Death Certificates in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs death records are available through El Paso County Public Health. The city does not maintain its own vital records office. All requests go to the county. You can order death certificates in person, by mail, or online. The county office holds records from 1893 to present. Walk-in service is available for those who need same-day help. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding and ordering death records in Colorado Springs.
El Paso County Vital Records Office
The El Paso County Public Health office serves Colorado Springs residents. The office is at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. Suite 2044, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. This location is easy to reach. It sits near major roads. You can find parking nearby.
Phone support is available at 719-575-8492. Call with questions. Staff can explain the process. They answer questions about fees and requirements. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome during these hours.
You can also schedule an appointment if you prefer. The online scheduler is at elpasocountyhealth.org. Appointments help reduce wait times. They ensure staff is ready for you. Walk-ins may face longer waits during busy periods.
Note: The county office requires physical ID. Digital IDs are not accepted for death certificate requests.
Death Records Available in Colorado Springs
El Paso County holds death certificates from 1893 to present. This is one of the longest record collections in Colorado. Most counties only have records from 1900. Colorado Springs residents benefit from this extended history. You can request certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state. The county office has access to all Colorado death records.
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, Colorado death records are confidential. Not everyone can access them. You must show direct and tangible interest. This law protects family privacy. It prevents misuse of sensitive information.
Records are not public. You cannot search them online. You must apply through proper channels. The county will verify your eligibility. They check your ID and relationship to the deceased. This process takes a few minutes in person.
Fees for Colorado Springs Death Certificates
The cost for death certificates changed in 2026. The first copy now costs $25. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These fees apply to all Colorado counties. El Paso County follows state guidelines.
You can pay in several ways at the county office. Cash is accepted. Checks and money orders work too. Credit cards are accepted with a surcharge. Call ahead to confirm current payment options. Fees are subject to change.
Online orders cost more. The county partners with VitalChek for online requests. VitalChek charges extra processing fees. These range from $8 to $12 per order. Shipping is extra. You pay for convenience.
The fees cover certified copies only. The county does not provide uncertified copies. All certificates bear the official seal. They are legal documents. You can use them for insurance claims. Banks accept them for estate matters.
How to Order Death Records in Colorado Springs
You have three ways to order death certificates. In-person visits work fastest. Many people get same-day service. Bring your photo ID. Bring proof of relationship. The county office is at Garden of the Gods Road.
Mail orders take longer. Send your request to the county office. Include a copy of your ID. Include payment by check or money order. Mail orders take about 30 business days. The county processes requests in order received.
Online ordering is convenient. Use VitalChek at vitalchek.com. You can order from home. The process takes about 30 days. VitalChek offers expedited shipping. This takes 3 to 5 days after processing.
What you need to bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of relationship to the deceased
- Payment for the certificate fee
- Date and place of death if known
- Full name of the deceased
ID Requirements for Colorado Springs Death Records
El Paso County has strict ID rules. You must show physical ID. Digital IDs on phones are not accepted. This policy protects against fraud. Staff must verify your identity in person.
Acceptable IDs include driver's licenses. State ID cards work. Passports are valid. Military IDs are accepted. The ID must be current. It cannot be expired. Bring the original document. Copies are not sufficient for in-person requests.
You also need proof of relationship. A birth certificate shows parent-child ties. A marriage certificate proves spousal connection. Court documents work for legal representatives. The county staff will review your documents. They determine if you qualify under state law.
Colorado State Office Option
You can also order from the state office. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is in Denver. Their phone number is 303-692-2200. They hold all Colorado death records from 1900 to present. The address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours of death. This law ensures records are created promptly. The state office maintains these records. They are the official source for all Colorado vital records.
State office appointments are required. Walk-ins are not accepted. Schedule online or by phone. The office hours are Monday through Friday. They open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. The state office charges the same fees as the county.
Note: El Paso County offers faster service for walk-ins than the state office.
Who Can Order Death Records in Colorado Springs
Colorado law limits who can get death certificates. Immediate family members qualify. This includes spouses and parents. Siblings can order. Adult children are eligible. Each must show proof of relationship.
The informant listed on the death certificate can request copies. This person arranged the funeral. Legal representatives qualify with proper papers. Genealogists working for families may access records. Insurance companies can request on behalf of beneficiaries.
Grandparents no longer qualify as immediate family. This changed in October 2024. They now need court orders. False requests carry penalties. Fines can reach $1,000. Jail time up to one year is possible.
Related County Death Records Page
Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County. The county vital records office handles all death certificate requests for city residents. Visit the county page for more detailed information about services, office locations, and additional resources.