El Paso County Death Index and Records
El Paso County sits at the foot of Pikes Peak. It is home to Colorado Springs. The county holds death records for thousands of residents. These records date back to the late 1800s. You can search the El Paso County Death Index for family history. You can also get certified copies for legal needs. The county vital records office keeps files from 1975 to now. Older records rest with the state. This guide helps you find what you need.
Where to Find El Paso County Death Index Records
Two offices serve El Paso County death record needs. The county office helps with recent deaths. The state office holds older files. Both follow Colorado law. Both can issue certified copies. Pick the office that fits your timeline.
The El Paso County Cemeteries office manages burial records and cemetery data. You can reach them through the Colorado Springs city website. The county health department can also help with death certificate requests. Call ahead to check their current services and hours. This office works best for deaths that occurred in recent decades.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds all state death records. They have files from 1900 to now. You can order online or by mail. The office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Their phone is 303-692-2200. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Use this office for historical deaths in El Paso County.
The image below shows the El Paso County Cemeteries page where you can find burial and cemetery records.
This resource helps locate burial sites and cemetery information for Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.
Note: The state office holds records from 1900 to present, while county resources focus on recent decades and cemetery data.
Types of El Paso County Death Records
Colorado offers three types of death records. Each serves a different purpose. You should select the right one. This saves time and money. It also gets you the proper documentation.
The standard death certificate shows all facts. It includes medical details. It has legal information. It lists the cause of death. It shows where and when death occurred. This is the full record. Most legal matters require this type. Estate work often needs the standard form.
The legal certificate shows less detail. It has legal items only. It has no medical facts. It does not show cause of death. Some banks prefer this type. It works for certain property claims. Privacy concerns make this option popular.
Verification is the third type. It confirms death occurred. It shows limited legal facts. It does not provide full details. This costs less than full certificates. A verification is $17 compared to $25 for the first certified copy. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 governs who can obtain these records.
Note: Choose the certificate type based on your specific need to ensure you have proper documentation.
El Paso County Death Index Fees and Costs
Fees for death records vary by type and method. The state sets base rates. Online services add fees for convenience. Know the costs before you order. This helps you budget properly.
The first copy costs $25 at the state office. Each extra copy in the same order costs $20. These prices apply to mail and walk-in orders. Online orders cost more. VitalChek and GoCertificates add service fees. These can add $10 to $20 to your total. Rush shipping costs extra as well.
Verification costs less. A verification search is $17. This confirms death only. It provides fewer facts. Order online at cdphe.colorado.gov/order-certificate-now. Or call GoCertificates at 800-324-6380. You can also call VitalChek at 866-632-2604.
Note: Online ordering includes additional service fees but provides faster processing than mail requests.
How to Order El Paso County Death Records
You can order death records in three ways. Each method has benefits. Pick what works for your situation. Some ways are faster. Some cost less money.
Online ordering is quickest. Use GoCertificates or VitalChek. Both work with Colorado. You pay by credit card. You get records in about 30 business days. Rush service may be offered. This is best if you need records soon.
Mail orders take longer. Send your request to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include the death details. Include your ID. Include payment. Processing time varies by request volume.
In-person visits offer same-day service. Go to the state office in Denver. Bring valid photo ID. Bring payment. Walk-in service is first come, first served. Call ahead to confirm hours and requirements.
What you need to order:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of death
- City or county where death occurred
- Your valid photo ID
- Proof of relationship if required
- Payment for fees
Note: Have all required information ready before ordering to avoid delays in processing.
Who Can Get El Paso County Death Index Records
Colorado law limits who can get death records. This protects privacy. It prevents fraud. Know the rules before you request records.
Immediate family can always get copies. This includes spouses. This includes parents. This includes children. This includes siblings. They must show ID. They must show relationship. The rules changed in October 2024. Grandparents and grandchildren now need more proof. They need a court order. Or they need to show tangible interest. This is a new rule in Colorado.
Others may qualify. Legal representatives can get records. Insurance companies can get them. Estate executors can too. They must show why they need the record. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 sets these rules. Vital records are not fully public. This keeps sensitive facts secure.
Note: Immediate family members have direct access, while extended family may need court orders or proof of interest.
El Paso County Death Records for Genealogy
Family historians use death records daily. These records hold key facts. They show family connections. They show dates and places. They help build family trees. El Paso County has many records for research.
The Colorado State Archives holds old death records. They have some records before 1908. They have an online search tool. You can search by name. You can search by date. Not all years are digitized. Some need in-person visits. The archives are at 1313 Sherman St., Room 1B-20, Denver, CO 80203. Call 303-866-2358 for help. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
The Pikes Peak Genealogical Society maintains a cemetery database. This resource covers El Paso County burial sites. You can search online for free. This helps locate graves. It also provides family links.
The image below shows the Pikes Peak Genealogical Society cemetery database for researching El Paso County burials.
This free resource helps genealogists find burial locations and family connections in Colorado Springs.
Note: Records before 1908 are limited and may require checking church records and cemetery archives.
El Paso County Death Index in Major Cities
El Paso County has several cities and towns. Each falls under the same county vital records system. Deaths in these areas get filed with the county.
Colorado Springs is the largest city. It serves as the county seat. Most deaths in the county occur here. Fountain is another large city. It sits south of Colorado Springs. Monument lies to the north. Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak. Each of these towns contributes to county death records.
For deaths in these cities, contact the state vital records office. Older records may be at the State Archives. The county may also have recent records. Check with local funeral homes. They often have records too. Cemetery offices can help locate burial sites.
Note: Colorado Springs accounts for most deaths in El Paso County due to its large population.
Colorado Law and El Paso County Death Records
Colorado statutes govern death records. These laws apply to all counties. They cover filing. They cover access. They cover fees. Understanding the law helps you know your rights.
C.R.S. § 25-2-110 requires death certificates be filed quickly. They must be filed within 72 hours. This must happen before burial or cremation. Funeral homes usually handle this. They work with doctors. They work with the county. This ensures timely filing in El Paso County.
C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers record retention. Records must be kept at least 7 years. Some burial facts have special rules. Private land burials must be recorded within 30 days. These rules protect public health. They also help with land records.
Note: Death certificates must be filed within 72 hours according to Colorado state law.