Denver Death Records and Vital Index

Denver Death Index records help families and researchers find vital records in Colorado's capital. The city and county share the same boundaries. Denver vital records date back to 1900. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment handles local requests. State records are also available through CDPHE. This guide shows how to find death certificates for Denver residents.

Denver Death Records at County Level

Colorado vital records are maintained at the county level. Denver is unique. It is both a city and a county. This means Denver residents use one office for all death records. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment serves as both city and county vital records office.

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment issues death certificates for deaths in Denver. They keep records from 1908 to present. You can visit their office at 120 W. 5th Ave., Denver, CO. Call them at 720-295-7964 to check hours. Walk-in service is available. Mail orders are also accepted.

For deaths before 1908, contact the Colorado State Archives. The archives hold some early Denver death records. Their collection includes records before statewide registration began. Visit them at 1313 Sherman St., Room 1B-20, Denver, CO 80203. Call 303-866-2358 for assistance.

The Denver vital records office page is shown below.

This office handles all death certificate requests for deaths occurring within Denver city and county limits.

Note: Since Denver is both a city and county, all vital records for Denver deaths are filed with the Denver DDPHE office.

How to Order Denver Death Index Records

You have several ways to get Denver death certificates. Each method has different time frames. Some cost more than others. Pick the option that fits your needs.

Online ordering is the most convenient method. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment uses two services. GoCertificates and VitalChek both process Denver death records. Call GoCertificates at 800-324-6380. Call VitalChek at 866-632-2604. Online orders take about 30 business days. Rush service may be available for extra fees.

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Go to the Denver DDPHE office at 120 W. 5th Ave. Bring valid photo ID. Bring payment. Same-day service may be possible. Call 720-295-7964 before visiting. Hours may vary.

Mail orders work for those who cannot visit. Send your request to Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, 120 W. 5th Ave., Denver, CO. Include the full name of deceased, date of death, your relationship, and payment. Processing time varies.

Note: In-person visits to the Denver office typically provide the fastest service for death certificate requests.

Denver Death Record Fees and Costs

Death certificate fees in Denver follow state guidelines. The first copy costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $20. These prices apply to certified copies.

Verification searches cost less. A verification confirms death occurred. It provides limited legal information. The fee is $17. This option works when you only need proof of death. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 sets the fee structure for all Colorado vital records.

Online services add processing fees. GoCertificates and VitalChek charge extra. These fees cover their convenience services. Total costs depend on shipping speed. Standard processing takes about 30 days.

Note: Online ordering includes additional service fees beyond the state certificate costs.

Types of Denver Death Records Available

Colorado offers three types of death records. Denver follows these same types. Each serves a different purpose. Choose the right one for your needs.

The standard certificate shows all information. It includes legal facts and medical details. It lists the cause of death. This is the most complete record. Most families need this type. It works for estates and insurance claims.

The legal certificate shows legal items only. It omits medical information. It does not show cause of death. Some institutions prefer this type. Banks may request it. Property matters may need it.

Verification provides basic confirmation. It shows that death occurred. It has limited legal facts. It costs less than full certificates. This type works when you need simple proof.

Note: The standard certificate includes cause of death while the legal certificate omits this information for privacy reasons.

Who Can Access Denver Death Records

Colorado law restricts access to death records. This protects family privacy. Not everyone can get a certified copy. You must qualify under state law.

Immediate family members can order copies. This includes spouses, parents, children, and siblings. You must show proof of relationship. You must show valid ID. The process is straightforward for close family.

Extended family rules changed in October 2024. Grandparents and grandchildren now need more proof. They need a court order. Or they must show tangible interest. This is a new rule. It affects many researchers. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 covers these eligibility requirements.

Legal representatives can also order records. Funeral directors can obtain them. Insurance companies may access them for claims. Government agencies can get them for official use. Each must show proper purpose.

Note: As of October 2024, grandparents and grandchildren need court orders or proof of tangible interest to obtain death records.

Denver Death Records for Family History Research

Genealogists find rich resources in Denver. The city has old records. The State Archives are located here. Research is convenient for local residents.

The Colorado State Archives holds historical Denver death records. They have records before 1908. They have indexes for many years. You can search online. You can visit in person. The archives are at 1313 Sherman St., Room 1B-20. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

The Denver Public Library offers obituary indexes. Their collection helps locate newspaper records. Many Denver newspapers are indexed. This includes the Rocky Mountain News. The library provides free access to researchers.

The Denver Public Library obituary search page is shown below.

This resource helps genealogists find newspaper death notices and obituaries for Denver residents.

Note: The State Archives and Denver Public Library both offer valuable resources for genealogy research in Denver.

Historical Denver Death Index Records

Denver has a long history. Death records reflect this. Early records are scattered. Some are at the State Archives. Some are with historical societies. Finding old records takes patience.

Records from 1900 to 1908 are limited. Statewide registration began in 1900. Compliance took time. Early records may be incomplete. The State Archives has what survives. Contact them for help. They may know where to look for missing records.

Cemetery records can help. Many Denver cemeteries have burial records. These may predate death certificates. Riverside Cemetery is historic. Fairmount Cemetery has old records. Contact cemeteries directly. They may have burial registers.

Note: Death records before 1908 may be incomplete and require checking cemetery records or church archives.

Colorado Law Governing Denver Death Records

Colorado statutes control death records. These laws apply statewide. Denver follows them. They cover filing and access. They cover fees and retention.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 requires prompt filing. Death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. This must happen before burial. Funeral homes handle this. They work with doctors. They file with the vital records office. This ensures timely recording.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers record keeping. Records must be kept at least 7 years. Private land burials have special rules. They must be recorded within 30 days. These rules protect public health. They help track burial sites.

Note: Colorado law requires death certificates to be filed within 72 hours and prior to final disposition.