Access Olmsted County Birth Records

Olmsted County birth records are available through the License Bureau in Rochester, which is the county seat and home to one of the busiest vital records offices in southern Minnesota. Records go back to 1870, and the office handles certified and non-certified copies for in-person visits, mail requests, fax orders, and online orders through VitalChek. If you need a birth certificate from Olmsted County, this page covers how to request one, what forms to use, and what to expect from each method.

Olmsted County License Bureau

Olmsted County handles birth certificates through the License Bureau at 151 Fourth Street Southeast in Rochester. This office processes a high volume of vital records requests and keeps appointments strongly encouraged to reduce wait times. An online check-in system is available so you can hold your place before arriving. The office closes at 5:00 PM, which is slightly later than many county offices in Minnesota.

Same-day service is available for in-person requests. You will need to show a valid photo ID and fill out the appropriate request form. The office handles both certified copies, which carry the official seal and signature of the registrar, and non-certified informational copies for those who don't need a legal document. You can download the application form in advance at olmstedcounty.gov - Birth Certificate Application.

Olmsted County Vital Records Page

The Olmsted County vital records section at olmstedcounty.gov gives an overview of what records are available, how to request them, and what identification you need to bring. The page below shows the county's vital records landing page.

This page is a good starting point before you visit or call the office, as it outlines what to expect and links to forms you may need.

Ways to Request Olmsted County Birth Records

Olmsted County offers more request methods than most counties. In person is the most common. Come to 151 Fourth Street SE in Rochester. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can reduce your wait. Same-day service is available. Bring a photo ID and the completed application form. You can download the form in advance at the link above or pick one up at the office.

Mail requests must be notarized. This means you need to sign your request in front of a notary public before sending it. Include a copy of your photo ID, the notarized request, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail to 151 Fourth Street Southeast, Rochester, MN 55904-3709. Processing by mail takes longer than in person, so allow extra time if you have a deadline.

Fax requests are also accepted at 507-328-7965. Fax orders must include credit card payment information and must be notarized, just like mail requests. This option works if you need to request remotely but want a faster turnaround than regular mail.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. VitalChek charges a service fee in addition to the certificate cost. The Minnesota Department of Health also processes birth record requests at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/birthnc.html.

Birth Certificates at Olmsted County

The Olmsted County birth certificates page at olmstedcounty.gov/residents/licensing-permits-records/vital-records/birth-certificates details the specific steps for ordering, what forms to use, and how fees work. The screenshot below shows the birth certificates section of the county site.

This page links to the request application PDF and non-certified copy form, and explains the notarization requirement for mail and fax submissions.

Olmsted County Birth Certificate Fees

The fee for a certified birth certificate in Olmsted County is $26 for the first copy. Each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time is $19. These amounts are set by state law under Minn. Stat. § 144.2255. If you pay by credit card in person, a 2.15% convenience fee applies. Mail and fax requests use check or money order, so there's no card surcharge for those methods.

Non-certified copies are also available for a lower fee. These copies are informational and don't carry the official seal. They are not accepted for passports, state ID, or legal purposes, but they work fine for personal research. A non-certified copy request form can be downloaded at olmstedcounty.gov - Non-Certified Birth Certificate form.

Who Can Get a Certified Copy in Olmsted County

Certified birth certificates in Minnesota are restricted records. Under Minn. Stat. § 144.225, only certain people can request a certified copy. These include the person named on the certificate, a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian, a spouse or adult child of the person named, or an authorized legal representative. You must present valid photo identification and explain your relationship to the record.

Non-certified copies are available to more people. If you want a copy for genealogy, family research, or personal records and don't need a legal document, a non-certified copy may meet your needs. Staff at the License Bureau can explain the difference and help you choose the right type.

Qualifying youth experiencing homelessness who are 24 or younger may get a free certified birth certificate. Learn more at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/homelessyouth.html.

Cities in Olmsted County

Olmsted County is home to Rochester, one of the largest cities in Minnesota. Birth records for events in the city and throughout the county are all managed by the Olmsted County License Bureau.

Other communities in Olmsted County include Byron, Stewartville, Eyota, and many smaller townships. All vital records requests for any address in the county go through the License Bureau in Rochester.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Olmsted County. If you need a birth record from outside Olmsted County, contact the recorder or vital records office in the specific county where the birth occurred.