Search Pipestone County Birth Records

Pipestone County birth records date back to November 16, 1877, and are held by the County Recorder in Pipestone. If you need to find or request a birth certificate from Pipestone County, the recorder's office handles both certified and non-certified copies through in-person visits, mail requests, and phone inquiries. A public viewing station is available for those who prefer to search the records themselves. The Minnesota Department of Health also holds statewide birth records and offers online ordering for remote requests.

Pipestone County Recorder Office

The Pipestone County Recorder at 416 South Hiawatha Ave in Pipestone handles birth certificates and other vital records going back to the late 1800s. Birth records start from November 16, 1877, and death records from July 20, 1878. Staff can search the records by name and date, make certified copies with the official seal, and help you figure out the right record type for your situation. A public viewing station is available if you want to look through indexes yourself.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-ins are welcome. For mail requests, include all required information and your payment before sending. The recorder's email is available for questions, and you can also call ahead to confirm what you need to bring or send.

Pipestone County Online

The Pipestone County website at pipestone-county.com has office contact details, department listings, and general information about county services including vital records. The screenshot below shows the county's main site, which is the right starting point for confirming hours and contact details.

Check the county site before visiting to confirm hours and whether any forms need to be completed before your visit.

How to Get a Pipestone County Birth Certificate

In person is the simplest way. Go to 416 South Hiawatha Ave in Pipestone during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell staff the name on the record, the date of birth, and your relationship to the person named. Most requests are completed the same day. You pay at the counter by cash, check, or credit card.

If you're mailing your request, include the full name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth, your name and return address, your relationship to the person, and a photocopy of your ID. Write a check or money order for the correct fee and make it payable to Pipestone County. Send everything to 416 South Hiawatha Ave., Pipestone, MN 56164. Allow a few extra business days for mail turnaround.

Online ordering is available through the Minnesota Department of Health at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/birthnc.html. VitalChek at vitalchek.com also processes state birth record orders for a service fee. These are good options when you can't visit the county office or want a digital process.

Note: Certified copies are restricted under Minn. Stat. § 144.225. Only the person named, a parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative may receive a certified copy.

Pipestone County Birth Record Fees

The first certified birth certificate copy costs $26. Additional certified copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $19 each. This fee structure is set by Minn. Stat. § 144.2255 and applies at county offices across Minnesota. Payment options are cash, check, money order, or credit card. Mail-in requests should use a check or money order. Credit card payments are accepted in person.

If no record is found, a portion of the fee may be kept to cover the search. Order all copies you need in one request to save on additional-copy pricing. Two certified copies at once cost $45 total, which is less than ordering them at different times.

Historical Records and Genealogy Research

Pipestone County's birth records go back to November 16, 1877. This is a solid starting point for family research in southwestern Minnesota. Early records may be shorter in detail, but they typically show the child's name, birth date, parents' names, and location. The public viewing station at the recorder's office is a helpful tool for searching old indexes before ordering a formal certified copy.

For older or hard-to-find records, the Minnesota Historical Society holds genealogical materials at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/birth. Their collections may include records from more than 125 years ago that have been transferred to the public archive. The state's directory of county vital records offices is at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html. Youth experiencing homelessness who are 24 or younger may be eligible for a free certificate through the program at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/homelessyouth.html.

Cities in Pipestone County

Pipestone County includes the city of Pipestone and several smaller communities. All birth records for events in the county are handled by the Pipestone County Recorder.

No cities in Pipestone County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. For birth records from any address in the county, use the recorder's office in Pipestone.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pipestone County. If the birth occurred near a county line, confirm the right office before sending your request.