Centennial Death Records and Vital Index

Centennial Death Index records are maintained by Arapahoe County. The city sits south of Denver. It is a relatively new city. Centennial was incorporated in 2001. It is now one of Colorado's largest cities. Death records are filed with the county. This guide shows how to find death certificates.

Centennial Death Records at Arapahoe County Level

Colorado maintains vital records at the county level. Centennial follows this system. The city does not have a vital records office. Arapahoe County handles all death records for the area. This is standard across Colorado.

Arapahoe County vital records serves Centennial residents. They issue certified death certificates. They have records from 1975 to present. Contact Arapahoe County Public Health for service. They handle walk-in requests. They accept mail orders too.

For older records, contact the state. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds records from 1900. Their Denver office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. Call 303-692-2200.

The Colorado State Archives page is shown below.

This resource provides access to historical death records that predate modern county record keeping systems.

Note: Centennial residents must contact Arapahoe County for death certificates, as cities in Colorado do not maintain vital records.

How to Order Centennial Death Index Records

Multiple ordering options exist. Choose based on your needs. Each method has different processing times.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment handles all state orders. They have Centennial area records from 1900 onward. Order online, by mail, or in person. Their Denver office serves the entire state.

Online ordering is convenient. 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 provide faster service. Contact Arapahoe County directly. Ask about walk-in hours. Ask about their location. Bring ID. Bring payment. Call ahead to confirm.

Note: The state CDPHE office can provide death certificates for any Centennial location dating back to 1900.

Centennial Death Record Fees and Costs

Fees are set by Colorado law. They apply statewide. Arapahoe County follows state rates. Centennial residents pay standard fees.

First certified copies cost $25. Additional copies are $20 each. These fees apply to standard certificates. They apply to legal certificates. They are the same across Colorado.

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

Online vendors add service charges. Expect extra fees. Rush shipping costs more. Budget for these additions.

Note: Verification at $17 provides a lower-cost option when you only need to confirm a death occurred.

Types of Centennial Death Records Available

Three types of death records exist in Colorado. Centennial deaths can have any type. Choose based on your situation.

Standard certificates are complete. They contain all legal information. They contain all medical information. They list cause of death. This is the full record. Most legal purposes need this.

Legal certificates omit medical facts. They contain legal information only. They do not show cause of death. Some uses prefer this. It protects privacy.

Verifications provide basic confirmation. They prove death occurred. They have limited information. They cost less than certificates.

Note: Choose the standard certificate for most legal purposes, or the legal certificate when medical information should remain private.

Who Can Get Centennial Death Records

Access is limited by law. Privacy protection is important. Eligibility rules apply statewide. Centennial follows Colorado standards.

Immediate family members can order. Spouses can order. Parents can order. Children can order. Siblings can order. Show your identification. Show your relationship. The process is straightforward.

Rules changed in October 2024. Extended family has new limits. Grandparents need additional proof. Grandchildren need additional proof. Court orders may be required. Or demonstrate tangible interest.

Legal representatives qualify. Insurance companies qualify. Government agencies qualify. Each must show proper authority. Each must show legitimate need. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 governs access.

Note: Immediate family members have direct access to Centennial death records with proper identification.

Centennial Death Records for Genealogy

Family historians research Centennial deaths. The city is relatively new. It incorporated in 2001. Before that, the area was unincorporated Arapahoe County. Records may be under county jurisdiction.

The Colorado State Archives holds historical records. They have records before 1908. They have indexes for later years. Visit in Denver. Use their online search. Call 303-866-2358.

The area was largely rural before development. Many families are recent arrivals. Check records from other states. Earlier generations may have lived elsewhere. The State Archives can help trace movements.

Arapahoe County Genealogical Society may help. They have resources for the area. Contact them for research assistance. They know local sources.

Note: Centennial was incorporated in 2001, so earlier death records for this area are filed under Arapahoe County.

Arapahoe County Death Records Near Centennial

Centennial is one of several cities in Arapahoe County. All use the county vital records system. The same office serves them all.

Littleton borders Centennial. It spans three counties. Part is in Arapahoe County. That part uses Arapahoe County records. Englewood is nearby. It is in Arapahoe County. Deaths there go to the same office.

Greenwood Village is north of Centennial. It is in Arapahoe County. Sheridan is also in the county. All use Arapahoe County for death records.

Aurora extends into Arapahoe County. Part of Aurora is served by this office. Most of Aurora is also in Adams County. Verify the county for Aurora deaths.

Note: Centennial, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and parts of Littleton and Aurora all use Arapahoe County for death records.

Colorado Law and Centennial Death Records

State law governs all death records. Centennial follows these laws. Arapahoe County follows them. They apply across Colorado.

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

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 sets retention requirements. Records must be kept 7 years. Private land burials must be recorded within 30 days. These rules ensure proper documentation.

Note: Colorado law requires death certificates to be filed within 72 hours of death, before final disposition can occur.