Apple Valley Death Records Search

Death records for Apple Valley, Minnesota are handled by Dakota County. Deaths in Apple Valley are registered through the county and state systems, not through the city itself. If you need a death certificate for an Apple Valley death, you can go to the Dakota County vital records office in person, mail a request to the Minnesota Department of Health, or order online through VitalChek. This page explains how each option works, what fees apply, who qualifies for certified copies, and where to find older historical death records for the Apple Valley area.

Dakota County Vital Records for Apple Valley

Apple Valley death records are filed and maintained by Dakota County. The county's Health and Human Services department runs the vital records office, which serves all cities in the county including Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, and Lakeville.

The Dakota County vital records office is your first stop for in-person requests. Bring a valid photo ID and payment. Staff can usually complete most requests the same day. You need to provide the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the state and county where the death occurred. Current hours, address, and contact information are at co.dakota.mn.us/Government/Departments/HealthandHumanServices/VitalRecords. Check before you go since hours can change.

The city of Apple Valley at ci.apple-valley.mn.us offers city services and general information. Like other Minnesota cities, Apple Valley does not issue death certificates. Vital records are a county and state function.

The screenshot below shows the MDH vital records page, the state-level resource for death certificates going back to 1908. All mail-in requests for Apple Valley deaths go through MDH.

Find the MDH application form, fee schedule, and mailing address at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/death.html.

Ordering an Apple Valley Death Certificate

Three methods are available. Choose based on how fast you need the record.

In person at the Dakota County vital records office is the quickest way. Walk in, show ID, pay the fee, and get your certificate the same day in most cases. The fee is $13 for the first certified copy. Each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time is $6. Noncertified copies are also $13 each. Visit co.dakota.mn.us for current office details.

Mail to MDH if you cannot visit the county office. Download and print the application form at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/docs/dcappia.pdf. Complete the form and sign it in front of a notary. Mail the notarized form with a check or money order payable to MDH and a photocopy of your photo ID to: Minnesota Department of Health, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882. Processing by mail typically takes several weeks. Call MDH at 651-201-5970 for questions.

VitalChek at vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/minnesota/dakota handles online orders. Enter the death details, pay by credit card, and receive the certificate by mail. VitalChek adds $7 for standard delivery or $17.50 for rush service. Budget several business days for processing and shipping.

Qualifying for a Certified Copy

Minnesota limits who can receive a certified death certificate. Here is what the law says.

Under Minnesota Statute 144.225, certified copies are issued to the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased. Legal representatives, attorneys with a case involving the deceased, and government agencies with a lawful need can also request certified copies. If you fall outside these groups, you can request a noncertified copy. Anyone can get a noncertified copy. It costs the same $13 fee but does not carry the state seal and is not accepted for legal or financial purposes.

When you request a certified copy, include your photo ID and documentation of your relationship. If you are acting as a legal representative or attorney, include proof of that role. The full list of required documents is at the MDH eligibility page: health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/tangible.html. Having the right documents ready saves you time and avoids rejected requests.

Historical Records for the Apple Valley Area

MDH holds Minnesota death records from 1908 forward. For deaths before 1908, you need to search historical collections separately.

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is the primary archive for older death records in Minnesota. The Gale Family Library at MNHS is at 345 W Kellogg Blvd in St. Paul, open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 651-259-3300 or visit libguides.mnhs.org/vital/death to see what they hold and how to search. MNHS has county death registers, church records, and burial lists that can extend research back before statewide collection started.

The Dakota County Historical Society at dakotahistory.org holds county-specific historical materials. This is a strong resource for researching deaths in Apple Valley and other Dakota County communities from the 1800s and early 1900s. The society can help identify what local records exist and where to find them.

The Dakota County Library branch at Apple Valley at dakotacounty.lib.mn.us/locations/apple-valley offers genealogy databases and local history access. Newspaper archives with obituaries from the Apple Valley area can be a helpful supplement to official death records.

Online Search Options

You can start an online search before making a formal request for an Apple Valley death record.

The MDH vital records site at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/death.html has an online verification tool covering deaths registered in Minnesota from 1997 to the present. It shows basic record information without giving you a copy. Use it to confirm the record exists before submitting a formal request.

VitalChek at vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/minnesota/dakota allows full online ordering. Enter the name and date of death, pay by credit card, and receive your certificate by mail. Processing takes several business days. For fast turnaround, visiting the Dakota County vital records office in person is the better choice.

Records from before 1997 are not available online. For those requests, mail MDH or visit the county office.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

These qualifying cities near Apple Valley also handle death records through Minnesota county vital records offices.