Ramsey County Birth Records

Ramsey County birth records are kept by the Vital Statistics office in Saint Paul. You can request certified birth certificates in person, by mail, or through authorized online services. Ramsey County holds a unique role in Minnesota: its office can issue certified copies for births registered anywhere in the state from 1935 to the present, and noncertified copies statewide from 2000 forward. If you need to find or obtain a birth record tied to Ramsey County or any other Minnesota county, this is a strong place to start your search.

Ramsey County Vital Statistics Office

The Ramsey County Vital Statistics office handles all birth record requests for the county. Staff can issue certified copies of birth certificates and noncertified copies as well. The office sits in the Plato Building in Saint Paul, just south of downtown. They are open Monday through Friday and accept walk-in requests during business hours.

What sets Ramsey County apart is its statewide access. The office can issue certified birth records for any Minnesota county for births registered from 1935 to the present. For noncertified copies, the statewide access extends to births registered from 2000 onward. If you were born in another Minnesota county and need a record fast, Ramsey County Vital Statistics may be able to help without sending you to that county's office.

You can also reach the office by email at AskVitalRecords@co.ramsey.mn.us. The fax line is 651-266-1334. More details on what you can request and how to submit are at ramseycounty.us birth records.

The Ramsey County birth records page at ramseycounty.us lists current fees, accepted payment methods, and instructions for ordering by mail or in person.

The page also explains the statewide access Ramsey County provides for certified and noncertified copies.

How to Get Ramsey County Birth Records

You have a few ways to get a birth certificate from Ramsey County. Walk-in service at the Plato Building is the fastest option. Bring a valid photo ID and the fee in an accepted form of payment. The office takes cash, check, money order, and credit card. Staff can usually print a certified copy the same day.

Mail requests work too. Write a letter with the full name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, and the place of birth. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for the correct fee. Send it to the Plato Building address. Processing times by mail take longer than walk-in, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. VitalChek charges a convenience fee on top of the county fee. This option works well if you cannot visit in person or send mail in time.

Under Minnesota Statutes section 144.225, access to birth records is limited by law. Certified copies go to the person named on the record, parents listed on the record, legal guardians, or people with a court order. Noncertified copies have broader access under certain conditions.

Birth Certificate Fees in Ramsey County

The standard fee for a certified birth certificate in Ramsey County is $26 for the first copy. Each additional certified copy ordered at the same time costs $19. A noncertified copy costs $13. These fees match the statewide rate set under Minnesota Statutes section 144.2255.

The office accepts cash, personal check, money order, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to Ramsey County. Credit card payments may apply to walk-in and online orders. Mail-in requests should use a check or money order to avoid delays.

Note: Fees are set by state law and apply uniformly across Minnesota county offices that issue birth records.

Who Can Request Ramsey County Birth Records

Minnesota law limits who can receive a certified birth certificate. Under Minn. Stat. section 144.225, the record is available to the person named on the certificate once they are of legal age, a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian, or someone with a valid court order. An authorized representative with written permission from one of these people may also request the record.

Government agencies with a lawful purpose can also access birth records in some cases. Attorneys representing eligible parties may request records with the right documentation. The office may ask you to fill out a request form and show proof of your relationship to the person named on the certificate.

Noncertified copies are less restricted. For births registered statewide from 2000 onward, Ramsey County Vital Statistics can issue noncertified copies to a wider group of requesters. These copies show the same information but do not carry the raised seal needed for legal use.

Minnesota State Birth Record Resources

The Minnesota Department of Health also issues birth certificates through its Office of Vital Records. If the Ramsey County office cannot fulfill your request, or if you want to order directly from the state, visit health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords. The state office handles births from 1900 forward and can issue certified copies to eligible requesters.

The Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/birth has guides to older birth records. For births before 1900, county-level registers and church records are often the best sources. The MNHS library in Saint Paul holds many of these older documents and can help with research requests.

If you need help replacing a birth certificate and face housing instability or other barriers, the Minnesota Department of Health has a program for homeless youth and adults. See the details at health.state.mn.us homeless youth vital records.

Cities in Ramsey County

Ramsey County is home to Saint Paul, the state capital, along with several other municipalities. Birth records for all of these communities are on file at the Ramsey County Vital Statistics office.

Other communities in Ramsey County include Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, Little Canada, and New Brighton. Birth records for all of these communities are managed by the Ramsey County Vital Statistics office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ramsey County. Each has its own recorder or vital statistics office that handles local birth records.