Document Certification and Copy Fees in Saint Paul

General Governance and Administration Minnesota 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, official city records and certified copies are managed through the City Clerk and related departments. This guide explains who may certify municipal documents, how to request certified copies, where to find fee information, and what departments enforce rules about records and certification. It focuses on City of Saint Paul procedures and official resources so you can apply, pay, or appeal correctly.

Who certifies documents

The City Clerk is the primary official who certifies city records, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and other municipal documents for Saint Paul. Official certification and attestations for city records are issued by the City Clerk or a designated deputy; contact information and record descriptions are published by the City Clerk's office.[1]

The City Clerk issues certified city records and can explain which documents require certification.

Copy Fees & Requests

Requests for copies of public records, including requests for certified copies, follow the City of Saint Paul public records process. The city publishes a public records request page and a general fees-and-charges schedule that govern allowable copying and duplication charges; specific per-page or special-copyary fees are provided on the city's fee schedule or on the public records request page when available.[2][3]

  • How to request: Submit a public records request as described on the city page; indicate you need a certified copy.
  • Copy fees: not specified on the cited page; see the city fee schedule for current rates.[3]
  • Special copies: certified, certified with seal, or archival reproductions may carry separate charges as listed in the fee schedule.
  • Contact for questions: City Clerk's office for records and certification procedures.[1]

Applications & Forms

The City of Saint Paul publishes instructions and a public records request process; if a separate certified-copy form is required it is listed on the public records request page or available from the City Clerk. If no dedicated certified-copy form is published, submit a standard public records request and state you need a certified copy.[2]

If a form is not listed, a written public records request indicating "certified copy" is sufficient.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties and enforcement measures specifically tied to document certification and improper certification practices are not detailed on the City Clerk or public records pages cited; when numeric fines or statutory penalties are not posted on the city's pages this guide notes "not specified on the cited page." For matters involving fraudulent certification or misuse of certified documents, criminal or civil remedies may be available under state law and enforced by appropriate authorities, but specific fine amounts or escalation schedules are not stated on the cited Saint Paul pages.[1][2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: refusal to certify, administrative orders, court actions, or other remedies may apply depending on facts and applicable statute; specifics are not listed on the cited city pages.
  • Enforcer: City Clerk handles certification; legal issues may involve the City Attorney or law enforcement. Use the City Clerk contact page to report problems or request review.[1]
  • Appeals and review: the cited pages do not list internal appeal time limits; if an administrative review or council action is needed, the City Clerk or City Attorney's office can advise on deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Forms: the public records request process and any downloadable request forms are available from the city's public records page; if a dedicated certified-copy application exists it will be listed there. If no form is published, submit a written public records request indicating the document and certification required.[2]

FAQ

Who can certify a municipal document in Saint Paul?
The City Clerk or an authorized deputy certifies municipal documents for Saint Paul; contact details are on the City Clerk records page.[1]
How do I request a certified copy?
File a public records request specifying you need a certified copy and the document details; follow instructions on the public records request page.[2]
How much does a certified copy cost?
Specific copy charges are set by the city's fees-and-charges schedule; the cited pages do not state exact per-page or certification fees and direct requesters to the fee schedule.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify the exact municipal document you need certified (ordinance, resolution, minutes, permit).
  2. Review the City of Saint Paul public records request instructions and fee schedule.[2][3]
  3. Send a written public records request indicating "certified copy" with document details to the City Clerk or use the city's request form.
  4. Pay any required copying or certification fees as instructed by the city.
  5. Receive the certified copy by mail or in person according to the city's response instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • City Clerk is the official certifier for Saint Paul municipal records.
  • Exact copy and certification fees are listed on the city's fee schedule or public records page; where not listed, the city indicates fees apply but does not publish amounts on the cited pages.
  • Contact the City Clerk for certification requests, questions, or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Saint Paul - City Clerk: Records & Archives
  2. [2] City of Saint Paul - Public Records Request
  3. [3] City of Saint Paul - Fees and Charges

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