State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Minnesota
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Minnesota under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) (est. 1974).
Overview of Public Records in Minnesota
Minnesota takes a unique approach to public records through its Government Data Practices Act, which classifies all government data into categories based on accessibility. Rather than starting with a presumption of openness and listing exemptions like most states, Minnesota's system classifies data as public, private, confidential, or protected nonpublic. This classification system is one of the most detailed in the nation and provides clear guidelines for what is and is not accessible. The MGDPA applies to all state agencies, political subdivisions, and statewide systems.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Minnesota
Response Time
Agencies must respond 'as soon as reasonably possible.' There is no specific statutory deadline in terms of business days, but unreasonable delays may result in enforcement action by the Commissioner of Administration.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge for actual costs of searching for, retrieving, and copying records. Inspection of records in person is always free. Copy fees are typically $0.25 per page for standard copies.
How to Submit a Request
Requests can be made orally or in writing. Agencies cannot require a written request unless the data is not immediately available. No identification or reason for the request is required under the statute.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a complaint with the Commissioner of Administration for review. They may also bring a civil action in district court, which can award compensatory damages and attorney fees for violations.
Types of Public Records Available in Minnesota
Property Records
Property records in Minnesota include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Minnesota contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Minnesota election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Minnesota court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Minnesota include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Minnesota vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Minnesota document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Minnesota Public Records
To access public data in Minnesota, you can request it from the responsible authority at any government entity. You do not need to make a written request, and you do not need to identify yourself or state a reason for your request for public data. Agencies must respond as soon as reasonably possible, and there is no specific statutory deadline. If access is denied, you can file a complaint with the Commissioner of Administration. Minnesota counties offer online property records through county recorder and assessor offices, and the Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online case searches.
Online Access
Minnesota courts provide online access through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). County assessor and recorder offices maintain individual online portals for property records.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Minnesota
While the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Minnesota.
- Private data on individuals as classified under the Data Practices Act
- Confidential data on individuals requiring consent for release
- Protected nonpublic data held by government entities
- Security information for buildings and critical systems
- Trade secret information submitted by private parties
- Preliminary data that has not been verified or finalized
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Minnesota provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA)
Enacted: 1974
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act is codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. The act is distinctive in its data classification approach, categorizing all government data rather than simply providing an open records law with exemptions. The law is supplemented by over 300 specific classification provisions scattered throughout Minnesota statutes. The Commissioner of Administration oversees compliance and can issue advisory opinions.
Key Features of Minnesota's Records Law:
- Minnesota uses a data classification system rather than a traditional open records with exemptions model
- Data is classified as public, private, confidential, or protected nonpublic
- Requesters do not need to identify themselves to access public data
- Minnesota has over 300 separate statutory provisions classifying specific types of government data
Minnesota Public Records Facts
Minnesota has 87 counties maintaining local government data
The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains records for over 400,000 business entities
The state has approximately 3.6 million registered voters
Hennepin County (Minneapolis) processes hundreds of thousands of recorded documents annually
Search Minnesota Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Minnesota. Enter a name below to search public records in MN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Public Records
How is Minnesota's data practices law different from other states?
How do I access Minnesota court records?
Do I need to identify myself to request Minnesota public data?
How do I search Minnesota property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Minnesota or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.