Access Woodbury Death Records

Death records for Woodbury are filed through Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Health. Woodbury is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Washington County, with around 75,000 residents in the eastern Twin Cities metro area. Deaths that occur in Woodbury are registered at the county level, and certified death certificates are available through the Washington County Vital Statistics office or by mail through the state. This page explains how to request records, who is eligible for certified copies, and where to find older historical records.

Washington County Vital Statistics for Woodbury

All death records for Woodbury are maintained by Washington County. The county vital statistics office handles death certificate requests. Visit co.washington.mn.us/428/Vital-Statistics-Records for current address, hours, phone, and contact information. Washington County's offices are in Stillwater, the county seat, which is about 15 miles from Woodbury. The county holds records from 1997 forward. For deaths before 1997, requests go to the Minnesota Department of Health, which maintains statewide records from 1908 forward.

The City of Woodbury at ci.woodbury.mn.us handles city government functions. Vital records requests are not handled at the city level. Woodbury does not have its own vital records office. All death record requests go to Washington County or to MDH. The city website can help you find contact information and city services, but for death certificates, you need to work with the county or state directly.

The screenshot below was taken from the Minnesota Department of Health website, which processes mail orders and online orders for death certificates statewide, including deaths in Woodbury.

The MDH site at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/death.html covers all statewide options for getting a death certificate, which apply to deaths in Woodbury and across Washington County.

Ordering a Woodbury Death Certificate

You can request a death certificate for a Woodbury death in person, by mail, or online. In person at Washington County is fastest. Mail and online both work well if you cannot visit the county offices in Stillwater.

In person at the Washington County office in Stillwater, bring a valid photo ID and payment. Certified copies require proof of eligibility under Minnesota Statute 144.225. The fee is $13 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Noncertified copies cost $13 each and are available to anyone. In-person requests are usually processed the same day. Check co.washington.mn.us for current hours before you go.

By mail through MDH, download and notarize the application at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/docs/dcappia.pdf. Send it with payment by 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 orders take more time than in-person requests.

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

Who Can Request Certified Copies

Certified copies require proof of eligibility under Minnesota Statute 144.225. Eligible requesters include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or legal representative of the deceased. Attorneys handling a legal matter and government agencies with a legal need also qualify. Anyone can request a noncertified copy at $13 each without showing eligibility. Noncertified copies carry the same information but no official state seal. They are not accepted by courts or financial institutions in place of a certified copy. Check health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/tangible.html for the full eligibility details.

Historical Death Records for Woodbury

For deaths before 1908, the state has no records. The Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/death holds historical death records for Washington County and the broader state. Their Gale Family Library 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 for help with older records in their collection. MNHS holds county death registers and other historical sources that can help with Woodbury-area deaths going back to Washington County's earliest settlement.

The Washington County Historical Society at wchsmn.org is another resource for local genealogy and historical death research in the Woodbury area. They hold local records, obituary files, and other materials related to Washington County history. Contact them directly to ask about what they have and how to access it.

The Washington County Library system at washcolib.org provides access to local history collections and genealogy resources. Woodbury has a branch library in the county system. Staff can help you find newspaper archives, city directories, and other materials that may contain older death records not found in government databases. For deaths from 1908 to 1996, MDH handles requests by mail. For deaths from 1997 forward, Washington County is your primary contact.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

These nearby cities also have death records pages. Each files records through its county office.