Dakota County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Dakota County?
Public records in Dakota County are defined according to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which establishes that government data is public unless otherwise classified by state or federal law. These records document the business of government and are maintained by county departments, offices, and agencies in the course of their official duties.
Dakota County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Dakota County District Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property tax information
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax statements, assessment records, and tax forfeiture information
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and other county boards and committees
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain restrictions), and jail records
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans
The Dakota County Property Information Search system provides access to property records compiled from recorded plats, deeds, and other public records. The Dakota County Administration Center houses many departments that maintain these various public records, including the County Recorder's Office, which is responsible for property records, and the Vital Records Office, which maintains birth and death certificates.
Pursuant to § 13.03 of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, government entities must keep records containing government data in such an arrangement and condition as to make them easily accessible for convenient use.
Is Dakota County an Open Records County?
Dakota County fully complies with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, which governs public access to government records throughout the state. Under § 13.01, subdivision 3, the MGDPA establishes a presumption that government data is public and accessible to the public for both inspection and copying unless there is federal law, state statute, or temporary classification of data that provides that certain data are not public.
The Act specifically states in § 13.03, subdivision 1: "All government data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by a government entity shall be public unless classified by statute, or temporary classification pursuant to section 13.06, or federal law, as nonpublic or protected nonpublic, or with respect to data on individuals, as private or confidential."
Dakota County has implemented specific policies and procedures to ensure compliance with these open records requirements. The county maintains a Data Practices Compliance Official who is responsible for receiving and responding to requests for government data. This official ensures that the county responds to data requests in a timely manner as required by § 13.03, subdivision 2(a), which mandates that requests for public data be responded to in an appropriate and prompt manner.
Additionally, Dakota County adheres to the state's sunshine laws regarding open meetings, as codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13D, ensuring that government decision-making processes remain transparent and accessible to the public.
How to Find Public Records in Dakota County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to Dakota County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Dakota County Property Information Search provides access to property records, while court records can be accessed through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records:
- For property records: Visit the County Recorder's Office
- For vital records: Visit the Vital Records Office
- For court records: Visit the Dakota County District Court
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Written Requests: Submit a written request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Pursuant to § 13.03, subdivision 3 of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, requests should include:
- Specific description of the data being requested
- Whether the request is to inspect or receive copies
- Contact information for follow-up questions
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data: For maps and spatial data, contact the Office of Geographic Information Systems or access online property maps through the county's GIS portal.
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Court Records: Access court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system via the Minnesota Judicial Branch website, or visit the Dakota County District Court in person.
When requesting records, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the information sought. Under current law, government entities must provide reasonably accessible public data upon request, though they are not required to create or collect new data in response to a request.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Dakota County?
Dakota County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 13.03, subdivision 3 of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which permits government entities to charge for copies of public records. The current fee structure includes:
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 per page for letter or legal size black and white copies
- Certified Copies: Additional fees apply for certification (typically $5-$10 per document)
- Electronic Records: Actual costs of providing electronic copies, which may include staff time for retrieval and preparation
- Commercial Use: For requests that have commercial value, the county may charge additional fees as permitted by statute
Specific fees by record type include:
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Vital Records:
- Birth Certificates: $26 for the first copy, $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Death Certificates: $13 for the first copy, $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Marriage Certificates: $9 per copy
- Divorce Certificates: $10 per copy
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Property Records:
- Recording Fees: $46 for the first page, $10 for each additional page
- Certified Copies of Recorded Documents: $10 plus $1 per page
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Court Records:
- Case File Copies: $10 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Certified Court Documents: $14 per document
Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit cards (in most offices). Some online services may require credit card payment.
Pursuant to § 13.03, subdivision 3(c), if the request is for copies of public data that has commercial value and is a substantial and discrete portion of a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, database, or system developed with significant expenditure of public funds, the county may charge a reasonable fee related to the actual development costs.
Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly when the request is determined to be in the public interest or for research purposes.
Does Dakota County Have Free Public Records?
Dakota County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with § 13.03, subdivision 3 of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which states that a person may inspect public government data at reasonable times and places without charge. The following free record access options are currently available:
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In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine public records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. While inspection is free, copying fees will apply if copies are requested.
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Online Resources: Several free online resources provide access to Dakota County public records:
- Dakota County Board meetings and agendas
- Basic property information through the Dakota County Property Information Search
- Public Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps
- Public court calendar information via the Minnesota Judicial Branch website
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Dakota County Law Library and certain county offices for searching public records databases at no charge.
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Public Meeting Records: Minutes and recordings of public meetings of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and other public bodies are available for review without charge.
It is important to note that while inspection of records is free, government entities are permitted by law to charge for copies of public records, staff time required for retrieving and preparing extensive records, and special services such as certification of documents.
Who Can Request Public Records in Dakota County?
Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act § 13.02, subdivision 15, "any person" may request access to public government data in Dakota County. This broad definition includes:
- Minnesota residents
- Non-residents of Minnesota
- Business entities
- Media organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
The law does not require requestors to:
- Provide identification for most public records requests
- State the purpose or reason for their request
- Be a resident of Dakota County or Minnesota
However, certain exceptions apply to this general rule:
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Vital Records: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 144.225, access to birth and death certificates is restricted to those with a "tangible interest" in the record, such as the subject of the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives.
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Driver's License Information: Under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721), personal information in motor vehicle records has restricted access.
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Private Data: When requesting non-public data about oneself, proper identification is required to verify identity.
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Law Enforcement Records: Active criminal investigative data is classified as confidential under § 13.82 and is not accessible to the general public.
For individuals requesting their own records, proper identification must be provided to ensure that private data is not improperly disclosed. Government entities are required to verify the identity of the data subject before releasing private data about that individual.
Commercial data users may face additional requirements or fees when requesting public records that have commercial value, particularly if those records were developed with significant public expenditure.
What Records Are Confidential in Dakota County?
Dakota County maintains certain records that are classified as confidential or private under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and other applicable laws. These records are not accessible to the general public. The following categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
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Private Personal Data: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifying information as protected under § 13.355
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Medical Records: Health records and medical information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and § 13.384
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Juvenile Records: Court and law enforcement records involving minors, except in limited circumstances, as specified in § 260B.171
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Active Criminal Investigations: Information that would jeopardize an active investigation or reveal confidential sources, as defined in § 13.82, subdivision 7
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Child Protection Records: Reports and records concerning child abuse or neglect investigations, as protected under § 13.46, subdivision 2
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Personnel Data: Private personnel data on government employees, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and medical information, as specified in § 13.43
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Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between the county and its attorneys
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Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order
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Adoption Records: Information regarding adoptions, except as authorized by court order
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Certain Property Information: Security information related to county facilities and infrastructure
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Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county
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Income Tax Returns: Individual and business tax return information
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Certain Welfare and Human Services Data: Information about recipients of public assistance as protected under § 13.46
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Domestic Abuse Victim Information: Data that would reveal the location of domestic abuse victims
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes a balancing test in § 13.03, subdivision 6, which allows government entities to deny access to data if the harm to the public or to a data subject would outweigh the benefit to the public or to the data subject. This provision is applied on a case-by-case basis when determining whether certain information should be disclosed.
Dakota County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Dakota County Property Records and Taxpayer Services
Administration Center
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-4350
Dakota County Property Records
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
- Issuance of marriage licenses
- Processing of passport applications
- Maintenance of birth and death records
- Property tax information and payment processing
- Notary services
Northern Service Center
1 Mendota Road West, Suite 130
West St. Paul, MN 55118
651-554-6600
Dakota County Northern Service Center
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Western Service Center
14955 Galaxie Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-891-7570
Dakota County Western Service Center
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
For electronic recording submissions and questions:
Email: erecording@co.dakota.mn.us
Phone: 651-438-4350
For GIS and mapping services:
Email: records@co.dakota.mn.us
Phone: 952-891-7000
Lookup Public Records in Dakota County
Dakota County Property Information Search
Minnesota Judicial Branch Court Records