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Minnesota Public Resources

Minnesota Public Resources available to Justice Involved Individuals

Minnesota Care Application (on-line): https://auth.mnsure.org/RIDP/?account_type=Individual

Minnesota DMV Pre-Application On-line for driver’s license and/or state identification

*After completing the Pre-Application, individuals will still need to visit their local DMV to complete the application process in person, but the pre-application will speed up the process considerably.

https://driverservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_

List of Acceptable forms of Proof of Identity when applying for a REAL I.D. Driver’s License and Identification Card:

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/real-id/Documents/updated-REALID-identification-requirements.pdf

Information on How and Where to Order a Birth Certificate in Minnesota at the link below:

Obtaining Birth Certificate, Identification, and Social Security Card

Getting all the official documents squared away is a great idea in the early stages of searching for employment.  The correct sequence to order your official documents is as follows:

  1. Order your birth certificate first as it the document needed to order obtain a driver’s license/identification and your social security card.
  • Next, go to the local DMV to get your original or replacement driver’s license or state identification card.
  • Then, after obtaining your birth certificate and identification card you can now easily apply for and obtain your Social Security Card.

Details on how to obtain these official documents below.

Birth Certificate

The most efficient way to order a birth certificate is through www.Vitalchek.com..

What is needed to order a birth certificate through www.Vitalchek.com :

  1. Internet Access on a Computer, not a cellular telephone, simply for better view of the screen and the important details being used and shared during the ordering process
  2. Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number
  3. Parents names, including mother’s maiden name if applicable, are helpful and make the order easier but they are not required
  4. Money and a valid credit card. $33.00 is often the cost when ordering a Minnesota birth certificate through Vitalchek.com
  5.  Some form of picture identification may be required when ordering a birth certificate from certain states.  Vitalchek will require the picture I.D. to be scanned and e-mailed or copied and faxed as part of the ordering process for certain states.  Sometimes this process requires using a Prison I.D. and having it notarized prior to sending a copy to Vitalchek.  Luckily, Nathan Beard Job Development has a Notary Public who can notarize documents for individuals on site if contracted by entities where individuals are incarcerated.
  6. A solid mailing address where the Birth Certificate can be mailed and received by a trustworthy person

Or

Order the Birth Certificate through a Minnesota Vital Records office:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/birth.html

You must meet the legal requirements to get a certified birth certificate.

  • You must complete an application to request a certificate.
  • You must show valid identification.
  • You must sign your application
  • You can get a birth certificate only if you have tangible interest.
  • You must qualify to get a confidential record in addition to having tangible interest.
  • You must pay a fee of $26. If you order more than one copy, each additional copy of the same record is $19. Fees are non-refundable, per Minnesota Statutes, section 144.226.
  • You will receive a certified “Statement of No Birth Record Found” if you request a certificate and the state or county vital records office cannot 

Minnesota DMV Forms and Manuals available via the Internet

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Pages/default.aspx

Minnesota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called Food Stamps)

Information on SNAP eligibility and how to apply via paper application or on-line:

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/economic-assistance/food-nutrition/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program.jsp

Minnesota Public Assistance Program

Information on Eligibility and how to Apply

Program info

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) provides cash assistance to help adults who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pay for their basic needs. Some people who are blind, have a disability or are older than 65 but do not get SSI because their other income is too high may also be eligible for MSA if they meet the income limit. 

People who get MSA are also eligible for help with medical, food and housing costs through Medical Assistance (MA), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and MSA Housing Assistanceprograms.

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/economic-assistance/income/programs-and-services/msa.jsp