Commerce City Death Certificates Guide
Searching for death records in Commerce City means visiting the Adams County Health Department. This office serves all of Colorado, not just Adams County residents. Commerce City holds a unique position in the metro area. The Health Department office sits right here in the city. Many families come to Commerce City for their death certificate needs. The process is simple once you know the rules. This guide explains how to obtain death records from the Commerce City location. You will learn about fees, hours, and what to bring.
Where to Find Death Records in Commerce City
The Adams County Health Department operates from Commerce City. Their office issues death certificates for any Colorado county. This means residents statewide can visit Commerce City for their vital records needs. The location is convenient for the northern metro area. Parking is available at the Commerce City facility. The building meets accessibility standards for all visitors.
Phone support is available at 720.200.1401. Staff answer questions about death certificates and requirements. Office hours run Monday through Friday. The Commerce City office opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. They close for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Plan your visit around this break. Call ahead if you are unsure about documents. Staff can save you a trip.
Fees for Commerce City Death Certificates
Costs for death certificates changed on January 1, 2026. The first copy now costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $20. These fees apply to all Commerce City requests. Payment options include cash, check, or money order. Credit cards carry an extra service charge.
Online orders add processing fees. The total cost is higher than in-person visits. Consider your timeline when choosing how to order. Commerce City staff process requests quickly. Same-day service is often available for walk-ins. Mail orders take longer but avoid the trip.
Note: Always order one extra copy of your death certificate. Replacing lost vital records later costs the same as a new order.
Who Can Request Death Records
Colorado law limits access to death records. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 makes death certificates confidential. Only certain people can obtain copies from Commerce City. The law protects family privacy. It prevents misuse of sensitive information.
Eligible requesters include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or legal representative. You must prove your relationship with valid ID. Documents like birth certificates work well. Bring them to the Commerce City office. Staff review them carefully before issuing death certificates.
Grandparents no longer qualify for death certificates. This policy changed in October 2024. Many families were surprised by this update. If you are a grandparent, ask an eligible family member to help. The Commerce City office follows these rules strictly. Staff cannot make exceptions.
Online Ordering Options
You can apply online through VitalChek for Commerce City death certificates. This platform handles requests digitally. The process is simple. You upload your ID through the secure system. Payment is safe and fast. Most orders ship within days.
The online option helps those far from Commerce City. It also suits busy people who cannot visit during office hours. You can order any time. Day or night, the system accepts requests. Remember that extra fees apply. Weigh convenience against cost.
Historical Death Records Before 1975
The Commerce City office only holds death records from 1975 forward. Older certificates require a different approach. You must contact the Colorado State Vital Records Office in Denver. They maintain records dating back decades. The state office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. Their phone is 303-692-2200.
State offices follow similar access rules. Only qualified requesters receive copies. Plan extra time for mail requests. The Denver office serves all of Colorado. They handle amendments too. Fees match the Commerce City rates.
Filing Requirements Under Colorado Law
C.R.S. § 25-2-110 sets the filing rules. Funeral directors must register deaths within five days. They file with local or state offices. The law requires specific data on each death certificate. This includes cause, date, and place of death. Proper filing ensures accuracy.
Commerce City staff work with funeral homes daily. They know the forms well. Errors are rare but possible. Families should review death certificates promptly. Catching mistakes early saves trouble. Corrections go through the state office in Denver.
Tips for Your Commerce City Visit
Bring proper ID when visiting the Commerce City office. A driver's license works best. Also bring proof of relationship. Call 720.200.1401 if unsure what to bring. Staff will guide you. This saves time and prevents return trips.
Double-check all names and dates before submitting. Small errors cause delays. Write clearly on forms. Keep your receipt. This helps track your order. The Commerce City staff want to help. They understand these are difficult times.
Nearby Adams County cities also use this Commerce City office. Residents of Brighton, Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, and Aurora come here for death certificates. The location serves the whole county well. Many find it easier than going to Denver.
Related Page for Adams County Death Records
For more information about death records in the broader Adams County area, visit the Adams County Death Records page. This resource provides additional details about obtaining death certificates throughout the county.