Death Records
Clay County has access to death records of any person who died anywhere in Minnesota back to 1997 or any person who died in Clay County back to the 1872. For death records outside of Clay County before 1997, contact the county registrar where the person died.
The Minnesota Historical Society maintains a death record index statewide for most historical deaths. You can search the index online at the Minnesota Historical Society.
Death Certificate Request - Certified Copy
Clay County Government Center - 3510 12th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
- Complete a Death Certificate Application form (PDF) indicating you are an authorized requestor. Forms are available at the Recorder's Office. 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 4:00 p.m. to guarantee same day issuance.
*A convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions.
Clay County Recorder - PO Box 280, Moorhead, MN 56560
- Complete a Death 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 the corresponding fees.
Credit Card* Only
- Complete a Death 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.
- Upload the completed, signed and notarized application here .
*A convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions
Death Certificate Request - Non-Certified Copy
A noncertified death copy is a plain paper copy of a death record. Noncertified copies are for informational use only and cannot be used for legal purposes.
Clay County Government Center - 3510 12th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
- Complete a Death Certificate Application form (PDF). Forms are available at the Recorder's Office.
- Pay the corresponding fees by cash, check or credit card*.
- No appointment is needed. Must be present before 4:00 p.m. to guarantee same day issuance.
*A convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions.
Clay County Recorder - PO Box 280, Moorhead, MN 56560
- Complete a Noncertified Death Certificate Application form (PDF).
- Mail the completed application along with the corresponding fees.
Credit Card* Only
- Complete a Noncertified Death Certificate Application form (PDF).
- Upload the completed application here .
*A convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions