Westminster Death Records and Vital Index

Westminster Death Index records span two counties. The city sits in both Adams and Jefferson Counties. Most of Westminster is in Adams County. The western portion is in Jefferson County. Death records go to the county where death occurred. This guide helps you find the right office.

Westminster Death Records at County Level

Colorado vital records are county-based. Westminster crosses county lines. You must know which county to contact. This depends on where in Westminster the death occurred.

Most of Westminster is in Adams County. This includes the eastern and central areas. 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.

Western Westminster is in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Public Health handles these. They have records from 1975 to present. Call 303-271-6450.

For all records, the state can help. 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 Jefferson County vital records page is shown below for reference.

This office handles death certificate requests for the portion of Westminster located in Jefferson County.

Note: Since Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson Counties, you must determine which county the death occurred in before requesting records.

How to Order Westminster Death Index Records

Multiple ordering options exist. Choose based on your timeline and needs. Knowing the county helps speed the process.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has all state records. They can search for any Westminster death. Order online, by mail, or in person. Their office is in Denver.

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

County offices may offer faster service. Contact Adams County for most of Westminster. Contact Jefferson County for western areas. Call ahead. Check hours. Bring ID and payment.

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

Westminster Death Record Fees and Costs

Fees are set by Colorado law. They are the same statewide. Both counties charge identical rates. The state charges the same.

First certified copies cost $25. Additional copies are $20 each. These fees apply everywhere in Colorado. They are uniform.

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

Online vendors add service fees. Expect extra charges. Rush shipping costs more. Factor this into your budget.

Note: Fees are standardized across Colorado, so Westminster residents pay the same regardless of which county office they use.

Types of Westminster Death Records Available

Three types of death records exist in Colorado. Westminster 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 proceedings, or the legal certificate when medical information should remain private.

Who Can Get Westminster Death Records

Access is limited by law. Privacy protection applies. Eligibility rules are the same for both counties. Westminster 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: Eligibility requirements are identical whether the death record is held by Adams County or Jefferson County.

Westminster Death Records for Genealogy

Family historians research Westminster deaths. The city was incorporated in 1911. Earlier records may be harder to find. The area was rural before that.

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.

Westminster grew slowly at first. Post-war development changed it. Many families moved in during the 1960s and 1970s. Check where families lived before. Earlier records may be from other states.

Cemetery records may help. Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery is in Westminster. Contact them for burial records. They may have old registers.

Note: Westminster was incorporated in 1911, and earlier deaths in this area may be found in Adams or Jefferson County records.

Finding Which County Holds Westminster Death Records

Knowing the county is essential. Westminster spans two. Here are tips for determining the right office.

Most of Westminster is in Adams County. This includes the eastern portions. It includes the historic downtown area. When in doubt, start with Adams County. Call 720-200-1401.

Western Westminster is in Jefferson County. This includes areas near the foothills. Check county maps if unsure. The county line runs through the city.

The state office can help. When county is uncertain, contact CDPHE. They can search all Colorado records. They have everything from 1900 onward.

Note: If you cannot determine which county holds the record, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for assistance.

Colorado Law and Westminster Death Records

State law governs all death records. Westminster follows these laws. Both counties follow them. They apply statewide.

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.