Chaffee County Death Records and Vital Statistics

Chaffee County lies in central Colorado. It is home to Buena Vista and Salida. The county sits in the Arkansas River Valley. It is surrounded by mountains. Death records here date back many decades. The state holds most records. This guide shows you how to find them.

Where to Find Chaffee County Death Index Records

Chaffee County does not have a separate vital records office. You will use state resources. This is typical for smaller Colorado counties. The state maintains official records.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds all death records. They maintain records from 1900 to the present. This includes all Chaffee County deaths. Their office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Call 303-692-2200. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You can order online. You can order by mail. You can visit in person. Online is fastest for most people. Use GoCertificates or VitalChek. Both charge service fees. Processing takes about 30 business days.

The image below shows the Colorado State Archives search page for finding historical death records.

This search tool helps locate historical death records from Chaffee County and other Colorado counties in the archives collection.

The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Some pre-1908 records exist. These are limited. They are located at 1313 Sherman St., Room 1B-20, Denver, CO 80203. Call 303-866-2358. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Note: Chaffee County relies on the Colorado state office for all death records from 1900 to present.

Types of Chaffee County Death Records

Colorado offers three record types. Each has a purpose. Choose based on your needs. The right choice matters.

Standard certificates are full records. They show all legal facts. They show all medical facts. Cause of death is included. This is the most common type. It works for most needs. Cost is $25 for first copy. Additional copies are $20.

Legal certificates cost the same. But they show less information. Medical facts are removed. Cause of death is excluded. Only legal facts appear. Some legal uses need this. It protects health privacy.

Verifications are the cheapest. They cost $17. They confirm death happened. They give limited legal facts. No medical facts appear. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 controls who can get copies. Death records are confidential.

Note: Consider what information you need when choosing between certificate types.

Chaffee County Death Index Fees and Costs

Fees are set at the state level. Chaffee County follows these rates. All counties pay the same. Know the costs.

First certified copy is $25. Additional copies in same order are $20 each. This applies to standard and legal certificates. Verifications are $17 each. No discount for multiple verifications.

Online orders have extra fees. GoCertificates and VitalChek add $10 to $20. Rush shipping costs more. Mail orders cost base rate only. But they take longer. In-person orders cost base rate.

Order online at cdphe.colorado.gov/order-certificate-now. Or call GoCertificates at 800-324-6380. Or call VitalChek at 866-632-2604.

Note: Third-party online vendors charge service fees in addition to state certificate costs.

How to Order Chaffee County Death Records

Three methods exist. Online. By mail. In person. Each works. Choose what fits your needs.

Online is fastest for most. Use GoCertificates or VitalChek. Pay by credit card. Provide death information. Processing is about 30 business days. Rush may be available.

Mail works for those not in a hurry. Send to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include deceased name. Include date and place of death. Include your ID and payment.

In-person suits urgent needs. Visit the Denver office during hours. Bring photo ID. Bring payment. Same-day service is possible.

Required information:

• Full legal name of deceased
• Complete date of death
• City and county of death
• Your government-issued photo ID
• Proof of relationship
• Payment

Note: Complete information ensures faster processing of your Chaffee County death record request.

Who Can Get Chaffee County Death Index Records

Access is limited by law. Privacy is protected. Fraud is prevented. Know the rules.

Immediate family can request. Spouses can. Parents can. Children can. Siblings can. They must prove identity. They must prove relationship. IDs are needed. Birth or marriage records help.

Rules changed in October 2024. Grandparents need more now. Grandchildren need more now. Court orders are required. Or tangible interest must be shown. This affects many. Plan accordingly.

Others may qualify. Legal reps may. Estate execs may. Insurance companies may. They need legitimate purpose. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 sets the rules. Records are confidential.

Note: Extended family access became more restrictive in October 2024.

Chaffee County Death Records for Family History

Genealogists need death records. They hold key data. Names. Dates. Relationships. Places. Chaffee County has records going back many years.

The Colorado State Archives is the starting point. Online search is available. Many records are digitized. Search by name. Search by year. Some have images. Visit in person for more.

Pre-1908 records are scarce. Colorado had no standard reporting. Church records may exist. Cemetery records may help. Check the Archives search page. Local sources may help.

Note: Early Chaffee County death records may require checking church and cemetery sources.

Chaffee County Local Resources

Chaffee County is a mountain community. Salida is the county seat. Buena Vista is another town. The county has outdoor recreation. Local resources may help.

The Chaffee County Government provides local services. Staff can answer questions. They can direct you to resources. For vital records, use the state office. Local staff may know history sources.

Local libraries can help. They may have historical collections. Old newspapers may be available. Obituaries provide death facts. Staff may know other resources. Historical societies may assist. They may have family histories. They may know early residents.

Note: Local libraries and historical societies may provide supplemental genealogical resources for Chaffee County.

Colorado Law Governing Chaffee County Death Records

State law applies to all counties. Chaffee County follows these laws. Filing rules. Access rules. Fee rules.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 mandates quick filing. Death certificates within 72 hours. Before final disposition. Funeral homes file them. Doctors help. State gets records. Official record made.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers keeping records. Minimum 7 years. Private burials recorded within 30 days. Laws protect public. Statistics stay accurate.

Note: Colorado law requires death certificates be filed within 72 hours of death.