Search Elbert County Death Records

Elbert County Death Records Search

Elbert County lies east of Denver. It is a rural county with small towns. The county holds death records for its residents. These records help families with legal matters. They also aid genealogists with family research. You can search the Elbert County Death Index for information. The county health department keeps recent files. Older records are at the state office. This guide shows you where to look.

Where to Find Elbert County Death Index Records

Two main sources serve Elbert County death record needs. The county health office helps with recent deaths. The state office holds historical files. Both follow Colorado law. Both can issue certified copies when needed.

The Elbert County Department of Public Health manages vital records for the area. You can contact them for death certificate requests. Their phone is 303-621-3190. Call ahead to check their current services and hours. This office works best for deaths that occurred within recent decades.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds all state death records. They maintain files from 1900 to present. You can order online through their portal. You can also request 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.

The image below shows the Elbert County vital records page where you can request death certificates.

Elbert County Public Health vital records page - Elbert County Death Index

This office provides death certificate services for residents of Kiowa, Elizabeth, and surrounding Elbert County areas.

Note: The county office handles recent records, while the state office maintains all death records from 1900 to present.

Types of Elbert County Death Records

Colorado offers three types of death records. Each serves a different purpose. You should select the right one for your needs. This saves both time and money.

The standard death certificate shows complete information. It includes medical details. It lists cause of death. It shows date and place. This is the full record. Most legal matters require this type. Estate settlements need this form.

The legal certificate provides less detail. It omits medical facts. It does not show cause of death. Some institutions prefer this version. It works for banking needs. It serves certain property claims. Privacy makes this option useful.

Verification confirms death occurred. It provides limited legal facts. It does not give full details. This costs less than certificates. Verification is $17. First certified copies cost $25. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 governs access to these records.

Note: Select the certificate type that matches your specific requirement to ensure proper documentation.

Elbert County Death Index Fees and Costs

Fees for death records depend on type and method. The state sets base prices. Online vendors add service charges. Know the costs before ordering.

The first copy costs $25 at state offices. Additional copies cost $20 each. These apply to mail and in-person orders. Online orders cost more. VitalChek and GoCertificates charge extra fees. These range from $10 to $20. Rush shipping adds more cost.

Verification costs $17. This confirms death only. It provides minimal facts. Order online at cdphe.colorado.gov/order-certificate-now. Or call GoCertificates at 800-324-6380. VitalChek is available at 866-632-2604.

Note: Online ordering includes service fees but offers faster processing than traditional mail requests.

How to Order Elbert County Death Records

You can order death records three ways. Each method has advantages. Choose what fits your situation. Some methods are faster.

Online ordering is fastest. Use GoCertificates or VitalChek. Both partner with Colorado. Pay by credit card. Processing takes about 30 business days. Rush service may be available.

Mail orders take longer. Send requests to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include death details. Include your identification. Include payment. Processing varies by volume.

In-person visits provide same-day service. Visit the state office in Denver. Bring valid photo identification. Bring payment. Service is first come, first served. Call ahead to confirm requirements.

What you need to order:

Full legal name of the deceased
Date of death
City and county of death
Your valid photo ID
Proof of relationship when required
Payment for all fees

Note: Prepare all required documents before ordering to prevent processing delays.

Who Can Get Elbert County Death Index Records

Colorado restricts access to death records. This protects privacy. It prevents identity fraud. Learn the rules before requesting.

Immediate family can always obtain copies. This covers spouses. This covers parents. This covers children. This covers siblings. They must provide identification. They must prove relationship. Rules changed in October 2024. Grandparents and grandchildren now need extra documentation. They need court orders. Or they must show tangible interest.

Others may qualify. Legal representatives can access records. Insurance companies can obtain them. Estate administrators can too. They must demonstrate need. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 establishes these rules. Vital records remain confidential. This protects sensitive information.

Note: Immediate family has direct access, while extended family may need additional proof or court orders.

Elbert County Death Records for Genealogy

Family historians rely on death records. These documents contain vital facts. They reveal family connections. They establish dates and locations. They help construct family trees. Elbert County offers records for researchers.

The Colorado State Archives preserves old death records. They hold some records before 1908. They provide an online search tool. Search by name. Search by date. Not all records are digitized. Some require visits. The archives are 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.

Death records before 1908 are sparse. Contact the State Archives. They may suggest other sources. Some church records survive. Some cemetery records help. Local historical societies may assist. Elbert County has historical groups. They may hold additional records.

Note: Pre-1908 records are limited and may require checking multiple sources.

Elbert County Death Index in Major Cities

Elbert County has several small communities. Each falls under county vital records jurisdiction. Deaths in these towns are filed with the county.

Kiowa serves as the county seat. It is the largest town in Elbert County. Elizabeth is another community. It sits along the county border. Simla lies to the east. Matheson sits to the north. Each contributes to county death records.

For deaths in these towns, contact the state vital records office. Older records may be at the State Archives. Check with local funeral homes. They often maintain records. Cemetery offices can locate burial sites.

Note: Kiowa serves as the primary location for county government and records in Elbert County.

Colorado Law and Elbert County Death Records

Colorado statutes control death records. These laws apply statewide. They govern filing. They govern access. They govern fees. Understanding the law protects your rights.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 mandates quick filing. Death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. This occurs before burial or cremation. Funeral directors handle this process. They coordinate with physicians. They work with counties. This ensures proper filing in Elbert County.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 addresses record keeping. Records must be retained at least 7 years. Burial on private land has special rules. Such burials must be recorded within 30 days. These rules protect public health. They also preserve land records.

Note: Colorado law requires death certificate filing within 72 hours of death.