Scott County Birth Records

Scott County birth records are held by the County Recorder in Shakopee, and certified copies are available in person, by mail, or through the Minnesota Department of Health. The office serves all communities in the county and can help you get a certified birth certificate quickly.

Scott County Recorder Birth Records Office

The Scott County Recorder handles all birth certificate requests for the county. The office is at 200 Fourth Ave. W. in Shakopee, inside the county government building. Staff are on hand Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in visitors are welcome. If you plan to come in person, you can download and fill out the birth record application in advance from the county website, which speeds up your visit.

You can reach the Recorder by phone at 952-496-8432 or by fax at 952-496-8433. Email inquiries go to recorder@scottcountymn.gov. The office processes both in-person and mail requests for certified birth certificates. When you write or call ahead, staff can confirm what ID and documentation you need before you arrive or send your package. That helps avoid back-and-forth and delays.

The county website at scottcountymn.gov has more information. The direct page for birth certificates is at scottcountymn.gov/337/Birth-Certificates. That page has the downloadable PDF application, explains eligibility rules, and lists accepted payment methods. It is worth reviewing before you make your request.

Scott County Birth Certificates Online

The Scott County birth certificates page on the county website gives you everything you need to start your request. The screenshot below shows the page, which includes the PDF application form, fee information, and eligibility requirements.

Download the PDF application from the county page and fill it out before your visit or mail request. Having it complete and ready cuts down on processing time at the office.

How to Get a Scott County Birth Certificate

In person is the fastest method. You go to the Recorder's office in Shakopee, bring a valid photo ID, submit your completed application, and pay the fee. In most cases, you receive the certified copy the same day. No appointment is needed during regular business hours.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send a completed application form, a legible photocopy of your government-issued photo ID, and payment by check or money order made out to Scott County. Include a return address and all details about the birth, including the full name on the certificate, date of birth, and place of birth. The office will mail the certified copy back to you. Mail requests generally take a few extra days beyond what in-person service requires, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.

The Minnesota Department of Health is a third option. MDH at 651-201-5970 can issue certified copies of Scott County birth certificates from the statewide records system. You can order online or by calling MDH directly. This is useful if you live out of state or can't visit Shakopee. Processing times and fees at MDH match the county.

Scott County Birth Record Fees

The first certified copy costs $26. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $19 each. These are the standard Minnesota state fees and apply at both the county Recorder and at MDH.

Ordering extras at the same time is worth doing. Many uses, such as getting a passport or updating official documents, require a certified original rather than a photocopy. Having two or three on hand saves you the effort of making another request later. The Recorder accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards in person. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order.

Who Can Request Scott County Birth Records

State law limits access to certified birth certificates. Under Minnesota Statute 144.225 and Minnesota Statute 144.2255, certified copies may only go to the person named on the record, a parent or legal guardian, a legal representative, or someone with a court order. You must show a valid government-issued photo ID with your request.

Records 100 years old or older are generally accessible to the public for genealogy research without the usual restrictions. For more recent records, if you are requesting on behalf of someone else, you may need to provide documentation proving your relationship or authority. The Recorder's office can tell you what documents to bring before you visit or send your mail request.

Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records

The Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office maintains the statewide birth records system and can issue certified copies of Scott County birth certificates. MDH is reached at 651-201-5970 or through the MDH website. The image below shows the MDH vital records page, which is the starting point for online orders and has detailed guidance on the ordering process.

Scott County sends records to the statewide system, so MDH and the county Recorder draw from the same data. Certified copies from either source carry the same legal weight. MDH is especially convenient if you need records from multiple Minnesota counties or are ordering from out of state.

Genealogy and Historical Birth Research in Scott County

Scott County sits in the southwest Twin Cities metro area and borders Hennepin, Dakota, Carver, Le Sueur, Sibley, and Rice counties. Its vital records system has been in place since the 19th century, and the county's records stretch back well into the 1800s. For research before systematic county record-keeping began, the Minnesota Historical Society vital records guide is a good place to start. MNHS holds early church records, microfilm collections, and census data that can fill gaps in official county records.

If you're tracing family lines through this county, nearby counties often hold related records. The MDH county registrar directory lists all 87 county offices if you need to branch out. Third-party ordering through VitalChek is also an option for certified copies when direct ordering isn't practical.

Cities in Scott County

Scott County includes Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage, Jordan, and Belle Plaine, among other communities. All birth records for the county are managed by the Recorder's office in Shakopee, regardless of which city you live in. None of the cities in Scott County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Scott County. Each has its own office for birth certificate requests.