Colorado Springs Death Records Search

Colorado Springs Death Index records are maintained at the county level. The city sits in El Paso County. Deaths in Colorado Springs are filed with El Paso County vital records. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also holds records. This guide explains where to find death certificates for Colorado Springs residents.

Colorado Springs Death Records at El Paso County Level

Vital records in Colorado are county-based. Colorado Springs follows this rule. The city does not keep its own death records. Instead, El Paso County handles all vital records for the area. This is important to understand. Many residents look for a city office first. They should contact the county instead.

El Paso County vital records can issue death certificates. They have records from 1975 to present. For older records, contact the state office. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds records from 1900 onward. Their office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Call 303-692-2200 for help.

Deaths that occurred in Colorado Springs are filed with El Paso County. This includes deaths at hospitals. It includes deaths at home. It includes deaths at care facilities. The county registrar processes all certificates. Funeral homes file with the county directly.

The El Paso County cemeteries page is shown below.

This resource provides information about cemetery records in the Colorado Springs area.

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

How to Order Colorado Springs Death Index Records

Getting death records for Colorado Springs requires contacting the right office. You have several options. Each has different processing times.

Online ordering works for all Colorado death records. The state contracts with two services. GoCertificates processes orders at 800-324-6380. VitalChek handles orders at 866-632-2604. Both charge state fees plus service fees. Processing takes about 30 business days.

Mail orders go to the state office. Send requests to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include full name of deceased, date of death, place of death, your relationship, and payment. Make checks payable to Vital Records Section.

In-person visits offer faster service. Visit the state office in Denver. Some El Paso County services may also be available. Call ahead to confirm. Bring valid photo ID. Bring payment method.

Note: Online and phone orders through GoCertificates or VitalChek include additional processing fees.

Colorado Springs Death Record Fees

Death certificate fees are set by Colorado law. They apply statewide. Colorado Springs deaths follow these same rates.

The first certified copy costs $25. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These fees go to the state. They apply to standard certificates. They apply to legal certificates. Both types cost the same.

Verification costs less. A verification search is $17. This confirms a death occurred. It provides limited facts. It is not a full certificate. Use it when you only need proof of death. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 establishes these fees.

Online vendors add service charges. GoCertificates and VitalChek charge extra. These cover their processing costs. Rush shipping costs more too. Standard shipping is usually included.

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

Types of Colorado Springs Death Records Available

Colorado issues three types of death records. These apply to Colorado Springs deaths. Each type serves different needs.

Standard certificates contain all information. They show legal facts. They show medical facts. They include cause of death. This is the complete record. Most legal matters need this type. Estates require it. Insurance claims use it.

Legal certificates omit medical details. They show legal facts only. They do not list cause of death. Some organizations prefer this. Banks may want it. Some government agencies accept it.

Verifications provide basic facts. They confirm death occurred. They show limited legal information. They cost less. They work for simple proof needs. They are not certified copies.

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

Who Can Get Colorado Springs Death Records

Access to death records is restricted. Colorado law protects privacy. Not everyone can order copies. You must meet eligibility rules.

Immediate family has automatic access. Spouses can order. Parents can order. Children can order. Siblings can order. They must show ID. They must show relationship. This is the easiest path to obtain records.

Rules changed in October 2024. Extended family faces new limits. Grandparents need extra proof. Grandchildren need extra proof. They need court orders. Or they need to show tangible interest. This affects genealogists. Plan accordingly if you are in this group.

Others may qualify with proper documentation. Legal representatives can access records. They must show they represent the estate. Insurance companies can get records. They must show a claim exists. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 defines direct and tangible interest.

Note: Immediate family members can obtain records with proof of relationship, while extended family may need court orders.

Colorado Springs Death Records for Genealogy

Family historians find resources in Colorado Springs. The Pikes Peak region has rich history. Several sources help with research.

The Colorado State Archives holds old records. They have death records before 1908. They have indexes for later years. Visit them in Denver. Or search their online databases. The archives are at 1313 Sherman St. Call 303-866-2358.

The Pikes Peak Genealogical Society maintains cemetery records. They have databases for El Paso County. These help locate burial sites. They help find death dates. The society offers research help. They meet regularly in Colorado Springs.

The Pikes Peak Genealogical Society cemetery database is shown below.

This database helps researchers find cemetery and burial records in El Paso County.

Note: Cemetery databases and genealogical societies provide valuable resources for researching Colorado Springs area deaths.

El Paso County Death Records in Nearby Cities

Colorado Springs is the largest city in El Paso County. Other communities also fall under the county vital records system. Deaths in these areas are filed with El Paso County.

Fountain sits south of Colorado Springs. It is a growing community. Deaths there go to El Paso County. Monument lies to the north. It serves the Tri-Lakes area. Deaths there are also county records. Manitou Springs is west of Colorado Springs. It is a historic town. Its death records are with the county.

Woodland Park is in Teller County. Do not confuse it with El Paso County. Calhan is east of Colorado Springs. It is in El Paso County. Peyton is northeast. It is also in El Paso County. Always verify which county a death occurred in.

Note: Verify the county where death occurred, as Colorado Springs area suburbs may be in El Paso, Teller, or other counties.

Colorado Law and Colorado Springs Death Records

State law governs all death records. This includes Colorado Springs. The laws cover filing. They cover access. They cover fees.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 sets filing rules. Death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. This must happen before burial. Funeral directors handle this. They work with physicians. They file with the county. This creates an official record.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers record retention. Records must be kept 7 years minimum. Burial on private land has special rules. It must be recorded within 30 days. These rules apply statewide.

Note: All Colorado death records must be filed within 72 hours of death and prior to final disposition.