The Real ID act has become a hot topic for many concerned with traveling, specifically domestic travel and access to military bases and federal buildings. The conversation regarding this issue has promoted an enhanced driver’s license as the primary evidence to comply with this requirement.

Please note that another option is available to conform to a federally recognized identification and that is a passport book or a passport card. For those 15 and younger, the passport book ($105) and card ($40) are valid for a period of five years. For those 16 and older, the passport book ($135) and card ($55) are valid for a period of ten years. The Brown County Recorder’s Office is an acceptance facility for Passport Services. Requirements when applying for a passport include a certified copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, driver’s license, passport photo and a check or money order. Photos may be obtained from the Recorder’s office for a fee of $15. After applying, please allow 6-8 weeks to receive the passport.

When asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate, it must be a State certified copy. Please note that a certificate issued by the hospital in which you were born is not considered a certified copy of a birth certificate. If you were born in Minnesota and need a certified copy of your birth certificate to obtain an enhanced driver’s license, a commercial driver’s license, a passport or any other reason, it may be obtained at any county vital records office, such as the Brown County Recorder’s office for a fee of $26. Unique to Brown County, the Springfield City Clerk’s office is also a vital records office. For people unable to appear in person, the Brown County Recorder’s office accepts vital record applications by mail, email or fax. Applicants must prove that they have a right to the certificate (called tangible interest) so applicants must sign their applications before a notary public or before the county officer accepting the application and provide picture identification.

There are companies that can be found online that provide a service to help customers obtain vital records for an additional cost. Those additional costs can add up. Minnesota vital record laws apply whenever and wherever certificates are issued. Everyone requesting a certificate must complete an application, show identifica-

tion, and designate their tangible interest. Because vital records service companies forward everything to the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records or to county vital records offices for certificate issuance, online purchases are usually slower and more expensive than obtaining directly from the local county offices. The best and most efficient way to obtain a birth certificate is to contact the local county vital records office (Brown County Recorder or Springfield City Clerk).

If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (507) 233-6653.