Mower County Birth Records

Mower County birth records are on file at the County Auditor-Treasurer office in Austin, Minnesota. The county also has a separate Recorder office at the same address that handles some vital records functions. Birth records go back to 1870 and a public viewing station is available for on-site research. Whether you need a certified birth certificate for legal use or are tracing family history in southern Minnesota, the Mower County offices in Austin are where you start the process.

Mower County Auditor-Treasurer and Recorder

Mower County has two offices that handle vital records, both located at 201 First Street NE in Austin. The primary contact for birth records is the County Auditor-Treasurer in Suite 7. The County Recorder is in Suite 11 at the same address and handles related functions. For birth certificates, start with the Auditor-Treasurer at 507-437-9535. If they redirect you to the Recorder, that office can be reached at 507-437-9446.

A public viewing station is available at the Austin office. This lets you browse the birth record index without ordering a certified copy. It is a useful tool for genealogy researchers who want to check what is in the archive before paying for a certificate. The station is available during regular office hours on weekdays.

Mower County is a southern Minnesota county bordering Iowa. Austin is the county seat and largest city. The county holds records going back to 1870, giving it a solid archive for historical research in southeast Minnesota.

Getting Mower County Birth Certificates

Certified birth certificates from Mower County cost $26 for the version with a raised embossed seal. This is the copy needed for passports, court filings, and other official purposes. A non-embossed certified copy costs $19. Both types come from the county's vital records archive in Austin and are issued as official government documents.

Accepted payment methods are cash, check, money order, and credit card. Bring a valid photo ID if you visit in person. For mail requests, send a signed letter explaining who you are and your relationship to the registrant, a copy of your ID, and payment by check or money order made out to Mower County. Mail to the Auditor-Treasurer at 201 First Street NE, Suite 7, Austin, MN 55912.

Under Minn. Stat. Section 144.225, certified birth certificates are restricted to eligible requesters. You must be the person named on the certificate, their parent, adult child, legal guardian, spouse, or hold a court order. The office confirms your eligibility before releasing any document.

Mower County Website

The image below is from co.mower.mn.us, the official Mower County website, where the auditor-treasurer and recorder offices post contact information and guidance on vital records requests.

The county website has current contact details for both the Auditor-Treasurer and Recorder offices in Austin, and can help you confirm which office handles your specific request.

Minnesota State Vital Records

The Minnesota Department of Health at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/ holds statewide birth records and can issue certified copies for Mower County births. MDH accepts requests by mail and through the VitalChek online platform. If you cannot travel to Austin or want to order remotely, MDH is a reliable alternative to the county office.

For step-by-step ordering guidance, see the MDH birth certificate page at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/birthnc.html. This covers the required documents, fees, and what to expect after you submit your request. The registrar directory at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html lists the Mower County office alongside all county registrars in Minnesota.

Historical researchers working with Mower County birth records from the 1870s through early 1900s can supplement county and state records with materials from the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/birth. MNHS holds older vital records and genealogy resources for all Minnesota counties.

Under Minn. Stat. Section 144.2255, both county and state offices follow the same rules for access to and issuance of birth records statewide.

Nearby Counties

Mower County is in the far southeast of Minnesota near the Iowa border. These neighboring counties each maintain local vital records offices.