth, in southern Minnesota near the Iowa border. The office maintains birth certificates going back to 1870 and handles requests in person or by mail. There is no phone-based research available, so you will need to visit or write in. This page covers what you need to know to get a birth certificate from Faribault County, including fees, hours, and what to submit with your request.

Faribault County Recorder Office

The Faribault County Recorder office in Blue Earth keeps birth and death records for the county. The office is at 415 North Main and is open for genealogy research Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. That's a slightly narrower research window than the 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM standard, so plan accordingly. In-person requests are straightforward: bring ID, know the name and date of birth of the person on the record, and have your payment ready.

One thing worth knowing: Faribault County does not offer phone-based research. If you have a question about whether a record exists or want help searching, you need to go in person or send a written inquiry by mail. The office can be reached by mail at 415 North Main, PO Box 130, Blue Earth, MN 56013, or by email at recorder@co.faribault.mn.us. Staff will respond to written inquiries, though turnaround time varies.

Getting a Birth Certificate from Faribault County

In-person is the most direct way to get a birth certificate from Faribault County. Show up during research hours (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday) with a valid photo ID and payment. Give staff the full name of the person on the record and their date of birth. Most requests are completed on the spot.

Mail requests are also accepted. The office handles mail-in research, but keep in mind they charge $20 per hour for mail research or $9 per record verification. This is a local policy that differs from the standard county approach. When you send a mail request, be as specific as possible: full name, date of birth, parents' names, and the type of copy you need. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees, plus a copy of your ID. Send to 415 North Main, PO Box 130, Blue Earth, MN 56013. The more detail you give upfront, the faster they can locate what you need.

If you prefer to order at the state level, the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office also holds birth records for Faribault County. Their online ordering option at health.state.mn.us may be easier if you don't want to deal with mail research fees.

Faribault County Birth Certificate Costs

A certified birth certificate from Faribault County costs $26 for the first copy, with each additional copy at $19 when ordered at the same time. These match the standard state fee schedule under Minn. Stat. § 144.225.

Mail requests carry an additional charge. The office bills $20 per hour for mail research, or a flat $9 per record verification. If you're sending in a request and know exactly what you need, the per-record rate is usually more cost-effective. In-person requests don't carry a research fee on top of the copy cost. Payment options include cash, check, money order, and credit card. For mail requests, use a check or money order.

Who Can Request Faribault County Birth Records

Under Minn. Stat. § 144.225, certified birth certificates are restricted to close family members, legal guardians, spouses, adult children, and authorized representatives. You need to show a valid photo ID to prove your eligibility. This rule applies whether you request in person or by mail.

If you don't qualify for a certified copy, non-certified informational copies may be available for genealogy research. These can't be used for legal purposes but work fine for family history. The Minnesota Historical Society vital records guide is a good companion resource for researching older Faribault County birth records.

Homeless youth have a special pathway to get a birth certificate without cost under Minn. Stat. § 144.2255. The MDH homeless youth program page explains how to access this benefit.

Faribault County Website

The Faribault County government site at co.faribault.mn.us lists department contacts and information about the Recorder office where birth records are kept.

The site provides contact details, mailing addresses, and links to county services including the Recorder office that handles birth and death records.

Other Ways to Find Faribault County Birth Records

The Minnesota Department of Health maintains birth records for the entire state, including Faribault County. Ordering through MDH can sometimes be a simpler option if you prefer an online process. Their portal at health.state.mn.us accepts online orders with payment by credit card. Processing takes a few business days, and they ship the certificate to you by mail.

For genealogy, the Minnesota Historical Society has a guide to vital records across the state that covers what's available in each county going back to the mid-1800s. Faribault County records dating to 1870 make it one of the older-record counties in southern Minnesota. VitalChek at vitalchek.com is also authorized to handle Minnesota birth certificate orders online, though they add a service fee.

Nearby Counties

These counties are adjacent to Faribault County in southern Minnesota. Each has its own Recorder office for birth records.