Centennial Death Certificate Records

Families searching for death records in Centennial need to know where to look. The city itself does not keep these documents. All death certificates come from county or state offices. Centennial sits within Arapahoe County. This makes the process straightforward for residents. You have clear options for obtaining records. This guide explains where to search for death records. You will learn how to request them. The steps are simple once you understand the system.

Arapahoe County Death Records for Centennial

Centennial is entirely within Arapahoe County. This makes getting death records simple. You have one county office to contact. The Arapahoe County Public Health department handles vital records. Their phone number is 303-734-4300. You can also email them at vitalrecords@arapahoegov.com.

The county office can issue death certificates for any Colorado county. This is helpful if your loved one died elsewhere. You do not need to travel to that county. Arapahoe County can access the state database. They provide the same records as the state office in Denver.

Walk-in service is available at the county office. Call ahead to schedule an appointment. Same-day service is often possible. Bring proper identification and payment. Staff can help you complete the application form.

Note: Arapahoe County can provide certified copies for any death that occurred in Colorado, regardless of which county issued the original certificate.

Colorado State Office for Centennial Death Certificates

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves all Centennial residents. Their Vital Records Section holds every death certificate from 1900 to present. The office is located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver. Their phone number is 303-692-2200. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, all deaths must be registered within 72 hours.

Appointments are required for in-person visits. The office does not accept walk-ins. You can schedule online or by phone. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Same-day service is often available for those with appointments.

The state office maintains records for all Colorado deaths. This includes deaths in Centennial. It also includes deaths anywhere else in the state. You can request any Colorado death certificate from this office. They serve as the central repository for all vital records.

Death Certificate Fees for Centennial Residents

Certificate fees increased on January 1, 2026. The first copy now costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $20. These fees apply at both county and state offices. All locations follow the same pricing structure.

Payment methods vary by location. The state office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Credit card payments include a surcharge. County offices may have different payment options. Call ahead to confirm what they accept. Checks should be made payable to Vital Records Section.

Third-party vendors charge extra fees. These services add convenience. They also add cost. Fees range from $8 to $12 per order. This is in addition to the state certificate fees.

How to Order Death Records in Centennial

You have four ways to order death certificates. Each method has its own timeline. Choose the one that fits your needs best.

In-person visits work fastest. Arapahoe County offers walk-in service with appointment. The state office also serves visitors by appointment. Bring your ID and payment. Many requests are completed the same day.

Online ordering is convenient. The state partners with two vendors. VitalChek processes all vital record types. Their phone number is 866-632-2604. GoCertificates handles birth and death requests only. Their number is 800-324-6380. Both charge additional service fees.

Mail orders take about 30 business days. Send your request to the state office. Include a completed application form. Attach a copy of your ID. Include proof of eligibility. Send payment by check or money order. Mail to Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, HSVRD-VS-A1, Denver, CO 80246-1530.

The documents you need include:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Birth certificate for parent or child relationships
• Marriage certificate to prove spousal connection
• Court documents for legal representatives
• Insurance letter for beneficiary claims

Who Can Order Centennial Death Records

Colorado law restricts access to death records. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, death certificates are confidential. Not everyone can obtain a copy. You must have a direct and tangible interest.

Immediate family members qualify automatically. This includes the current spouse. Parents may request copies. Siblings are also eligible. Adult children can order certificates. Step-children qualify as well. Each must show proof of relationship.

The informant listed on the death certificate can order. This person arranged the funeral services. Legal representatives may request records. They need proper documentation. Genealogists working for families also qualify. Insurance beneficiaries need a letter from the company. Estate administrators require court papers.

Grandparents no longer qualify as immediate family. This changed in October 2024. They now need a court order. They may also show proof of legal guardianship. False requests carry penalties. Fines can reach $1,000. Jail time up to one year is possible.

Historical Death Records for Centennial Research

The Colorado State Archives holds older death records. They have documents that predate 1900. These include death registers and burial permits. Some coroner's inquests are also available. Centennial did not exist as a city then. It was part of unincorporated Arapahoe County.

The Archives maintains a searchable database online. It covers select counties and time periods. You can visit their office in Denver. They are located at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 1B-20. Their phone number is 303-866-2358.

Note: The Archives provides research access only. They do not issue certified copies of death certificates.

Processing Times for Centennial Death Certificate Orders

How long you wait depends on how you order. In-person visits are fastest. Many requests are completed the same day. Some take until the next business day. This applies at both county and state offices.

Mail orders take about 30 business days. This timeframe starts when the office receives your request. Allow extra time for mailing. Online orders through state vendors also take about 30 business days. This does not include shipping time.

VitalChek offers expedited shipping. This takes 3 to 5 days after processing. You pay extra for this speed. The state office does not offer rush processing for standard orders.

Related County Death Records Page

Since Centennial is entirely within Arapahoe County, all death certificate requests go through their office. Visit the county page for more detailed information about services, office locations, and additional resources.