Custer County Death Certificates

Custer County death records are maintained by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Located in the Wet Mountain Valley of south-central Colorado, this scenic county does not operate a local vital records office. Residents of Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, and the surrounding mountain communities obtain death certificates through the state system in Denver, ensuring professional handling of these sensitive documents.

Where to Get Custer County Death Records

All death certificates for Custer County are issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state Vital Records Office serves residents from Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, and throughout the Wet Mountain Valley. This centralized approach ensures all Colorado residents have equal access to certified death records.

The state Vital Records Office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Phone assistance is available at 303-692-2200. For Custer County families, the mountain distance to Denver makes mail and online ordering particularly convenient options.

Colorado requires death registration within five days under C.R.S. § 25-2-110. Funeral directors in Westcliffe and the surrounding area file death certificates with the state system. These records become part of Colorado's permanent vital statistics archive.

Note: Custer County does not maintain a local vital records office. All requests are processed through the state CDPHE.

Death Certificate Fees in Custer County

As of January 1, 2026, death certificate fees in Custer County follow state standards. The first certified copy costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $20. These fees apply to all requests regardless of ordering method.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sets these fees to support vital records operations statewide. Fee adjustments ensure the system remains sustainable while providing equitable access to death certificates for all Colorado families.

Payment options vary by ordering channel. In-person visits to Denver accept cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards carry additional processing fees. Mail orders require payment by check or money order. Online orders through VitalChek or GoCertificates include vendor service charges.

Corrections to death certificates require a $25 amendment fee. Supporting documentation must accompany all amendment requests. The state office processes all corrections for Custer County records.

How to Order Custer County Death Records

Custer County residents can obtain death certificates through multiple channels. Each method suits different needs based on location in the Wet Mountain Valley and urgency of the request.

In-person service is available at the Denver state office. Located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, this office typically provides same-day service for walk-in requests. Call 303-692-2200 to confirm hours before making the drive from Custer County.

Online ordering offers convenience for mountain residents. State-approved vendors VitalChek and GoCertificates process requests at vitalchek.com and gocertificates.com. Additional service fees apply. Processing takes approximately 30 business days with various shipping options available.

Mail ordering is practical for Custer County residents. Download the application from the CDPHE website, complete it accurately, and include a copy of your valid ID and relationship proof. Enclose payment by check or money order. Mail to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Allow 30 business days for processing.

Who Can Order Death Certificates in Custer County

Colorado death records are confidential under C.R.S. § 25-2-117. Access is restricted to qualified individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record. This protects the privacy of deceased individuals and their families.

Eligible requesters include immediate family: spouse, parents, siblings, and adult children. Step-children qualify with appropriate documentation. Each requester must prove their relationship using official documents such as birth certificates or marriage licenses.

Legal representatives may obtain certificates on behalf of families. Estate administrators, probate attorneys, and others with legal authority can access records with proper court documentation. Insurance companies and government agencies may qualify with official letters stating their purpose.

Eligibility rules were updated in October 2024. Grandparents are no longer considered immediate family members. This change affects all Colorado vital records requests. Grandparents must obtain a court order or demonstrate legal guardianship.

Types of Death Certificates Available for Custer County

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues certified copies for all Custer County deaths. These official documents carry the state registrar's seal and signature on security paper with watermarks.

The standard certificate includes complete information: full legal name, birth and death dates, place of death, and cause of death. This serves as legal proof for estate settlement, insurance claims, and government benefits.

A legal certificate without cause of death is also available. This version proves death occurred while protecting medical privacy. All institutions must accept this format. Fees are identical for both types.

Custer County Death Record Processing Times

Processing varies by method. In-person Denver visits typically provide same-day or next-day service. This fastest option requires travel from the Wet Mountain Valley.

Mail and online orders require approximately 30 business days. Processing begins when the state receives your complete application. Shipping time is additional. Plan ahead for estate or insurance deadlines.

Expedited shipping through online vendors reduces delivery time. Standard shipping takes 7 to 10 business days after processing.

Note: Deaths before 1975 are in state archives and may require additional processing time.

How to Correct Death Certificates for Custer County

All corrections go through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Local offices cannot amend records. Contact the state office at 303-692-2200 for guidance.

To amend a record, complete the state application. Include your valid photo ID and documentary evidence supporting the change, such as a birth certificate or court order. Include the $25 fee. Mail to the Denver office.

Processing takes about 30 days. Complex cases may require additional time. You will receive an updated certified copy once approved.

Historical Death Records for Custer County

The state maintains death records dating to 1900, including Custer County's history in the Wet Mountain Valley. Genealogists researching family connections in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff can access these historical documents.

For records before 1900, contact the Colorado State Archives at 1313 Sherman Street, Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for assistance with older records.

Custer County's history includes mining, ranching, and mountain settlement. Historical death records document the lives of pioneers who established communities in this scenic region of south-central Colorado.

Communities in Custer County

Custer County encompasses communities in the Wet Mountain Valley. All residents access death certificates through the state Vital Records Office in Denver. The mountainous location makes mail and online ordering particularly popular.

Rural areas throughout the county, including the Sangre de Cristo mountain communities, rely on the state system for vital records services.