mn public records guide and FAQs

What counts as public?

In Minnesota, public records are governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which presumes openness while protecting sensitive details. Residents, researchers, and businesses use these files to verify ownership, trace court activity, or review agency decisions across cities and counties.

• Property deeds, tax assessments, and parcel maps
• District court dockets, filings, and orders
• Criminal history checks and inmate rosters
• Birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Business filings, licenses, and meeting minutes

How to request records

Identify the custodian-county recorder, district court administrator, state agency, or city clerk. Describe the data precisely with names, dates, and keywords, and request electronic copies when available. Expect reasonable copy fees and possible redactions where law requires protection of privacy or active investigations.

Common questions

Are there limits? Yes. Juvenile, medical, security, and certain investigative data are restricted. Turnaround time: Most offices acknowledge promptly, but complex searches may take days. Tips: Be specific, stay polite, ask for a data inventory, and appeal denials in writing. Expungements can remove court entries; you may request corrections if information is inaccurate.