Confidential Birth Record

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144.225, Subdivision 2, a birth record of a child who was born to unmarried parents is confidential. Both a birth certificate and a non-certified copy of a birth record are confidential data unless, at the time of birth, the mother designates the demographic data as public. 

Confidential birth records are available only to: 

• The subject of the birth record if the individual has reached the age of 16;
• The mother named on the birth record;
• The father named on the birth record;
• A legal guardian presenting a certified copy of guardianship papers;
• An individual presenting a certified copy of a court order releasing the record to him/her;
• The Commissioner of Human Services or authorized representative;
• An individual with a written and notarized authorization from any of the persons above.  

Valid picture identification is required to obtain a confidential birth certificate in person. A notarized birth certificate application form is required to obtain a confidential birth certificate by mail.