Search Bloomington Death Records

Death records for Bloomington are maintained by Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Health. Bloomington is a city of around 90,000 people in southern Hennepin County, just south of Minneapolis. Deaths that occur in Bloomington are registered through the county, and certified death certificates are available through Hennepin County Vital Records or by mail through the state. This page covers how to get a death certificate for a Bloomington death, who qualifies for certified copies, and where to find historical records.

Hennepin County Vital Records for Bloomington

All death records for Bloomington go through Hennepin County. The county vital records office is at 300 S 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487. You can find current hours and contact information at hennepin.us/residents/vital-records. The county holds death records from 1997 forward. For deaths before 1997, requests go to the Minnesota Department of Health at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/death.html, which holds statewide records going back to 1908.

The City of Bloomington's website at bloomingtonmn.gov provides information about city services. The City Clerk Services page at bloomingtonmn.gov/city-clerk-services handles city administration but does not issue death certificates. Vital records for Bloomington deaths are handled entirely at the county and state level. If you contact the Bloomington City Clerk with a death certificate request, they will refer you to Hennepin County or MDH.

The screenshot below was taken from the Bloomington city website, which provides links to county and state vital records resources for residents who need a death certificate.

The Bloomington city site can help you find the right county and state contacts for death record requests involving Bloomington deaths.

Ordering a Bloomington Death Certificate

Three methods are available: in person at Hennepin County, by mail through MDH, or online through VitalChek. Each option works. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the certificate and how close you are to the county offices.

In person at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S 6th Street in Minneapolis, is the fastest option. Bring a valid photo ID and payment. If you are requesting a certified copy, be prepared to show your relationship to the deceased. The office typically processes same-day requests. The fee is $13 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record ordered together. Noncertified copies cost $13 each and are open to anyone without eligibility requirements.

By mail through MDH, download the application form at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/docs/dcappia.pdf, complete and notarize it, then send it with a check or money order payable to MDH and a copy of your photo ID to: Minnesota Department of Health, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882. Call 651-201-5970 with questions. Mail requests take more time than in-person visits.

Online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, you can order with a credit card. VitalChek adds a $7 standard fee or $17.50 for rush processing. The certificate is mailed to you after processing.

Who Can Request Certified Copies

Under Minnesota Statute 144.225, certified death certificates are available to the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or legal representative of the deceased. Attorneys and government agencies with a legal need also qualify.

Anyone can get a noncertified copy. It costs $13 and carries the same information but no official state seal. It works for genealogy and personal use. Banks, courts, and insurance companies generally will not accept it in place of a certified copy. The MDH eligibility page at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/tangible.html has more detail on eligibility and what documentation to include.

Historical Death Records for Bloomington

For deaths before 1908, the state has no records. You will need county sources or historical collections for those older deaths. The Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/death is the main statewide resource. Their Gale Family Library is at 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 651-259-3300 for research help. MNHS holds county death registers, church records, and other historical sources for Hennepin County that predate the state registry.

The Bloomington Historical Society at bloomingtonhistoricalsociety.org may also hold local materials relevant to Bloomington death research, including older records and community histories that can help you place a death in context. Contact them directly to ask about what they hold and how to access it.

The Hennepin County Library Bloomington Branch at hclib.org/locations/bloomington has local history materials and access to the library system's genealogy resources. The library's collections include newspaper archives and other sources that can help you find information about deaths in Bloomington going back many decades. For deaths from 1908 to 1996, MDH holds the records by mail request. For deaths from 1997 forward, Hennepin County is the primary contact.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

These nearby cities also have death records pages. All file records through their respective county offices.