Brighton Death Certificate Records
Searching for death records in Brighton leads you to Adams County offices. The city sits within this county's borders. All vital records requests go through the county health department. You cannot get death certificates from Brighton City Hall. The process is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide shows you the right office to contact. You will learn the fees and hours. You will also find out about state resources available to Brighton residents.
Adams County Vital Records Office Near Brighton
The Adams County Health Department serves Brighton residents. Their vital records office is in Commerce City. This location is a short drive from Brighton. The office provides certified copies of death certificates. They can access records for any death in Colorado.
You can reach them by phone at 720.200.1401. Call during business hours for questions. The staff can explain what documents you need. They will tell you current wait times. Same-day service is often available for walk-in visitors.
Office hours run Monday through Friday. They open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Arrive early for the best service. Come prepared with ID and payment.
Colorado State Office for Brighton Death Certificates
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds all state death records. Their Vital Records Section is in Denver. The address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. This office maintains certificates from 1900 to present. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours of death.
Pre-1975 deaths must go through the state office. The county cannot access these older records. Call the state office at 303-692-2200 for help. They can confirm if a record exists. They will guide you through the ordering process.
Appointments are required for in-person visits. Walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule online or by phone. The office hours match most county offices. They serve Brighton residents just like any other Colorado city.
Death Certificate Fees for Brighton Residents
Fees changed on January 1, 2026. The first copy now costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $20. These rates apply statewide. Both the county and state offices use this fee structure.
Payment methods vary by location. Adams County accepts cash and credit cards. Credit card payments include a small surcharge. The state office accepts similar payment types. Call ahead to confirm current options.
Third-party vendors charge extra fees. Online ordering through services like VitalChek adds processing costs. These fees range from $8 to $12 per order. Rush shipping costs extra. Standard processing takes about 30 business days.
Note: Online vendors may offer faster processing for an additional fee of $8 to $12.
Who Can Order Brighton Death Records
Colorado law restricts access to death records. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, these are confidential documents. Not everyone can obtain copies. You must have a direct and tangible interest.
Immediate family members qualify automatically. This includes spouses, parents, and siblings. Adult children can also request copies. The informant listed on the certificate may order. This person typically arranged the funeral services.
Legal representatives need proper documentation. Estate administrators should bring court papers. Insurance beneficiaries need letters from their companies. Genealogists working for families may access records with proof of work. False requests carry penalties including fines up to $1,000.
How to Order Death Certificates from Brighton
You have several ways to order death records. In-person visits offer the fastest results. The Adams County office is closest to Brighton. Many requests get same-day service. Bring your photo ID and proof of relationship.
Mail orders work well if you are not in a rush. Send your application to the state office. Include a copy of your identification. Include proof that you qualify to receive the record. Send payment by check or money order.
Online ordering is the most convenient option. Use VitalChek for secure processing. This service handles death certificates for all Colorado counties. You can order from home. The website guides you through each step.
Items you should bring or send include:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Birth certificate showing family relationship
- Marriage license for spousal proof
- Legal papers for estate or attorney access
- Company letter for insurance claims
Types of Death Certificates Available in Brighton
Colorado offers different types of death certificates. The standard certificate is the most complete. It shows all legal and medical information. This includes cause of death and manner of death. Most families need this version.
The legal death certificate omits medical details. It proves the death occurred. This version works for some legal matters. The verification of death is the shortest option. It lists only basic facts like name and date.
All types cost the same. The first copy is $25. Additional copies are $20. You can order different types in the same request. Tell the clerk which version you need. They will explain the differences.
Processing Times for Brighton Death Record Requests
Speed depends on how you order. In-person visits at Adams County are fastest. Many people get certificates the same day. Some requests finish within an hour. Call 720.200.1401 to check current wait times.
Mail orders take about 30 business days. The clock starts when the office receives your request. Processing may take longer during busy periods. The state office handles mail for the entire state. Be patient with this method.
Online orders through VitalChek take similar time. Standard processing is 30 business days. You can pay extra for rush shipping. That adds 3 to 5 days after processing. Plan ahead if you have deadlines.
Related County Death Records Page
Brighton is located in Adams County. For more detailed information about county services, visit the Adams County death records page. You will find additional contact details and office information there.