Birth Records

Clay County can issue birth certificates for people born anywhere in Minnesota. Identification, such as a government issued photo ID, is required to obtain a certified birth certificate.  Please call the Recorder's Office at 218-299-5031 for more information.

Birth Certificate Request - Certified Copy

  • In Person - Clay County Government Center - 3510 12th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560 

    • Complete a Birth Certificate Application form (PDF) indicating you are an authorized requestor.  Do not sign until you are present in the office.
    • Show government issued photo identification.
    • Pay the corresponding fees by cash, check or credit card*. 
    • No appointment is needed.  Must be present before 4:15 p.m. to guarantee same day issuance.

  •  By Mail - Clay County Recorder - PO Box 280, Moorhead, MN  56560 

    • Complete a Birth Certificate Application form (PDF) indicating you are an authorized requestor.
    • Show identification and sign the completed application in front of a notary. Have the notary sign the application and apply their notary seal.
    • Mail the completed and notarized application along with corresponding fees.

  • By Fax(credit card* only)

    • Complete a Birth Certificate Application form (PDF) indicating you are an authorized requestor.
    • Show identification and sign the completed application in front of a notary. Have the notary sign the application and apply their notary seal.
    • Fax the completed and notarized application to 866-908-2452.

                  *A convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions


 Confidential Birth Records

Some records are confidential and can only be obtained by some people.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144.225, Subdivision 2, data pertaining to the birth of a child, to a woman who was not married to the child's father when the child was conceived, nor when the child was born, including the original certificate of birth and the certified copy, are confidential data unless the mother has designated the data as being public.

Individuals With Access

Confidential birth records are available only to:

  • Parent named on the subject's record
  • The legal custodian, guardian or conservator of the subject (a certified copy of a court order naming you is required)
  • The subject, when 16 years or older
  • Representatives of Minnesota programs that administer child support, medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and services under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.23 and 626.556, and tribal child support programs, Minnesota Statutes, section 144.225, subdivision 2, paragraph (f). (Employee ID is required)
  • Pursuant to a valid, certified copy of a U.S. court order (not a subpoena) releasing the certificate

Birth Certificate Request - Non-Certified Copy

A  noncertified copy is a plain paper copy of a birth record. Noncertified  copies are for informational use only and cannot be used for legal purposes.

  • Complete a Noncertified Birth Record Application (PDF).
  • Pay the corresponding fees by cash, check or credit card. (*A convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions.)
  • The Clay County Recorder returns applications that are incomplete, not signed in front of a notary public and not paid in full at the time of application.

Out of State Records

If you were not born in Minnesota, see the National Center for Health Statistics for more information about ordering a birth certificate from another state.