Advance Directive

Minnesota’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and deals with an individual’s living and last will. Signatures of the individual, proxy, and witnesses are required.

How to Order a Death Certificate

In Minnesota, the following people can obtain a death certificate:

• Deceased’s parents and grandparents
• Deceased’s children and grandchildren of legal age
• Deceased’s spouse
• Deceased’s siblings
• An individual responsible for filling in death records
• A legal representative of the deceased or their family members
• Anyone resenting a documented proof of interest in purchasing or managing the deceased’s property
• Anyone with a court order allowing access to the death certificate
• Adoption agency representatives
• Governmental agency employees

The required application information includes:

• Deceased’s name
• Names of deceased’s parents
• Name of deceased’s spouse if applicable
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name
• Applicant’s phone number, e-mail, and address
• Purpose for request
• Documented proof of interest
• Notarized signature of the applicant

The certificate with one certified copy costs $13 and additional copies cost $6. FedEx delivery comes at a $16 fee. Expedited service costs $20.

The application can be handed in person in the local health department or mailed at:

Minnesota Department of Health

Central Cashiering—Vital Records

P.O. Box 64499

St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

Or requested by fax: 651-201-5740.

Digital Estate Planning Laws

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 521A Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on August 1, 2016.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Minnesota is currently reviewing the End of Life Options Bill that was introduced on February 22, 2021. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Minnesota’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Minnesota’s POLST form must be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Minnesota’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Chapter 524: Uniform Probate Code.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Minnesota has an estate tax of up to 16%. More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Revenue official site.