Garfield County Death Records Index

Garfield County sits in western Colorado. The Colorado River runs through it. Glenwood Springs serves as the county seat. The county maintains death records for all residents. These records help families with legal needs. They help genealogists trace family history. You can search the Garfield County Death Index online. The state office holds most records. This guide shows you how to find them.

Where to Find Garfield County Death Index Records

Two sources serve Garfield County death record requests. The state office holds all official records. County resources may help with recent events. Both follow Colorado vital records law.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all death records. They have 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 Colorado State Archives holds historical records. They have some death records before 1908. Genealogists use this resource often. 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.

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

This resource helps researchers find historical death records for Garfield County and all of Colorado.

Note: The state office holds all death records from 1900, while the archives specialize in pre-1908 historical records.

Types of Garfield County Death Records

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

The standard death certificate shows all facts. It includes medical details. It lists cause of death. It shows date and place. This is the full record. Most legal matters need this type. Estate work requires this form.

The legal certificate shows less detail. It has legal items only. It omits medical facts. It does not show cause of death. Some banks want this type. It works for property claims. Privacy makes this option useful.

Verification is the third type. It confirms death occurred. It shows limited legal facts. It does not give full details. This costs less. Verification is $17. First certified copies cost $25. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 governs access.

Note: Select the certificate type that fits your specific need to ensure proper documentation.

Garfield County Death Index Fees and Costs

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

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

Verification costs less. A verification is $17. This confirms death only. It has 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 extra service fees but provides faster processing than mail.

How to Order Garfield County Death Records

You can order death records three ways. Each way has pros and cons. Pick what works for you. Some ways are faster.

Online ordering is fastest. Use GoCertificates or VitalChek. Both work with Colorado. You pay by card. You get records in 30 business days. Rush service may be offered.

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 facts. Include your ID. Include payment. Processing varies.

In-person visits work for same-day service. Go to the state office in Denver. Bring valid ID. Bring payment. Walk-in service is first come, first served. Call ahead to confirm hours.

What you need to order:

• Full name of the person who died
• Date of death
• City or county where death occurred
• Your valid photo ID
• Proof of relationship if required
• Payment for fees

Note: Bring all required documents to avoid delays in processing.

Who Can Get Garfield County Death Index Records

Colorado law limits who can get death records. This protects privacy. It stops fraud. Know the rules before you order.

Immediate family can always get copies. This means spouses. This means parents. This means children. This means siblings. They need to show ID. They need to 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.

Others may qualify. Legal reps can get records. Insurance firms can get them. Estate execs 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 safe.

Note: Immediate family has direct access, while extended family may need additional paperwork.

Garfield County Death Records for Genealogy

Family historians use death records. These records hold key facts. They show family links. They show dates and places. They help build family trees. Garfield County has 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 online. Some need 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.

The archives search tool helps find specific records.

This system searches across many record sets including death certificates for Garfield County.

Death records before 1908 are limited. Contact the State Archives. They may know where to look. Some church records exist. Some cemetery records help. Local history groups may have facts.

Note: Records before 1908 are limited and may need checking multiple sources.

Garfield County Death Index in Major Cities

Garfield County has several cities and towns. Each falls under the same vital records system. Deaths in these areas get filed with the state.

Glenwood Springs is the largest city. It serves as the county seat. Most deaths in the county occur here. Rifle is another major city. It sits west of Glenwood Springs. Carbondale lies to the south. New Castle is another community. Each contributes to county records.

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

Note: Glenwood Springs is the primary population center and county seat for Garfield County.

Colorado Law and Garfield County Death Records

Colorado law governs death records. These laws apply to all counties. They cover filing. They cover access. They cover fees. Understanding these laws helps you know your rights.

C.R.S. § 25-2-110 requires death certificates be filed fast. 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.

C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers record keeping. 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 law.