Fort Collins Death Certificate Records

Finding death records in Fort Collins starts with Larimer County. The city sits entirely within one county. This makes the process simple. You only need to contact one office. The Larimer County Health Department handles all vital records requests. They serve Fort Collins residents daily. Searching for death records here is straightforward once you know the steps. This guide covers everything you need. You will learn where to go. You will know what to bring.

Larimer County Vital Records Office

The Larimer County Vital Records office is the main source for Fort Collins death certificates. Their office is at 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524. This location is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The office sits near the county health department main campus.

You must call to schedule an appointment. The phone number is 970-498-6710. Walk-ins are not accepted. This rule applies to all visitors. Appointments ensure staff can serve you properly. They help reduce wait times. Call during business hours to book your slot.

Office hours run Monday through Friday. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. They close at 4:15 p.m. The office takes a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. No appointments are available during this half hour. Plan your visit around this closure.

Death Records Services Available

Larimer County offers several types of death records. Each serves a different purpose. You should know which one you need before ordering. The staff can help you choose. They will ask about your intended use.

Standard certificates work for most situations. They contain full death details. Legal copies carry additional authentication. These include a raised seal and signature. Verification letters confirm a death occurred. They do not include cause of death details. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, death records remain confidential documents. Access is restricted by law.

The office can issue death certificates for any Colorado death from 1975 to today. This covers all deaths statewide. You do not need to know which county recorded the death. Larimer County has access to the state database. This makes getting records convenient for Fort Collins families.

Note: Certificates for deaths occurring before 1975 require assistance from the state vital records office in Denver rather than the county office.

Fees for Fort Collins Death Certificates

Colorado updated death certificate fees recently. New rates took effect 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 certificate types. All Colorado counties follow this pricing.

Payment methods vary by office. Call 970-498-6710 to confirm current options. Most locations accept cash and credit cards. Some also take checks. Credit card payments may include small surcharges. Bring exact change when possible.

Online orders cost extra. VitalChek adds a $7.50 surcharge per transaction. This fee goes to the vendor, not the county. Expedited shipping costs more. Standard mail is free. Plan ahead to avoid rush fees.

How to Order Death Records in Fort Collins

You have multiple ways to obtain death certificates. Each option suits different needs. In-person visits work fastest. Appointments are required at the Larimer County office. Same-day service is often available. Bring proper identification and payment.

Online ordering works through VitalChek. Visit their website to start. You will need the deceased's full name. You will need the date and place of death. The system guides you through each step. Processing takes a few days. Your certificate arrives by mail.

Mail orders go to the state office. Send your request to Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, HSVRD-VS-A1, Denver, CO 80246-1530. Include a copy of your ID. Include proof of relationship. Include payment by check or money order. Allow 30 business days for processing.

Who Can Request Death Records

Colorado law restricts access to death records. Not everyone can order copies. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours of death. The same law protects their confidentiality.

Immediate family members qualify automatically. This includes spouses and parents. It includes siblings and adult children. The informant listed on the certificate can request copies. This person typically arranged the funeral services.

Legal representatives need proper documentation. Bring court orders or letters of administration. Insurance beneficiaries should bring company letters. These prove tangible interest in the record. Genealogists may access records with family authorization.

Grandparents no longer qualify as immediate family. This rule changed in October 2024. They now need court orders. False requests carry serious penalties. Fines can reach $1,000. Jail time up to one year is possible.

Correcting Errors on Death Certificates

Sometimes death certificates contain mistakes. Names may be misspelled. Dates may be wrong. Addresses may need updates. Corrections require specific steps. You cannot fix errors at the county office.

All amendments go through the state office. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment handles changes. Their phone number is 303-692-2200. Call them to start the correction process. They will mail you the required forms.

You will need supporting documents. Birth certificates prove correct names. Marriage licenses verify spousal details. Court orders establish legal name changes. The state reviews all requests. Processing takes several weeks.

The state office address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. You can reach them by phone at 303-692-2200. They handle all Colorado amendment requests. This includes Fort Collins records.

Related County Death Records Pages

Fort Collins is the largest city in Larimer County. The county vital records office serves all city residents. For more detailed information about county services and nearby areas, visit the Larimer County page.