Washington County Death Records

Washington County death records are available at three county locations and through the Minnesota Department of Health. The county holds records going back to 1870, making it one of the more complete collections in the state. This page explains where to search the Washington County death index, how to request certified copies, and what resources exist for historical records going back over 150 years.

Washington County Death Index: Three Locations

Washington County is in the eastern Twin Cities metro area. Stillwater is the county seat. The county is notable for offering death records access at three separate locations, each with different coverage. The Government Center in Stillwater holds all records from 1870 to the present. The two public health service centers, in Cottage Grove and near Forest Lake, serve deaths from 1997 to the present only. Knowing which location to visit saves you a trip.

The Government Center handles property records and taxpayer services and is the most comprehensive location for death records. The Public Health offices at the service centers are more convenient for recent records and do not require an appointment. For deaths before 1997, you must go to the Government Center or contact MDH. For deaths from 1997 forward, all three county locations can help.

Washington County Service Locations

The main location for Washington County death records is the Government Center. Its address is 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082. The phone number is (651) 430-6755. This office holds records from 1870 through the present and is the only county location with the full historical range.

The Cottage Grove Service Center (Public Health) serves the southern part of the county and has death records from 1997 forward. The Headwaters Service Center, which handles the northern part of the county, can be reached at 651-275-7270. Visit the county's Washington County Vital Records page for current hours and addresses for all locations. No appointment is needed at the Public Health service centers.

For specific questions about the death records program, the county's Washington County Death Records page has details about what is available at each site, how to request records by mail, and what identification you will need to bring.

The Washington County website is the hub for death record information, including all three service locations and their hours.

Searching the Washington County Death Index Online

Two free tools let you search for Washington County death records before submitting a formal request. The MDH Verify a Death search covers deaths from 1997 onward. The MNHS people search covers the death index from 1904 through 2001. Neither gives you a certified copy, but both help you verify that a record exists and gather key details.

The MDH Verify a Death tool returns a basic confirmation showing the death is registered. Use it to verify before you apply. The MNHS people search returns index entries with name, date, county, and certificate number. Use the certificate number to order an image of the original record from MNHS. For deaths from 1870 through the early 1900s, the MNHS index does not cover the full period, so the county records held at the Government Center are important for very old entries.

The MNHS page on how the death records index works explains what is included and how to interpret search results. It is worth reading before you start a historical search.

The Washington County death records page outlines access rules, locations, and how to request certified copies from the county.

How to Get a Washington County Death Certificate

Washington County death certificates are available in person at any of the three county locations, by mail, or through MDH. The fee is $13 for a certified copy. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $6. Veterans can receive a non-certified copy at no charge for benefit purposes.

In-Person Requests

For deaths from 1870 to present, go to the Government Center at 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater. For deaths from 1997 forward only, the Cottage Grove Service Center or the Headwaters Service Center (651-275-7270) are closer if you live in those areas and do not need an appointment. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to any in-person visit. Be ready to state your relationship to the deceased and your reason for requesting the record.

Requesting by Mail

Mail requests require a notarized application. Complete the form, sign it in front of a notary, and send it with a check or money order for $13 made payable to Washington County. Mail to the address listed on the application form, which you can find on the county's vital records page. You can also send mail requests to MDH at P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164. The MDH fee schedule page has current forms and complete instructions.

MDH supplements Washington County's own death records system and handles certified copy requests for deaths from 1997 onward across the state.

Who Can Get a Certified Washington County Death Record

Certified death certificates in Minnesota are limited to people with a tangible interest in the record. Under Minnesota Statute 144.225, that includes the surviving spouse or domestic partner, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents. Legal representatives, estate administrators, and people acting under a court order also qualify. People outside those categories can get a non-certified copy for $13. Non-certified copies are not accepted by courts, banks, insurance companies, or government agencies for legal purposes.

Your application needs to include your name, your relationship to the deceased, and the reason you need the record. Be specific and clear. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for a certified copy, contact the county at (651) 430-6755 or MDH at 651-201-5970 before applying.

Historical Washington County Death Records

Washington County has one of the longest local death record collections in Minnesota, going back to 1870. The Government Center in Stillwater holds all of these records. For genealogy research, this means Washington County researchers can often find records locally that other counties might only have in fragmented form.

The MNHS death index covers 1904 through 2001 and is the main free online tool for historical searches. For deaths between 1870 and 1904, the county records at the Government Center are the primary source. Request an appointment or call ahead to discuss older records. Church records and cemetery logs can also supplement the official record for the earliest years.

Minnesota Death Record Statutes

Minnesota Statute 144.221 sets the registration requirements for all deaths in the state. The attending physician or medical examiner certifies the cause of death, and the funeral home files the certificate with the local registrar. This process applies to all Washington County deaths. Statute 144.225 governs access and fees. Statute 13.10 addresses the privacy classification of vital records data. These three statutes together define how Washington County death records are created, stored, and released.