Minn. R. Adop. P. 32.01
Subd. 1. Requirement to Search Registry. Except for intercountry adoptions, an adoption petition for a child born on or after January 1, 1998, shall not be granted unless the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry has been searched to determine whether a putative father is registered in relation to the child who is the subject of the adoption petition. The search shall be conducted no sooner than thirty-one (31) days following the birth of the child.
Subd. 2. Proof of Search. A search of the registry may be proven by the production of a certified copy of the registration form or by a certified statement of the Commissioner of Health that after a search no registration of a putative father in relation to a child who is or may be the subject of an adoption petition could be located. Certification that the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry has been searched shall be filed with the court prior to entry of any final adoption decree. The filing of a certified copy of the order from a juvenile protection matter containing a finding that certification of the requisite search of the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry was filed with the court in that matter shall constitute proof of search.
Minn. R. Adop. P. 32.01
For children born before January 1, 1998, the Advisory Committee recommends that the best practice is for the petitioner to include with the petition a confirmation from the Department of Health that no one has filed a notice of intent to retain parental rights. .