Colorado Death Records Search
Colorado death records are kept by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The Vital Records Section holds death certificates from 1900 to the present day. You can order these records online, by mail, or in person. County vital records offices across Colorado can also issue death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state. This guide shows you how to find and obtain Colorado death records quickly.
Colorado Death Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Colorado Death Records
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all death records for the state. Their Vital Records Section in Denver holds certificates dating back to 1900. You can visit their office at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South by appointment only. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours of death.
County vital records offices provide another way to get death certificates in Colorado. Any county office can issue certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state. This is helpful if you live far from Denver. County offices often have shorter wait times. Many offer same-day service for walk-in requests.
The Colorado State Archives holds older death records. They have records that predate 1908. These include death registers, burial permits, and coroner inquests. You can search their database online or visit their office at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver.
Note: Colorado is a closed record state. Death certificates are not public records under C.R.S. § 25-2-117.
Types of Death Certificates in Colorado
Colorado offers several types of death certificates. The standard death certificate is the most complete option. It includes all legal and medical information. This version shows the cause of death and manner of death. Most families need this type for estate matters and insurance claims.
The legal death certificate contains all legal information but no medical details. This version works well when you only need to prove the death occurred. The verification of death is the shortest option. It lists only basic facts like name, date of death, and place of death. This version protects sensitive medical information.
A simplified death certificate may be issued when an investigation is pending. This version shows only legal information. It does not include cause of death. Colorado law requires all institutions to accept this as legal proof.
All certificate types cost the same. The first copy is $25. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $20 each.
How to Order Colorado Death Records
You have several ways to order death certificates in Colorado. Online ordering is the most convenient method. The state partners with two vendors for online requests. GoCertificates handles birth and death requests only. Their customer service number is 800-324-6380. VitalChek processes all vital record types. You can reach them at 866-632-2604. Both charge extra service fees.
Mail orders take about 30 business days to process. You must complete an application form. Include a copy of your ID and proof of eligibility. Send payment by check or money order. Mail everything to the Vital Records Section at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, HSVRD-VS-A1, Denver, CO 80246-1530.
In-person visits require an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted. Same-day service is often available. Bring your ID and payment. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Credit card payments include a surcharge.
The types of payment accepted include:
- Cash at the Denver office
- Checks or money orders made to Vital Records Section
- Credit cards with surcharge fees
- Debit cards at county offices
Who Can Order Colorado Death Certificates
Colorado death records are confidential. Not everyone can obtain a copy. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, you must have a direct and tangible interest. The informant listed on the death certificate can request copies. This is the person who made funeral arrangements.
Immediate family members qualify to order. This includes the current spouse, parents, and siblings. Adult children and step-children may also request copies. Each must provide proof of relationship. A marriage certificate proves spousal relationship. Birth certificates show parent-child connections.
Legal representatives can order on behalf of family members. Genealogists working for families also qualify. Others may request records if they show tangible interest. Insurance beneficiaries need a letter from the company. Estate administrators require court documents. Social Security purposes also qualify as tangible interest.
Grandparents no longer qualify as immediate family. A policy change in October 2024 removed this category. Grandparents now need a court order or proof of legal guardianship. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-118, obtaining records under false pretenses is a crime. Penalties include fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
Colorado Death Certificate Processing Times
Processing times vary by ordering method. Online orders through state vendors take about 30 business days. This is the standard timeframe. Mail orders to the state office also take 30 business days. These times start when the office receives your request.
In-person appointments offer the fastest service. Many requests are completed the same day. Some may take until the next business day. County vital records offices often match this speed. Call ahead to check wait times at your local office.
VitalChek offers expedited shipping. This takes 3 to 5 days after the order is processed. You pay extra for this speed. The state office does not offer rush processing.
Death Certificate Fees in Colorado
Fees increased on January 1, 2026. The first copy of a death certificate now costs $25. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These fees apply to all certificate types. Standard, legal, and verification copies cost the same.
Corrections to death certificates cost $25. This is a processing fee only. You must also provide proof of the error. Documentary evidence is required. The state office handles all corrections.
Additional fees may apply. Credit card payments include surcharges. Third-party vendors charge their own service fees. These range from $8 to $10 or more.
Historical Colorado Death Records
The Colorado State Archives maintains older death records. Deaths were not officially registered with the state until about 1908. Records before this date are scattered. The Archives has the best collection of pre-1908 records. Many of these are from Denver hospitals.
Their collection includes death registers and burial permits. Coroner's inquests are also available. Some records are searchable online. Their database covers Denver County deaths from 1905 to 1909. Kit Carson County deaths from 1893 to 1907 are also indexed.
Contact the Archives at 303-866-2358 for help. Visit them at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 1B-20 in Denver. Death certificates after 1908 are held by CDPHE Vital Records.
Note: The Archives does not issue certified copies. They provide research access only.
How to Correct Colorado Death Certificates
Errors on death certificates can be fixed. The process goes through the state Vital Records office. County offices cannot make corrections. You must submit several items to start the process.
First, complete the Death Certificate Correction form. Include a copy of your ID and proof of eligibility. Provide documentary evidence of the error. This might be a birth certificate or court order. Pay the $25 processing fee.
Processing takes about 30 days. Complex cases may take longer. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-115, certificates cannot be altered without proper evidence. The state registrar must report all amendments.
Browse Colorado Death Records by County
Every Colorado county has a vital records office. These offices can issue death certificates for any death in the state. Select a county below to find local contact information and ordering options.
Death Records in Major Colorado Cities
Colorado cities do not maintain their own vital records offices. Death certificates are issued at the county level. Residents of major cities should contact their county vital records office. Select a city below to learn more about death records in your area.