Search Fremont County Death Records

Fremont County Death Records and Index

Fremont County sits in central Colorado. The Arkansas River runs through it. The county holds death records for its residents. These records span many decades. Families use them for legal matters. Genealogists use them for research. You can search the Fremont County Death Index for information. The county health department keeps recent files. The state holds older records. This guide explains where to search.

Where to Find Fremont County Death Index Records

Two offices serve Fremont County death record needs. The county health office assists with recent deaths. The state office holds all historical files. Both follow Colorado law. Both can issue certified copies.

The Fremont County Public Health and Environment manages vital records for the county. You can contact them for death certificate requests. Their phone is 719-276-7452. Call ahead to verify current services and hours. This office works best for deaths that occurred in recent years.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all state death records. They have files from 1900 to present. You can order online through their secure portal. You can also visit their Denver office. The address is 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 Fremont County Public Health vital records page where you can request death certificates.

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

This office provides death certificate services for residents of Cañon City, Florence, and other Fremont County communities.

Note: The county office focuses on recent records, while the state office maintains the complete collection from 1900.

Types of Fremont County Death Records

Colorado provides three types of death records. Each serves a different purpose. You should pick the right one. This saves both time and expense.

The standard death certificate contains all information. It includes medical details. It lists cause of death. It shows date and location. This is the complete record. Most legal proceedings require this type. Estate work needs this form.

The legal certificate contains less detail. It excludes medical facts. It does not include cause of death. Some organizations prefer this version. It works for banking purposes. It serves property transfer needs. Privacy concerns make this option appealing.

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

Note: Choose the certificate type based on your specific need to ensure you receive proper documentation.

Fremont County Death Index Fees and Costs

Fees for death records vary by type and ordering method. The state sets base rates. Online services add convenience fees. Know the prices before you order.

The first copy costs $25 at state offices. Each additional copy costs $20. These rates apply to mail and walk-in orders. Online orders cost more. VitalChek and GoCertificates charge service fees. These typically add $10 to $20. Rush shipping costs extra.

Verification costs $17. This confirms death only. It provides minimal information. 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 mail-in requests.

How to Order Fremont County Death Records

You can order death records three ways. Each method has benefits. Select what works for your situation. Some methods provide faster results.

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

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

In-person visits offer 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 current requirements.

What you need to order:

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

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

Who Can Get Fremont County Death Index Records

Colorado limits access to death records. This protects individual privacy. It prevents fraud. Understand the rules before requesting.

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

Other parties may qualify. Legal representatives can access records. Insurance companies can obtain them. Estate administrators can as well. They must show legitimate need. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 establishes these regulations. Vital records remain protected. This safeguards sensitive data.

Note: Immediate family members have direct access, while extended family may need court authorization.

Fremont County Death Records for Genealogy

Family historians depend on death records. These documents contain essential facts. They reveal family connections. They establish dates and places. They help build family trees. Fremont County provides records for researchers.

The Colorado State Archives maintains historical death records. They hold some records from before 1908. They offer an online search tool. Search by name. Search by date. Not all records are digitized. Some require in-person research. 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 limited. Contact the State Archives. They may direct you to other sources. Some church records exist. Some cemetery records help. Local historical societies may assist. Fremont County has historical organizations. They may hold additional materials.

Note: Records from before 1908 are sparse and may require consulting multiple sources.

Fremont County Death Index in Major Cities

Fremont County contains several communities. Each falls under county vital records authority. Deaths in these towns are filed with the county.

Cañon City serves as the county seat. It is the largest city in Fremont County. Florence is another significant community. It sits east of Cañon City. Cotopaxi lies to the west. Howard is another small town. Each contributes to county death records.

For deaths in these communities, contact the state vital records office. Older records may be at the State Archives. Check with local funeral directors. They often maintain records. Cemetery offices can help find burial locations.

Note: Cañon City is the primary population center and county seat for Fremont County government.

Colorado Law and Fremont County Death Records

Colorado statutes regulate death records. These laws apply throughout the state. They control filing. They control access. They control fees. Knowing the law helps protect your interests.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 requires prompt filing. Death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. This happens before burial or cremation. Funeral homes typically handle this. They coordinate with physicians. They work with county offices. This ensures timely filing in Fremont County.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers record retention. Records must be kept at least 7 years. Private land burials have special requirements. Such burials must be recorded within 30 days. These rules protect public health. They also maintain land records.

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