Can I submit a notarized photocopy of my passport?
No. MDH says a valid, unexpired passport is not to be submitted as a notarized photocopy. Follow the current packet's passport-document instructions.
Document Guides
Minnesota Birth Record Amendment Request: Notary Rules
Minnesota distinguishes a limited free correction window from a $40 amendment; amendment applicants sign before a notary and submit item-specific evidence.
iRemoteNotary Editorial Team
Published and reviewed by iRemoteNotary
Last reviewed September 21, 2026
Quick Answer
When does Minnesota require a notarized birth amendment request?
A correction is free only before the child's first birthday and before any birth certificate has been purchased. Once a certificate has been purchased, or when the subject is more than one year old—whichever occurs first—the amendment process applies.
The amendment request must be signed before a notary. The amendment fee is $40, and an updated certificate is $26. Generally submit one document to add information or two documents to change information. Confirm remote online notarization acceptance before booking.
Minnesota birth amendment facts
| Item | Verified detail |
|---|---|
| Correction window | Before first birthday AND before a certificate is purchased |
| Amendment trigger | Certificate purchased OR subject over age one, whichever occurs first |
| Notary rule | Applicant signs the amendment request before a notary |
| Fees | $40 amendment; $26 updated certificate |
| Evidence | Generally one document to add; two documents to change |
| RON status | Recipient confirmation required — no express MDH RON acceptance statement reviewed |
Minnesota uses different processes for a correction, an amendment, and replacement of a certificate. Choosing the right process matters before you collect documents or obtain a notarized signature.
iRemoteNotary is a national and international online-notary organization. Remote online notarization is performed under the law of the online notary's commissioning state. Start at the Vital Records Notary Center or compare Minnesota mail, fax, and county-staff notarization rules.
Correction vs Amendment vs Replacement
A correction is the limited no-fee path available only before the first birthday and before a certificate has been purchased. If either boundary has passed, follow the amendment process.
An amendment changes information on the underlying birth record. A replacement obtains a new certificate copy; it does not by itself change the record.
| Process | Purpose | Key trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Correction | Fix eligible information | Before age one and before any certificate purchase |
| Amendment | Change the record after correction window | Certificate purchased or subject over one |
| Replacement | Obtain another certificate | No record change |
Documents, Passports, and Translations
Minnesota generally requires one document to add missing information and two documents to change existing information. Match each document to MDH's eligibility and evidence rules.
A valid, unexpired passport may serve where listed, but do not submit a notarized photocopy of the passport. If evidence is translated, the translator signs the translation before a notary.
- Confirm correction, amendment, or replacement
- Use the current Birth Record Amendment Request (packet footer 07/2025)
- Gather one document to add or two to change, as applicable
- Do not notarize a photocopy of a valid unexpired passport
- Have the translator sign a translation before a notary
- Confirm RON acceptance before booking
Signers, Deceased Subjects, and Fees
The applicant signs the amendment request before a notary. If the subject of the birth record is deceased, only a parent may amend the record under the current packet instructions.
The amendment fee is $40. An updated birth certificate is $26. Use the current packet for payment and submission instructions.
Ready to notarize a Minnesota amendment request?
If you have the current unsigned request, understand that notarization does not approve the amendment, and will confirm recipient acceptance of remote online notarization, start with a commissioned U.S. online notary.
Important Limits
Notary ≠ amendment approval. iRemoteNotary does not issue Minnesota birth records, choose the applicant's evidence, approve amendments, or guarantee MDH acceptance.
For authentication after obtaining a certified record, see online notarized document and apostille.
Frequently asked questions
When is a correction free?
Only before the subject's first birthday and before any certificate has been purchased. If either condition is no longer true, use the amendment process.
How many supporting documents do I need?
Generally one document to add information and two documents to change existing information, subject to MDH's item-specific rules.
Who may amend a deceased subject's birth record?
The current request packet says only a parent may amend when the subject is deceased.
Does notarization approve the amendment?
No. MDH reviews the request and evidence. Notarization is not amendment approval.
Can I use remote online notarization?
Only if MDH accepts a remotely notarized amendment request for your submission. Confirm before booking. Recipient confirmation is required.
Sources and Official References
The following primary sources support the legal and procedural information in this guide. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the receiving organization before relying on a notarized document.
Change a Birth Record(opens in a new tab)
Minnesota Department of Health
Accessed September 21, 2026
Documents Required to Amend a Birth Record(opens in a new tab)
Minnesota Department of Health
Accessed September 21, 2026
Birth Record Amendment Request (PDF)(opens in a new tab)
Minnesota Department of Health
Accessed September 21, 2026
Minnesota amendment request ready?
Use the current unsigned packet, distinguish amendment from correction or replacement, gather the required evidence, and confirm remote online notarization acceptance before booking.