Your Comprehensive Guide to Minnesota Public Records

Minnesota Public Records

Public records in Minnesota are documents and information created, maintained, or received by government agencies in the course of their official business. These records serve as a vital resource for citizens seeking transparency and accountability in government operations. Minnesota's commitment to open government is reflected in its comprehensive public records laws, which provide citizens with the right to access a wide range of government information.

Minnesota's public records system is governed primarily by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), which establishes the framework for public access to government data. This law balances the public's right to information with the protection of private and confidential data.

Are Minnesota Records Public?

Yes, most records created or maintained by Minnesota government agencies are presumed to be public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). The MGDPA establishes that all government data is public unless specifically classified as non-public by state or federal law.

According to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 1: "All government data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by a government entity shall be public unless classified by statute, or temporary classification pursuant to section 13.06, or federal law, as nonpublic or protected nonpublic, or with respect to data on individuals, as private or confidential."

This presumption of openness means that citizens have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records with limited exceptions. Government entities in Minnesota must maintain their records in a manner that makes them easily accessible to the public when requested.

What Information Is Included in Minnesota Public Records?

Minnesota public records encompass a vast array of documents and information, including:

Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, property tax assessments, and land records
Court Records: Case files, dockets, judgments, and court calendars
Criminal Records: Arrest records, conviction information, and incarceration data
Business Records: Corporate filings, licenses, and permits
Government Operations: Meeting minutes, budgets, expenditures, and contracts
Voter Registration: Voter rolls and election results
Professional Licenses: Licensing information for various professions
Environmental Records: Permits, inspections, and compliance reports
Vehicle Records: Vehicle registrations and driver's license information (with restrictions)

The specific information available within these records varies depending on the type of record and any applicable privacy restrictions. For example, while most court records are public, certain sensitive information like Social Security numbers or financial account numbers may be redacted.

What Does the Minnesota Public Records Law Do?

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, is the primary law governing public records in Minnesota. This comprehensive law:

Establishes Presumption of Openness: Creates a presumption that government data is public unless specifically classified otherwise by law.
Defines Data Classifications: Categorizes government data into several classifications:
- Public data: Available to anyone
- Private data on individuals: Accessible only to the subject of the data
- Confidential data on individuals: Not accessible to the subject of the data
- Nonpublic data: Not on individuals and not accessible to the public
- Protected nonpublic data: Not on individuals and not accessible to the subject of the data
Sets Access Procedures: Requires government entities to provide prompt access to public data during regular business hours and to respond to requests within a reasonable time.
Establishes Copy Costs: Allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records.
Creates Enforcement Mechanisms: Provides remedies for violations, including complaints to the Commissioner of Administration and civil actions.
Requires Responsible Authorities: Mandates that each government entity designate a responsible authority to handle data practices matters.
Protects Privacy: Balances the public's right to know with individual privacy rights by restricting access to certain sensitive information.

The MGDPA works in conjunction with other laws, such as the Official Records Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 15.17), which requires government entities to make and preserve records necessary for a full understanding of their activities.

How To Find Public Records in Minnesota in 2025

Accessing public records in Minnesota can be done through several methods:

Direct Agency Requests: Contact the specific government agency that maintains the records you seek. Most agencies have established procedures for handling public records requests.
Online Portals: Many Minnesota government agencies provide online access to public records through dedicated portals:
- Minnesota Court Records: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Access Case Records
- Business Records: Minnesota Secretary of State - Business Filings
- Property Records: County recorder websites (varies by county)
In-Person Visits: Visit the relevant agency during business hours to request records in person.
Written Requests: Submit a written request to the appropriate agency, clearly identifying the records sought.

When making a request, it's helpful to:

Be specific about the records you're seeking
Include relevant dates, names, or file numbers if known
Specify your preferred format for receiving the records
Include your contact information

For complex requests, consider contacting the agency's Data Practices Compliance Official (DPCO) or Responsible Authority for guidance.

Does Minnesota Have Free Public Records?

Minnesota law allows for inspection of public records at no cost during normal business hours. According to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, "The responsible authority or designee shall provide copies of public data upon request. If a person requests copies or electronic transmittal of the data to the person, the responsible authority may require the requesting person to pay the actual costs of searching for and retrieving government data, including the cost of employee time, and for making, certifying, and electronically transmitting the copies of the data."

This means that while viewing records in person is generally free, obtaining copies typically involves fees. However, some records may be available for free online through various government websites, such as:

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Minnesota?

The cost of obtaining public records in Minnesota varies depending on the type of record, the agency providing it, and the format requested. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities may charge:

Search and Retrieval Costs: The actual cost of searching for and retrieving the data, including employee time.
Copy Costs: The actual cost of making copies, which may include materials, equipment, and employee time.
Electronic Transmission Costs: The actual cost of electronically transmitting the data.

Some common fees include:

Birth Certificates: $26 for the first copy, $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Death Certificates: $13 for the first copy, $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Marriage Certificates: $9 for the first copy, $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Court Records: $10-$16 per document, depending on the court and document type
Property Records: Varies by county, typically $1-$5 per page
Criminal History Records: $8 for a public criminal history from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Government entities must provide an itemized calculation of costs upon request. For large requests, agencies may require prepayment.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Minnesota?

Minnesota law requires government entities to respond to public records requests "in an appropriate and prompt manner" and "within a reasonable time" but does not specify exact timeframes. The response time typically depends on:

Complexity of the Request: Requests for voluminous records or those requiring extensive redaction may take longer.
Agency Resources: Smaller agencies with limited staff may take longer to process requests.
Record Availability: Records that are readily accessible in electronic format may be provided more quickly than those requiring physical retrieval from storage.
Record Type: Some specialized records, such as vital records, have standardized processing times:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): 1-2 weeks for mail requests, same day for in-person requests
- Criminal history records: Immediate for online requests, 2-3 business days for mail requests
- Court records: Varies by court and record type, from immediate access to several weeks

If you need records by a specific date, it's advisable to submit your request well in advance and communicate your timeline to the agency.

What Records Are Confidential In Minnesota?

While Minnesota has a presumption of openness for government records, certain categories of information are classified as private or confidential under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and other laws. These include:

Private Data on Individuals:
- Medical records
- Personnel data (with limited exceptions)
- Educational records protected by FERPA
- Social Security numbers
- Financial information
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of certain public employees
Confidential Data:
- Child abuse reports and investigations
- Active criminal investigative data
- Certain welfare and social service data
- Trade secrets and confidential commercial information
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Juvenile court records (with exceptions)
- Adoption records
- Certain health facility complaint investigations
Other Protected Records:
- Records sealed by court order
- Records protected by specific statutory exemptions
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Security information that would jeopardize public safety
- Data collected for research purposes

Minnesota Statutes § 13.02 defines these classifications, and specific exemptions are scattered throughout Chapter 13 and other sections of Minnesota law.

Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Minnesota

Under Minnesota law, anyone can request public records regardless of citizenship, residency, or purpose. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act states in Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3: "Upon request to a responsible authority or designee, a person shall be permitted to inspect and copy public government data at reasonable times and places."

This means:

No residency requirement exists for requesters
Requesters do not need to state a reason or purpose for their request
Requesters do not need to identify themselves (though some records may require identification to verify eligibility to receive them)
Both individuals and organizations (including businesses, media outlets, and nonprofit organizations) can request records
Non-citizens and foreign entities have the same right to access public records as Minnesota residents

The law prohibits government entities from asking why a person wants public data or requiring identification except in specific circumstances where it's necessary to verify the requester's identity for access to certain records.

What Can Be Done With Public Records in Minnesota

Public records obtained in Minnesota can be used for various legitimate purposes, including:

Research and Investigation: Conducting background checks, academic research, journalistic investigations, or genealogical research.
Business Purposes: Verifying business registrations, checking property ownership, or conducting due diligence.
Legal Proceedings: Gathering evidence for litigation, verifying facts for legal cases, or monitoring court activities.
Government Accountability: Monitoring government activities, expenditures, and decision-making processes.
Personal Information: Obtaining copies of one's own vital records, property records, or other personal documents.
Public Safety: Checking sex offender registries or criminal histories of individuals working with vulnerable populations.
Real Estate Transactions: Researching property ownership, liens, easements, or zoning information.

While public records are generally available for any use, certain restrictions may apply:

Information cannot be used for illegal purposes
Some records may have restrictions on commercial use or resale
Using public records for harassment or stalking is prohibited
Certain data may have specific use restrictions under federal or state law

It's important to note that while the records themselves are public, how they are used may be subject to other laws, such as privacy laws, copyright laws, or laws prohibiting discrimination.

Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Administration
50 Sherburne Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55155
(651) 201-2555
Minnesota Department of Administration

The Department of Administration houses the Information Policy Analysis Division (IPAD), which provides assistance and opinions regarding the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 297-2126
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services

DVS maintains driver's license records, vehicle registrations, and related documents.

Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Vital Records
601 Robert Street North
PO Box 64499
St. Paul, MN 55164
(651) 201-5970
Minnesota Office of Vital Records

The Office of Vital Records maintains birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for the state.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 201-7000
Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety includes the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which maintains criminal history records.

Minnesota Judicial Branch
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-2581
Minnesota Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch maintains court records through district courts throughout the state.

Minnesota State Archives
Minnesota History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 259-3260
Minnesota State Archives

The State Archives preserves and provides access to historical government records.

Minnesota State Library
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 582-8791
Minnesota State Library Services

The State Library provides access to government publications and other resources.

Minnesota Secretary of State - Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55103
(651) 296-2803
Minnesota Secretary of State

The Secretary of State maintains business filings, UCC records, and notary registrations.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
443 Lafayette Road N.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 284-5005
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

The Department of Labor and Industry maintains records related to workers' compensation, workplace safety, and professional licenses.

Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 582-8200
Minnesota Department of Education

The Department of Education maintains records related to schools, educational programs, and teacher licensing.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-6300
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The MPCA maintains environmental permits, compliance records, and pollution data.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-6157
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The DNR maintains records related to hunting and fishing licenses, land management, and conservation.

Minnesota Department of Revenue
600 North Robert Street
St. Paul, MN 55146
(651) 296-3781
Minnesota Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue maintains tax records and property tax information.

Minnesota Legislature
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-0504
Minnesota Legislature

The Legislature maintains records of bills, laws, committee hearings, and legislative proceedings.

Minnesota Department of Transportation
395 John Ireland Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-3000
Minnesota Department of Transportation

MnDOT maintains records related to transportation infrastructure, projects, and planning.

Office of the Minnesota Attorney General
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353
Minnesota Attorney General

The Attorney General's Office maintains records related to consumer protection, charities, and legal opinions.

Office of the State Auditor
525 Park Street, Suite 500
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(651) 296-2551
Minnesota State Auditor

The State Auditor maintains audit reports and financial records of local governments.

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
400 Wabasha Street North, Suite 400
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 296-7608
Minnesota Housing

Minnesota Housing maintains records related to affordable housing programs and financing.

City of Minneapolis - City Clerk's Office
350 S. 5th Street, Room 304
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 673-2216
Minneapolis City Clerk

The Minneapolis City Clerk maintains city records, including ordinances, resolutions, and city council proceedings.

City of St. Paul - Office of the City Clerk
15 Kellogg Blvd. West, 310 City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8560
St. Paul City Clerk

The St. Paul City Clerk maintains city records, including ordinances, resolutions, and city council proceedings.

How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Minnesota

If your request for public records in Minnesota is denied, you have several options for appeal:

Informal Resolution: First, contact the responsible authority or data practices compliance official at the government entity to discuss the denial and seek clarification.
Administrative Remedy - Data Practices Office: File a complaint with the Data Practices Office (formerly IPAD) within the Minnesota Department of Administration. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.085, you can request an advisory opinion regarding the denial.

Data Practices Office
Minnesota Department of Administration
50 Sherburne Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55155
(651) 201-2555
Data Practices Office

The Commissioner has 20 days to issue an opinion, which, while not legally binding, carries significant weight.
Legal Action: File a lawsuit in district court under Minnesota Statutes § 13.08. The court can:
- Order the government entity to comply with your request
- Award damages for violations
- Award attorney's fees and costs
- Impose civil penalties
The lawsuit must be filed within one year of the violation or discovery of the violation.
Office of Administrative Hearings: For certain types of data practices disputes, you can file a complaint with the Office of Administrative Hearings under Minnesota Statutes § 13.085.

When appealing a denial, be sure to:

Keep copies of all correspondence
Document all communications with the agency
Clearly identify the records requested
Cite relevant provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
Specify the relief sought (e.g., production of records, reduction of fees)

Difference Between Federal and Minnesota Public Records

Federal public records are regulated under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. § 552), which grants the public the right to access records from federal executive branch agencies. Minnesota public records, however, are governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13), which applies to state, county, and municipal records within Minnesota.

Key distinctions include:

Jurisdiction: FOIA applies only to federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It does not apply to Minnesota state or local agencies. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act covers state agencies, county governments, municipalities, school districts, and other public bodies in Minnesota.
Exemptions: FOIA’s nine exemptions include national security, law enforcement records, and personal privacy protections. Minnesota’s law has its own classification system for government data, such as “public,” “private,” “confidential,” “nonpublic,” and “protected nonpublic” data, with different rules for each classification.
Right to Access: FOIA allows any person—regardless of residency or citizenship—to submit a request. Minnesota’s statute also permits any person, including non-residents, to request public data.
Filing and Appeals: Under FOIA, appeals are directed to the federal agency’s FOIA office and may proceed to U.S. District Court. In Minnesota, a person denied access may seek administrative review through the Commissioner of Administration or bring the matter to state district court.
Timelines: FOIA requires agencies to respond within 20 business days, with possible extensions. Minnesota agencies must respond in an appropriate and prompt manner, typically within a few business days for readily available data.

U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
441 G St NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-3642
U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy (FOIA)

Minnesota Department of Administration – Data Practices Office
Administration Building, Suite 201, 50 Sherburne Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 296-6733
Minnesota Department of Administration – Data Practices Office

All Public Records Categories

Arrest Records Birth Records Court Records Criminal Records Death Records Divorce Records Driving Records Inmate Records Land Records Marriage Records Police Records Property Records Sex Offender Records Tax Records Vital Records Warrant Records