Washington County Colorado Death Records
Washington County spans Colorado's eastern plains. The county seat is Akron. Farmers and ranchers have called this area home for over a century. The flat prairie land stretches toward the Kansas border. Families seeking Washington County death records can turn to state offices. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all death certificates from 1900 onward. Local resources in Akron also assist residents. These records serve families in Cope, Lindon, Otis, and Platner.
Washington County Death Records Location
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves as the main source for Washington County death records. Their Denver office holds certificates from 1900 to today. Residents of Akron and Otis can order by mail. They can also use online services. The state office phone is 303-692-2200. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many eastern plains families find mail or online ordering most convenient.
Washington County does not have a local vital records office. All certified copies come from the state. This is common in smaller Colorado counties. The Washington County Clerk's office may offer limited help. They are located at 150 Ash Avenue in Akron. Their phone is 970-345-2701. They mainly handle property and election records. Call before visiting for death certificate questions.
The Colorado State Archives holds historical records for Washington County. Genealogists use these resources often. The archives contain records predating 1900. Rural plains communities kept early records. Some are incomplete. Researchers can visit the Denver archives. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note: Early farming community records may have gaps.
The state archives maintains historical death records for research purposes.
These collections help families trace their eastern Colorado heritage.
How to Order Washington County Death Certificates
Families in Washington County have several ordering options. Each fits different situations. Online ordering suits most needs. You can order from home. Mail works for those who plan ahead. In-person visits require travel to Denver. Choose based on your urgency and budget.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers online ordering through GoCertificates and VitalChek. Both charge the state fee of $25 for the first copy. They add service fees for processing. You will need the deceased person's information. Include their full legal name. Add their date and place of death. Processing takes about 30 business days. Expedited shipping is available. This helps families in remote areas like Lindon and Cope.
Mail orders work well for Washington County residents. Write to Vital Records Section at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include a completed application. Attach a copy of your photo ID. Send payment by check or money order. Make it payable to Vital Records Section. Allow several weeks for processing. Rural mail routes may add time.
The online ordering system provides a convenient way to request certified copies.
This portal guides you through the process step by step.
Washington County Death Index Certificate Types
Colorado provides three types of death records. Each type serves different needs. You should pick the right one for your purpose. The Standard Certificate shows all details. This includes medical information and cause of death. It is the most complete option. Legal matters often require this version. The cost is $25 for the first copy.
The Legal Certificate contains legal facts only. It omits medical details. This version works for banking. Insurance claims may accept it. Some families prefer its privacy. The cost matches the standard certificate. Both are $25 for the first copy. Additional copies cost $20 each when ordered together.
Verification offers basic confirmation only. It proves a death occurred. It shows limited details. The fee is $17. This is cheaper than full certificates. However, it may not meet all needs. Note: Check with the requesting agency before ordering verification only.
Washington County Death Record Fees
Fees for Washington County death records follow state rules. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 sets the rates. First copies cost $25. Additional copies in the same order cost $20. These prices apply to standard and legal certificates. Verification searches cost $17. Fees support the vital records system.
Online services add extra charges. GoCertificates and VitalChek charge processing fees. These vary by shipping method. Standard mail costs less. Overnight delivery adds expense. Budget for these extras. Rural residents may prefer faster shipping.
Who Can Access Washington County Death Records
Access to Washington County death records is limited. Colorado law protects privacy. Only certain people can obtain certified copies. Immediate family members qualify. These include spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Each must provide ID. They must prove their relationship.
Rules changed in October 2024. Grandparents and grandchildren need more proof. They now require a court order. They can show tangible interest instead. This affects genealogists. Researchers face extra steps. Legal representatives still have access. They need proper papers. Funeral directors obtain records during their work.
C.R.S. § 25-2-117 controls access. This statute defines tangible interest. It keeps records confidential. Only qualified people receive copies. The law balances access with privacy rights.
Washington County Death Records for Genealogy
Genealogists research Washington County families. The eastern plains drew homesteaders in the 1800s. Many came for free land. They built farms and ranches. Death records track their stories. The Colorado State Archives holds older records. These date before 1900. They are open to the public.
Washington County cemeteries hold family history. Akron Cemetery is the largest. Smaller burial grounds dot the prairie. Some are on private land. Local historical groups maintain lists. These help researchers find ancestors. Cemetery records supplement death certificates.
Newspapers recorded deaths. The Akron News-Reporter served the area. Old issues contain obituaries. Some are on microfilm. The Colorado Historical Society has copies. Note: Early plains records can be sparse due to distance from officials.
The archives search tool helps find specific Washington County records.
This system searches across multiple record collections.
Washington County Death Index Laws
Colorado statutes govern death records. Washington County follows these laws. They ensure proper recording. They protect privacy. Several sections apply to death certificates. Families benefit from knowing these rules.
C.R.S. § 25-2-110 requires prompt filing. Death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. This happens before burial. Funeral directors manage this process. Doctors provide medical certification. The law applies statewide. It keeps records accurate and current.
C.R.S. § 25-2-111 covers record retention. Offices must keep death records for seven years. Private burials need recording within 30 days. These rules ensure documentation. They help track all deaths in Washington County.
Washington County Death Index Resources
Multiple resources help find Washington County death records. The Colorado State Archives offers free searches. You can look up names online. You can visit in person. Their collections cover many decades. Results point you to specific records.
DeathIndexes.com lists Colorado sources. Their page links to state offices. It includes county information. The site explains how to order. FamilySearch.org provides free collections. Some have record images. These help identify which certificates to request officially.
The Colorado State Archives death records page is a key resource.
This page links to all available death record collections for Washington County researchers.
Nearby Colorado Death Records
Washington County sits on Colorado's eastern edge. It borders several counties. Morgan County lies to the west. Logan County is to the north. Yuma County sits to the south. Each maintains separate records. Check these counties if you cannot find a record in Washington County.