What are Colorado Vital Records?

Colorado vital records consist of birth, death, adoption, marriage, and divorce certificates and licenses. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is in charge of all vital records for the state. This agency also handles changes to vital records and other related services. They also supply reports and statistics regarding Colorado public health issues. The state of Colorado makes it easy to get copies of vital records through online sources, in-person at one of their many local offices, and by phone. When you purchase a copy of a vital record, you must supply specific information qualifying your eligibility to request them, and you also have to pay the fees.

Colorado Birth Records

Colorado didn't start keeping birth records until 1908. Although they may have some, there is no guarantee that they have specific records beyond that date. Additionally, the state began keeping track of "delayed births" at that same time, so some records older than 1908 were labeled as delayed births. Birth records in Colorado document all live births that took place within the state. These records typically contain the name, place of birth, name of parents. They may also contain additional information, but these basics are consistent among all Colorado birth records. You can get copies of birth certificates from The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that is the agency in charge of all vital records for the state. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Colorado?

Go online and find the The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. They offer a few different ways to search for and locate birth records in Colorado.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers a few different ways to get records. First, you can use VitalChek or GoCertificates to get birth certificates online. You can also place an order by phone or visit their offices in person.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Colorado?

A certified copy of your birth certificate costs $20 and $13 for each additional copy. If you want an heirloom copy, that will cost you $35. If you need a birth record changed, the fee for that is $20.

Who can request birth records?

Not everyone can request a copy of your Colorado birth record. Only the list of people below may gain access:

  1. The registrant (person named on the certificate).
  2. Current spouse.
  3. Ex-spouse.
  4. Parent/co-parent.
  5. Stepparent.
  6. Legal Guardian.
  7. Grandparents/Great Grandparents.
  8. Siblings/Half siblings.
  9. Children/Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren.
  10. Legal Representative/Paralegals.
  11. Attorney-in-fact/Agent (Power of Attorney).
  12. Consular Corps/Consulate Offices.
  13. Adoption agencies.
  14. Genealogists.
  15. In-laws/aunts/uncles/nephews/nieces/cousins.
  16. Recruiters.
  17. Governmental agencies (SSA, Human Services, etc.).

What birth records are available in Colorado?

Colorado began keeping birth records in 1908. Although they have some older than that, there is no guarantee that any specific ones exist.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Colorado birth certificate?

When requesting a copy of your birth record, you will need the following information:

  1. Name of the person listed on the birth certificate.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. Place of birth.
  4. Parent's names.
  5. Proper identification.

Where can I find historical vital records in Colorado for genealogy research?

The Colorado State Archives has historical vital records and some birth certificates older than 1908. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has all other birth certificates after 1908, and you can contact them directly for copies.

Are birth records open to the public?

No. Only specific members of your family or legal representatives can get a copy of your birth records.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate?

If you visit them in person, you can get a copy instantly. If you order online or through the mail, you may have to wait five days for processing.

Can I get a refund if my Colorado birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Colorado Death Records

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues death certificates, makes changes to death records and offers state rules regarding burial and cremation. Death certificates are needed to file a claim for life insurance and to prove you are no longer married after your spouse has passed on. There are other reasons you might require a copy, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides them easily. You can order them through VitalCheck, GoCertificates, by phone, or in-person at one of their local health offices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Death Records

How do I find death records in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment keeps copies of all death certificates for the state, and you can contact them for an official certificate.

Are death records public in Colorado?

No, only specific people may gain access to a deceased person's death certificate.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Colorado?

It costs $20 for a copy of a death certificate. If you need additional copies, they cost $13 each. If you need to change a death certificate, that service will cost $20.

How long does it take to get a copy of a Colorado death record?

You can get a copy instantly if you visit them in person. Otherwise, you may have to wait up to five days for processing.

Who can request death records?

Only people with direct and tangible interest may get access to death records. That list includes:

  1. Current spouse.
  2. Ex-spouse.
  3. Parent.
  4. Shared Parentage.
  5. Stepparent.
  6. Grandparents/Great grandparents.
  7. Siblings/Half siblings.
  8. Children/Grandchildren/Great-grandchildren.
  9. Step-Children.
  10. Legal representative/Paralegals.
  11. Attorney-in-fact/Agent (Power of Attorney).
  12. Opposing counsel.
  13. Consular Corps/Consulate offices.
  14. Genealogists.
  15. In-laws/aunts/uncles/nephews/nieces/ cousins.
  16. Probate Researchers.
  17. Creditors.
  18. Anatomical Board.
  19. Employer.
  20. Beneficiaries.
  21. Insurance companies.
  22. Hospital/Nursing home/Hospice/Physician.
  23. Funeral Directors.
  24. Coroners.
  25. Informant.
  26. Governmental agencies (SSA, Human Services, etc.).

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Colorado death certificate?

When requesting a copy of someone's death certificate, you will need their name, date of death, place of death, and proof of your relationship to them or authorization to obtain the copy.

Where can I find historical death records in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment keeps all death records going back to 1908. If you need any older, the Colorado State Archives may have some.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

Contact The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to fill out the proper form and pay the $20 fee.

Can I get a refund if my Colorado death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Colorado Marriage Records

Although The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verification copies that marriages exist, they do not supply a copy of the original marriage license or certificate. You must contact the clerk and recorder of the court where the marriage took place. Copies of marriage certificates are handy for when you want to change your name, prove your identity or file an insurance claim. The court may have a different process, but you can request verification records through the Department of Public Health and Environment. They will show the name, date, and county of the event. They have marriage and civil union records from 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to the present.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Marriage Records

Are Colorado marriage records public?

Yes. You can get a verification of any marriage as long as you provide some basic information and pay the fee. 

What Colorado marriage records are available?

The state has marriage records from 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to the present.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can provide a verification document instantly in person or within five days using their online options or ordering by phone.

How much does a Colorado marriage certificate cost?

It costs $17 to order a marriage verification document and another $10 for each additional copy. The courts may charge different fees for official copies of the original marriage license.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting marriage records, you will need the full names of each party, the date of the marriage, and the place of marriage.

How do I get a copy of a Colorado marriage record?

You can use both the VitalChek and GoCertificates online services to get a verification copy. You can also order one by phone or visit the Department of Health and Environment in person to get a copy.

Who do I contact if I have questions about a marriage certificate?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is the agency in charge of providing marriage verifications.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Colorado?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is the agency in charge of marriage records, and they can help you correct an error on your certificate.

Colorado Divorce Records

The state of Colorado has divorce records for the years 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to the present. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also has information on common-law marriages and how to order copies of certificates. They keep the divorce records and are happy to supply a verification report, but if you need the actual copy of the original divorce decree, you will have to contact the county district court where the divorce was filed. They allow the public to request verification copies through online methods, in person, or by phone. Divorce records may be necessary to change your name, apply for a loan, or even for insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Colorado?

Yes. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment keeps track of all divorces in the state and offers an online portal to search for andorder a verification copy.

How do I find old divorce records?

There is no separate agency in charge of old divorce records for the state. You must contact The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for verification copies or the county district court for copies of the original.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

You can contact the county district court where you were divorced for an official copy.

How much does it cost for a certified copy of my divorce certificate?

Each divorce verification document will cost $20 and then $13 for each additional copy.

What information is needed to search for a Colorado divorce record?

When requesting copies of divorce records, you will need some information such as:

  1. Full name of bride (including maiden name).
  2. Full name of the groom.
  3. Date of the wedding.
  4. Place of the marriage.
  5. Date of divorce.
  6. Other information as required.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.