Broomfield County Death Records Guide

Searching for death records in Broomfield County leads you to a few key places. The Office of the Coroner serves both Broomfield and Adams Counties from one location in Brighton. Death certificates themselves come from the state or from the mortuary that handled the funeral. Broomfield became Colorado's newest county in 2001. This young county works with Adams County for death investigation services. Families need to know the right steps to take when a loved one dies in Broomfield County.

Understanding the Death Records Process

Death records in Broomfield County follow a specific path. When someone dies, the coroner may get involved. The funeral home handles the death certificate. The state Vital Records office keeps the official copy. Each step has its own rules and timeframes. Families need to understand who does what.

Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, death certificates must be filed within 72 hours of death. The funeral director usually handles this. They collect the medical information from the doctor. They gather personal facts from the family. Then they send everything to the state.

The process works the same in Broomfield County as in the rest of Colorado. What makes Broomfield unique is its shared coroner service with Adams County. The Office of the Coroner investigates deaths in both counties. This office does not issue death certificates. Their job is to determine cause and manner of death when needed.

Here is how the death records process works in Broomfield County:

• Death occurs and is reported to authorities if required
• The coroner investigates if the death is sudden, violent, or unexplained
• Funeral home files the death certificate with state Vital Records
• Family requests certified copies from state or mortuary
• Certificates are issued to eligible family members

Most families in Broomfield County get their death certificates from the funeral home. This is often the fastest way. The mortuary can order certified copies for you. They handle the paperwork. You pay them directly.

Where to Get Death Certificates in Broomfield County

You have two main options for death certificates in Broomfield County. The mortuary that handled the funeral can provide copies. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also issues them. Both sources give you certified copies that work for all legal purposes.

The mortuary is often your best first stop. They already have all the details. They know the deceased. They have worked with the doctors. Most funeral homes in Broomfield County can get certified copies quickly. Call them first. Ask about their process and fees.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all death records for the state. Their Vital Records Section is in Denver. You can order by mail, online, or in person with an appointment. The office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. Phone orders are not accepted. You can call 303-692-2200 for questions.

Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, death records are confidential in Colorado. Not just anyone can get a copy. You must prove you are eligible. This protects the privacy of the deceased and their family.

Coroner Office Role in Broomfield County

The Office of the Coroner plays a vital role in Broomfield County death records. This office serves both Adams and Broomfield Counties. They investigate deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or suspicious. Their findings become part of the official record.

The coroner office is located in Brighton. The address is 330 N. 19th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601. You can reach them by phone at 303-659-1027. Their fax number is 303-659-4718. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You should call to schedule an appointment before visiting.

The Office of the Coroner does NOT issue death certificates to the general public. This is important to understand. Many people call the coroner looking for certificates. They cannot help with that request. Their focus is on investigation and determination of cause of death.

When the coroner takes a case, they examine the body. They may order tests. They review medical history. They talk to family members. All of this becomes part of their report. The final report is public record in most cases.

Note: The coroner office provides Certified Letters of Death to legal next of kin when autopsy results are pending.

Autopsy Procedures in Broomfield County

Sometimes an autopsy is needed in Broomfield County. The coroner decides when this happens. Autopsies help determine cause of death. They provide answers to families. They may be required for legal or insurance purposes.

When an autopsy is performed, the death certificate is not completed right away. The coroner waits for all results. This takes time. Lab tests can take weeks. Toxicology screens take longer. The death certificate stays pending until everything is ready.

Typically, this process takes 10 to 12 weeks in Broomfield County. Some cases finish sooner. Complex cases may take longer. Families should plan for this delay. They may need documents before the final death certificate is ready.

During this waiting period, families are not left without options. The coroner office issues a Certified Letter of Death. This goes to the legal next of kin. It proves the death occurred. It states that the death certificate is pending. Most agencies accept this letter for urgent matters.

The Certified Letter of Death works for many purposes. Banks often accept it. Insurance companies understand. The Social Security Administration knows the process. However, some matters require the full death certificate. You must wait for the autopsy to finish for those cases.

Here is what happens during a pending autopsy:

• Coroner provides Certified Letter of Death to next of kin
• Funeral arrangements can proceed with the letter
• Most urgent legal matters can move forward
• Final death certificate issued when autopsy completes
• Cause of death is added to the official record

Timeline Information for Broomfield County Death Records

Time matters when you need death records in Broomfield County. Different situations have different timelines. Knowing what to expect helps you plan. It reduces stress during a hard time.

Standard death certificates process quickly. If no autopsy is needed, the mortuary can often get copies within days. The state office takes about 30 business days for mail orders. Online orders through approved vendors take similar time. In-person appointments at the Denver office may offer same-day service.

Autopsy cases take longer. The 10 to 12 week wait is typical. Some toxicology tests take even longer. Families should not make firm plans that depend on the death certificate. Wait times vary based on the complexity of the case.

Broomfield County itself is young. It became a city and county in 2001. Before that, the area was part of four different counties. Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld Counties all had pieces of Broomfield. This history matters for older death records. Deaths before 2001 may be in those other counties' records.

Note: Deaths occurring before 2001 in what is now Broomfield may be recorded in Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, or Weld County.

State Resources for Broomfield County Death Records

The state of Colorado provides many resources for death records. Broomfield County residents can use all of them. The main office is in Denver. Several online options exist too.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is your primary state resource. Their Vital Records Section holds all death certificates from 1900 to today. You can visit them at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Appointments are required for in-person visits. Call 303-692-2200 to schedule or ask questions.

Online ordering is available through two approved vendors. GoCertificates handles death certificate requests. Their phone number is 800-324-6380. VitalChek also processes orders. You can reach them at 866-632-2604. Both charge the state fee plus a service fee. Expect about 30 business days for processing.

The Colorado State Archives holds older records. They have death records that predate 1900. Their collection includes registers and burial records. Visit them at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for help with historical research.

Colorado law protects death records. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, these are confidential documents. Only certain people can get copies. This includes immediate family members. Legal representatives also qualify. You must prove your relationship when you order.

Death Certificate Fees in Broomfield County

Getting death certificates in Broomfield County costs money. The fees are set by the state. Everyone pays the same amount. Extra charges may apply depending on how you order.

The first certified copy costs $25. This is the state fee. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These prices went up on January 1, 2026. The fees apply no matter where you order. The mortuary charges the same as the state office.

Online vendors add service fees. GoCertificates and VitalChek both charge extra. This covers their processing costs. Credit card payments at the state office include a surcharge. Plan for these extra costs when you budget.

Corrections to death certificates cost $25. This is separate from the copy fee. You need proof of the error. You must submit documents. The state Vital Records office handles all corrections. County offices cannot make changes. Processing takes about 30 days.

Broomfield City Death Records

The City and County of Broomfield operates as one unit. This is unique in Colorado. Most cities are part of a larger county. Broomfield stands alone. Death records for the city are the same as for the county.

Broomfield is a home rule municipality. It became Colorado's newest county in 2001. Residents enjoy both city and county services in one place.

Nearby Counties

Broomfield County is surrounded by other counties. Before 2001, the area that is now Broomfield was part of four different counties. This matters for historical death records. Old records may be in these neighboring counties.

The Coroner Office for Broomfield County is actually located in Adams County. Many Broomfield residents use services in these neighboring counties.