Arapahoe County Death Certificates

Arapahoe County death records can be obtained through the Public Health Department. The county serves the south metro Denver area. Staff can issue death certificates for any death that occurred in Colorado. This office provides a local option for residents who prefer not to travel to the state office in Denver. Searching for death records in Arapahoe County is straightforward with several ordering methods available.

Where to Get Arapahoe County Death Records

The Arapahoe County Public Health Department issues death certificates. Their office is located in Littleton. You can reach them by phone at 303-734-4300. The email address is vitalrecords@arapahoegov.com. Staff are trained to help with death records requests. They serve residents throughout Arapahoe County.

This office can provide birth and death certificates for any Colorado county. You do not need the death to have occurred in Arapahoe County. The state system links all vital records offices together. This makes it easy to get death records locally. The Arapahoe County office uses the same database as the state office in Denver.

Colorado law requires all deaths to be registered. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours. Funeral directors typically handle this filing. The local health department then forwards records to the state. Arapahoe County death records become part of the permanent state archive.

Note: Certified copies printed by Arapahoe County use forgery-resistant safety paper with watermarks.

Death Certificate Fees in Arapahoe County

Fees for death certificates changed on January 1, 2026. The new rates apply to all requests made on or after that date. The first copy of a death certificate now costs $25. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These fees are set by state law. Arapahoe County collects the fees on behalf of the state.

For requests made through December 31, 2025, the old fee schedule applied. Those rates were $20 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy. If you are unsure which rate applies to your request, call the office. Staff can confirm the current fee before you order.

The fees cover the cost of the certificate itself. Payment must accompany all requests. The Arapahoe County office accepts several payment types. Cash is accepted for in-person visits. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Arapahoe County Public Health. Credit cards are accepted with an additional processing fee. Online orders through third-party vendors have separate service charges.

Corrections to death certificates cost extra. A $25 processing fee applies to all amendments. You must also provide proof of the error. Documentary evidence is required for all changes.

How to Order Arapahoe County Death Records

Arapahoe County offers several ways to order death certificates. Each method has its own process and timeline. Choose the option that works best for your needs. Some methods provide same-day service. Others take several weeks to complete.

In-person ordering requires an appointment. Walk-in service is not available at this time. Call 303-734-4300 to schedule your visit. Bring a valid photo ID and payment. Same-day service is often possible for in-person requests. The office is located in Littleton. Hours are typically Monday through Friday.

Online ordering is available through two state-approved vendors. VitalChek processes orders at vitalchek.com. GoCertificates handles requests at gocertificates.com. Both charge additional service fees. Processing takes about 30 business days.

Mail orders are also accepted. Complete the application form first. Include a copy of your ID and proof of eligibility. Send payment by check or money order. Mail to the Arapahoe County Public Health Department address. Processing takes 30 business days from receipt.

Who Can Order Death Certificates in Arapahoe County

Death records in Colorado are confidential. Not everyone can obtain a copy. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, only certain people have access. You must prove your relationship to the deceased. You must also show a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Immediate family members qualify to order death certificates. This includes the current spouse of the deceased. Parents and siblings may also request copies. Adult children and step-children qualify as well. Each must provide proof of their relationship. A marriage certificate proves spousal connection. Birth certificates show parent-child ties.

Legal representatives can order on behalf of families. This includes attorneys handling estates. Genealogists working for qualified family members may also access records. Others must show tangible interest. Insurance companies need a letter stating the purpose. Estate administrators require court documents.

Eligibility rules changed in October 2024. Grandparents no longer qualify as immediate family. This policy change affects all Colorado vital records offices. Arapahoe County follows this new rule. Grandparents now need a court order. They may also provide proof of legal guardianship. The change applies to all death certificate requests.

Types of Death Certificates Available in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County issues certified copies of death certificates. These are official documents. They bear the seal of the state registrar. Certified copies are printed on special safety paper. This paper has watermarks and other security features. It helps prevent forgery. Most legal matters require this type of certificate.

The standard death certificate includes all information. It shows the full name of the deceased. The date and place of death appear on the document. The certificate lists the cause of death. It also includes the manner of death. This is the most complete version available.

Some situations require a different format. The legal death certificate omits medical details. It still proves the death occurred. This version protects sensitive health information. All institutions must accept it as legal proof. The fee is the same for all certificate types.

Arapahoe County Death Record Processing Times

Processing times vary by ordering method. In-person appointments offer the fastest service. Many requests are completed the same day. Some may take until the next business day. Schedule your appointment in advance. This ensures staff can assist you promptly.

Online and mail orders take longer. Both methods require about 30 business days. This timeframe starts when the office receives your request. It does not include shipping time. Plan ahead if you have a deadline. Rush processing is not available through the county office.

Expedited shipping may be available through online vendors. VitalChek offers faster delivery options. You pay extra for this service. Standard shipping takes 7 to 10 business days.

Note: Requests for deaths before 1975 take longer and may be referred to the state office.

How to Correct Death Certificates in Arapahoe County

Errors on death certificates can be fixed. However, the Arapahoe County office cannot make corrections. All amendments must go through the State Vital Records Office. This office is in Denver. Their address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. You can reach them at 303-692-2200.

The correction process requires several items. First, complete the amendment application. Include a copy of your valid ID. Provide proof of eligibility to request the change. Submit documentary evidence of the error. This might be a birth certificate or court order. Pay the $25 processing fee.

Local health departments in Colorado lack authority to change records. This includes Arapahoe County. Staff can explain the process. They can provide the correct forms. However, they cannot submit amendments. All changes go through the state registrar.

Processing corrections takes about 30 days. Complex cases may require more time. The state office reviews all evidence. They ensure changes comply with Colorado law. You will receive an updated certificate once approved.

Older Death Records for Arapahoe County

Deaths that occurred before 1975 require a different process. The Arapahoe County office cannot issue these certificates. You must contact the State Vital Records Office instead. Their Denver location holds all pre-1975 records. This applies to deaths anywhere in Colorado.

The state office maintains records dating back to 1900. These are stored in a secure archive. Requests for older records follow the same eligibility rules. You must prove your relationship and interest. Fees are the same as for recent records.

For records before 1900, contact the Colorado State Archives. Their collection includes older death registers. Some burial permits are also available. The Archives is located at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for assistance.

Cities in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County includes several major cities. All residents use the same county health department for death records. The office location in Littleton serves the entire county. Select a city below to learn more about local death record services.

Other communities in Arapahoe County include Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, and Sheridan. All use the same vital records office in Littleton.