Find Colorado Death Records
Colorado death records are vital documents kept by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state maintains death certificates dating back to 1900. Each of the 64 counties in Colorado can also issue death records for events that occurred within their borders. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person. The Colorado Death Index helps families, genealogists, and legal professionals find the records they need quickly and easily.
Colorado Death Index Quick Facts
Where to Find Colorado Death Records
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves as the main state office for death records. They hold certificates from 1900 to the present day. You can order records online through their official portal. The state office is located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver. Their phone number is 303-692-2200. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to help with your requests.
County vital records offices can also issue death certificates. Each of the 64 counties in Colorado maintains records for deaths that occurred within their jurisdiction. County offices often provide faster service than the state office. Some counties can issue same-day copies. You should contact your local county health department to learn about their specific services and hours.
The Colorado State Archives holds older death records and historical indexes. Their collection includes records that predate 1900. Genealogists often use the State Archives for family history research. The archives are located at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can visit the main Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website to begin your search for death records.
This page provides access to all vital records services including death certificates and genealogical records.
How to Order Colorado Death Certificates
Colorado offers several ways to order death certificates. The fastest method is online ordering. You can order from home at any time. The state uses two online services: GoCertificates and VitalChek. Both charge the state fee plus a service fee. GoCertificates can be reached at 800-324-6380. VitalChek can be reached at 866-632-2604 for phone orders.
Mail orders take longer but cost less in fees. Send your request to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include the full name of the deceased, date of death, place of death, your relationship to the deceased, and payment. Make checks payable to Vital Records Section. Mail orders typically take several weeks to process.
In-person visits offer the fastest turnaround. Go to the state office in Denver or your local county health department. Bring valid photo identification and payment. Some counties can provide same-day service. Call ahead to confirm hours and requirements before your visit.
The online ordering portal allows you to request certified copies quickly and securely.
This system guides you through the ordering process step by step for all vital record types.
Types of Colorado Death Records
Colorado issues three types of death records. Each type serves different purposes. The Standard Certificate shows all legal and medical information. This is the most complete record available. It includes cause of death, demographic data, and funeral home details. Most legal and estate matters require this full certificate.
The Legal Certificate contains legal items only. It does not show medical information or cause of death. This type works well for banking and property matters. Some institutions prefer this version for privacy reasons.
Verification provides limited legal information only. It confirms that a death occurred but shows minimal details. Verifications cost less than full certificates. The fee for verification is $17 compared to $25 for a first copy certificate.
Death records in Colorado typically contain the following information:
- Full legal name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Cause of death
- Funeral home and burial information
- Parent names and birthplaces
Note: Standard certificates show cause of death while legal certificates omit this information for privacy.
Colorado Death Record Fees
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment charges set fees for death certificates. The first copy costs $25. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These fees apply to all certificate types including standard and legal versions. Verification searches cost $17. Fees are set by state law under C.R.S. § 25-2-117 which governs certified copy fees.
Online ordering services add processing fees. GoCertificates and VitalChek charge extra for their convenience services. These fees vary based on shipping speed and order type. Standard processing through the state office takes about 30 business days. Rush services are available through online vendors for an additional cost.
County offices may have different fee schedules. Some counties charge the same as the state. Others may have slight variations. Always check with your specific county office before visiting. Most accept cash, check, or money order. Few accept credit cards for in-person orders.
Who Can Order Colorado Death Records
Colorado death records are not fully public documents. Access is restricted to protect privacy. Only certain people can obtain certified copies. Immediate family members have automatic access. This includes the spouse, parents, children, and siblings of the deceased. They must provide proof of relationship when ordering.
As of October 2024, the rules changed for extended family. Grandparents and grandchildren now need additional documentation. They must provide a court order or proof of tangible interest. This change affects many genealogists and family researchers. The state made this change to better protect personal information.
Legal representatives can order records for estate purposes. Funeral directors can obtain certificates as part of their services. Insurance companies and government agencies may also access records for official business. Each requester must show valid identification and state their purpose.
State law under C.R.S. § 25-2-117 defines who has direct and tangible interest in death records. This statute protects confidential vital statistics while allowing legitimate access.
The Colorado State Archives provides access to historical death records for genealogical research.
Researchers can search older records that are no longer restricted by privacy laws.
Colorado Death Records for Genealogy
Genealogists use Colorado death records to trace family history. The State Archives holds records predating 1900. These historical records are open to the public. Researchers can visit the archives in person. They can also search online databases. The archives website offers a search tool for finding death records.
Death indexes list basic facts without full certificates. They show names, dates, and locations. Many indexes are available for free online. The Colorado State Archives has created indexes for various time periods. County historical societies may also hold local death indexes. These resources help researchers locate specific records.
Obituary databases provide another research tool. Many Colorado libraries maintain obituary indexes. The Denver Public Library has an extensive collection. Pueblo Library also offers obituary searches. These databases often include newspaper citations. They can lead you to fuller accounts of a person's death.
The archives search tool helps you locate specific records in their collections.
This system searches across multiple record sets including death certificates and burial records.
Colorado Death Index Laws and Rules
Colorado law governs how death records are created and maintained. These laws ensure accurate vital statistics. They also protect personal privacy. The Colorado Revised Statutes contain several sections about death records. Understanding these laws helps you know your rights and access options.
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. This filing must occur before final disposition of the body. Funeral directors and medical certifiers handle this process. The law ensures prompt recording of all deaths in Colorado. This statute maintains the integrity of state vital records.
C.R.S. § 25-2-117 governs who can obtain certified copies. It establishes the fee structure for vital records. This law protects confidential information from public disclosure. Only those with direct and tangible interest may access restricted records. The statute balances public health needs with privacy protection.
C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers disposition of dead bodies and record retention. Records must be kept for a minimum of seven years. Burial on private land requires recording within 30 days. These rules ensure proper documentation of all deaths. They help maintain accurate cemetery and burial records across Colorado.
The complete vital statistics statutes are available online for public review.
These laws form the legal foundation for all death record processes in the state.
Online Services for Colorado Death Records
Colorado offers convenient online ordering for death certificates. GoCertificates provides one ordering option. This service partners with the state to process requests. You can order any time of day. The system guides you through required information. GoCertificates accepts major credit cards. They offer various shipping speeds.
VitalChek serves as another online option. This nationwide service works with Colorado and other states. VitalChek verifies your identity online. They process orders quickly. Phone support is available at 866-632-2604. Like GoCertificates, they charge state fees plus service fees.
Both services require you to upload identification documents. They use secure systems to protect your data. Processing typically takes up to 30 business days for standard orders. Expedited shipping reduces delivery time. You can track your order status online.
Note: Online ordering fees are higher than mail orders but provide faster processing and convenience.
The GoCertificates portal offers a streamlined ordering experience for Colorado residents.
This service handles all certificate types including standard, legal, and verification copies.
Colorado Death Index Resources
Several websites help you find Colorado death records. DeathIndexes.com offers a comprehensive guide. This site lists county and state resources. It provides links to online databases. The site explains ordering procedures. Researchers find it helpful for starting their search.
FamilySearch.org has Colorado death record collections. This free genealogy site includes indexes. Some collections have images of actual certificates. You can search by name and date. Results show basic death information. This helps you identify records to order officially.
Ancestry.com provides additional Colorado records. This subscription service has death indexes. It includes cemetery records and obituaries. Many libraries offer free Ancestry access. Check with your local library for availability.
The VitalChek system provides nationwide ordering services for Colorado certificates.
This established vendor processes millions of vital record orders annually.
Additional Colorado Death Records Help
Many resources exist to help you find death records in Colorado. The state provides official channels. Private services offer additional options. You should choose based on your specific needs. Consider speed, cost, and convenience. Official state sources provide certified copies. Third-party sites help with research and locating records.
DeathIndexes.com offers a comprehensive Colorado resource page with links to county offices and databases.
This directory helps researchers navigate the many sources for Colorado death information.
Browse Colorado Death Records by County
Each county in Colorado maintains death records for events within its borders. Pick a county below to find local contact information and ordering details for that area.
Colorado Death Records in Major Cities
Residents of major Colorado cities can order death records through their county vital records office. Pick a city below to learn about death record services in that area.