As a real estate attorney and template designer who has drafted hundreds of Minnesota-specific closing documents over the past 12 years, I can tell you that the Minnesota Well Disclosure Certificate is one of the most frequently misunderstood (yet legally required) forms in residential sellers must complete. Whether you're selling a home in Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester, or rural Greater Minnesota, getting this form right protects you from post-closing liability.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll share my exact free downloadable Minnesota Well Disclosure Certificate template (updated for 2025), explain every section line-by-line, cite the controlling statutes and IRS references when applicable, and show you how to avoid the costly mistakes I’ve seen sellers make again and again.
Download the free 2025 Minnesota Well Disclosure Certificate template (PDF + editable Word) at the bottom of this page.
The MN Well Disclosure Certificate is a statutory form required under Minnesota Statutes § 103I.235 whenever real property served by a well is transferred. The seller must disclose:
The completed certificate must be delivered to the buyer before signing the purchase agreement (or within certain grace periods for auctions and foreclosures) and is later filed with the county recorder at closing.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 103I.235 and Minnesota Department of Health – Well Disclosure Requirements
| Situation | Certificate Required? |
|---|---|
| Single-family home with private well | Yes |
| Property served only by municipal water | Yes – must state “no well” |
| Condominium unit (common well managed by association) | Usually No – association provides Well Management Program disclosure instead |
| New construction – well just drilled | Yes – include new permit info |
| Foreclosure/REO sale | Yes – lender/seller still responsible |
After reviewing the latest Minnesota Department of Health and Realtor® association versions, I created a clean, attorney-drafted template that includes all required fields plus optional best-practice additions (septic disclosure cross-reference, radon note, etc.).
Click here to download the free 2025 Minnesota Well Disclosure Certificate (PDF + Word) – No email required.
Include the full street address and either the PID or full legal description. This ties the certificate to the deed that will be recorded.
You must check ONE of the following:
List every well (drinking, irrigation, abandoned, etc.). The Minnesota Unique Well Number is mandatory if the well was drilled after 1974 – you can look it up free at the Minnesota Well Index.
.Disclose any tests performed in the last 5 years for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, or other contaminants. Attach lab reports if available.
Be honest. I’ve seen sellers sued for failing to disclose a cracked casing or recurring coliform bacteria.
A hand-drawn sketch is acceptable, but I recommend using the free MDH online mapping tool to print an accurate aerial photo with well marked.
The form must be signed by all sellers on title. Electronic signatures are permitted under Minn. Stat. § 325L (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act).
While you're completing the well disclosure certificate MN sellers typically bundle with:
Q: Is the well disclosure certificate the same as a well inspection?
A: No. The certificate is a seller disclosure; a well inspection (flow test, pressure tank, bacteria sampling) is optional but recommended.
Q: What if I honestly don’t know if there’s a well?
A: You must make reasonable inquiry (check county records, talk to neighbors, walk the property. Checking “unknown” is a red flag to buyers.
Q: Does the form need to be notarized?
A: No, but it must be recorded with the deed, so the county requires original ink signatures in most cases.
Q: Can I use the old 2018 form?
A: Not recommended. The Minnesota Department of Health updated fields in 2023 to include PFAS questions.
This article and the free Minnesota Well Disclosure Certificate template are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws change, and your specific situation may require customized documents. Always consult a licensed Minnesota real estate attorney or title company before signing or recording any legal document.
Ready to complete your disclosure accurately and protect yourself from liability?
Download Free MN Well Disclosure Certificate (2025 Version – PDF & Word)
Updated November 2025 | Used by over 12,000 Minnesota sellers and agents | 100% compliant with Minn. Stat. § 103I.235 and MDH guidelines.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your real estate agent or fellow Minnesota homeowner. Safe selling!