Arvada Death Records Search Guide

Arvada Death Index records are maintained at the county level. The city spans two counties. Most of Arvada is in Jefferson County. Part extends into Adams County. Deaths are filed with the county where they occurred. This guide helps Arvada residents find the right office.

Arvada Death Records Across Two Counties

Arvada is unique. It sits in two counties. The majority is in Jefferson County. The eastern edge is in Adams County. This affects death records. You must know which county to contact.

Most Arvada deaths go to Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Public Health handles these. They have records from 1975 to present. Call 303-271-6450. Walk-in service is available. This covers most of the city.

Eastern Arvada is in Adams County. The Adams County Health Department handles these deaths. Their office is at 7190 Colorado Blvd., Ste. 170, Commerce City, CO 80022. Call 720-200-1401.

For older records, contact the state. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has records from 1900. Their office is in Denver. Call 303-692-2200.

The Jefferson County vital records page is shown below.

This office handles death certificate requests for most Arvada locations, as the majority of the city is in Jefferson County.

Note: Since Arvada spans two counties, you must determine which county the death occurred in before requesting records.

How to Order Arvada Death Index Records

Getting Arvada death records requires knowing the county. Once you know, you have options. The state office can also help.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has all state records. They can search for any Arvada death. They have records from 1900 to present. Visit their Denver office. Or order online.

Online ordering is available. Use GoCertificates at 800-324-6380. Or VitalChek at 866-632-2604. Both process Colorado orders. Standard processing takes about 30 business days.

County offices may be faster. Contact Jefferson County for most Arvada deaths. Contact Adams County for eastern Arvada. Call ahead. Check hours. Bring ID and payment.

Note: The state CDPHE office can locate death records for any Arvada location regardless of which county the death occurred in.

Arvada Death Record Fees and Costs

Fees are the same across Colorado. Both counties charge the same. The state charges the same. Arvada residents pay standard rates.

First certified copies are $25. Additional copies are $20 each. These fees apply everywhere in Colorado. They are set by state law.

Verification costs $17. This confirms death. It provides limited facts. It is not a certified copy. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 sets these fees.

Online services add fees. Expect extra charges. Rush shipping costs more. Plan accordingly.

Note: Fees are standardized statewide, so costs are identical whether you order from Jefferson County, Adams County, or the state office.

Types of Arvada Death Records Available

Three types exist in Colorado. Arvada deaths can have any type. Choose based on your needs.

Standard certificates are full records. They show legal information. They show medical information. They list cause of death. This is the most complete option. Most purposes need this.

Legal certificates omit medical details. They show legal facts only. No cause of death appears. Some uses prefer this.

Verifications give basic proof. They confirm death. They have limited information. They cost less.

Note: Standard certificates include full medical details while legal certificates provide only non-medical information for privacy.

Who Can Get Arvada Death Records

Access is restricted. Privacy laws protect families. Eligibility is the same for both counties. Arvada follows Colorado rules.

Immediate family can order. Spouses qualify. Parents qualify. Children qualify. Siblings qualify. Show ID. Show relationship. The process is simple.

New rules took effect in October 2024. Extended family faces limits. Grandparents need extra proof. Grandchildren need extra proof. Court orders may be needed. Or show tangible interest.

Legal representatives qualify. Insurance companies qualify. Government agencies qualify. Show proper authority. Show legitimate need. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 covers access.

Note: Eligibility requirements are identical regardless of whether the death record is held by Jefferson County or Adams County.

Arvada Death Records for Genealogy Research

Family historians find Arvada resources. The city has pioneer history. It was founded in 1870. Oldest records are at the State Archives.

The Colorado State Archives holds historical records. They have pre-1908 records. They have indexes. Visit in Denver. Or search online. Call 303-866-2358.

Arvada was an agricultural community. It grew slowly at first. Post-war growth changed it. Many families have deep roots. Check county records. Check state records. Check cemetery records.

Cemeteries may have burial records. Arvada Cemetery is historic. Contact them directly. They may have old registers.

Note: Arvada was founded in 1870, and early death records may be found at the Colorado State Archives or in historic cemetery records.

Finding Which County Holds Arvada Death Records

Knowing the county is important. Arvada spans two. Deaths go to the county where they happened. Here are tips for finding the right office.

Most of Arvada is in Jefferson County. This includes Olde Town Arvada. It includes most residential areas. It includes Ralston Valley. When in doubt, try Jefferson County first. Call 303-271-6450.

Eastern Arvada is in Adams County. This includes areas near Highway 2. It includes some newer developments. Check county maps if unsure. The county line runs through the city.

The state office has all records. When county is uncertain, contact CDPHE. They can search statewide. Their number is 303-692-2200.

Note: If you are unsure which county holds the record, contact the state CDPHE office at 303-692-2200 for assistance.

Colorado Law and Arvada Death Records

State law applies to all death records. Arvada follows these laws. Both counties follow them. They cover the entire state.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 requires filing within 72 hours. This must happen before burial. Funeral homes handle this. Doctors certify. Counties receive records.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 sets retention rules. Records must be kept 7 years. Private land burials need recording within 30 days. These rules ensure accuracy.

Note: Colorado law requires death certificates to be filed within 72 hours of death regardless of which county the death occurred in.