Colorado PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Colorado State Public Records Search Online

Like any other typical state, Colorado has its distinct mechanism for allowing people to access public records. Whether traditional or modern, obtaining public records in the state is entirely governed by laws.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Section 24-72-201 to 206, all public records are open for inspection except when the document is deemed confidential (e.g., information about a person's Social Security number). Access to these records goes beyond obtaining the paper; it also allows individuals or entities to make data-driven decisions.

For example, a company may disqualify applicants with questionable records by accessing their criminal history. Or notorious drivers may be barred from driving on roadways, as reflected by their driving records.

Access to these public documents in Colorado is an indirect way of saving the future of a specific entity.

What Records are Public in Colorado?

CRS 24, Article 72, Section 6defines public records as information created or maintained by the state in any form, such as written documents, recordings, photos, or other materials.

Public documents in Colorado are generally accessible for review by anyone during reasonable hours, with certain exceptions outlined in the cited section or other laws.

Custodians responsible for these records may establish guidelines for their inspection to ensure document preservation and minimize disruption to regular office operations.

What is Considered Public Information in Colorado?

Public records in Colorado encompass a wide range of information from various institutions, such as health, traffic, or agencies concerning public security.

These are some of the legally accessible documents in Colorado:

• Sex offender information
• Court records
• Inmate records
• Bankruptcy records
• Criminal records
• Vital records

Some confidential documents are not included in this registry and are legally protected by the law for security reasons.

Colorado Public Records Laws

Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are two legal bases governing Colorado's public records. They give individuals an overview of the documents allowed for public inspection.

What is the CORA?

CORA is a state law that provides public access to government records. It allows any person to inspect and obtain copies of most records held by state agencies and local governments in Colorado. The law aims to promote transparency and accountability in government operations.

CORA is Colorado's version of FOIA. The act covers both physical and digital records, including emails and other electronic communications.

Under CORA, officials must respond to record requests within specific timeframes and can charge reasonable fees for research and copying. While CORA generally favors disclosure, it includes exemptions for certain types of information, such as personal data and trade secrets.

What is the FOIA in Colorado?

FOIA is a federal law that authorizes people on their right to inspect public documents. The law applies to records held by federal agencies in the executive branch, including departments, offices, commissions, and other bodies.

However, FOIA imposes nine exemptions. These exemptions are designed to protect certain interests when disclosure could cause harm. Here's a concise list of the nine exemptions:

• Classified national security information
• Information prohibited from disclosure by another federal law
• Internal personnel rules and practices of an agency
• Privileged communications within or between agencies
• Trade secrets and confidential commercial or financial information
• Information that would invade another individual's personal privacy
• Information concerning bank supervision
• Law enforcement records or information
• Geological information on wells

These exemptions allow agencies to withhold certain types of sensitive or privileged information from FOIA requests.

Who Can Access Public Records in Colorado?

Under CORA (Colorado Open Records Act), any person can access public records, regardless of citizenship or residency. This includes individuals, organizations, and businesses.

However, as cited earlier, some limitations exist. Certain records may be restricted due to privacy concerns, security issues, or other legal exemptions. The requester's age can also be a factor, as some records might not be accessible to minors.

Colorado Public Records Search

Searching for public records in Colorado offers various options. Individuals who opt for in-person transactions may seek assistance from the relevant agency's custodian. For reasons of distance, online platforms can be the best alternative. Other agencies use modes such as mail, fax, or email.

To get a public record, individuals must submit an oral or written request with enough details to help with the search. Colorado agencies often provide a form that can be completed to assist with the paperwork.

However, individuals who wish to obtain records on the judicial branch must follow the guidelines stated in the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) since records on this branch are not entirely covered by CORA.

How To Find Colorado Public Records Online

One convenient way to search for public records in Colorado is online. Here, individuals are directed to numerous access to tools provided by the specific institution. Two options are available when searching for public records online, using government websites or third-party options.

Government websites for public records in Colorado highlight accuracy, legal compliance, and comprehensive coverage. It is often more cost-effective and convenient than third-party options.

For a comprehensive guide, here are the steps individuals need to know:

Government Websites:

• Determine which state or local government agency, a department, office, or institution, holds the needed records.
• Go to the agency's official website.
• Look for a section labeled "Public Records" or "Open Records".
• Select the type of record, such as court records, property records, or business records.
• Follow the instructions. The website will provide instructions on how to search for the records.

Third-Party Websites:

• Select a well-established and trusted third-party website that specializes in public records. Check reviews for reliability.
• Search for the records and enter the relevant information of the person or entity being looked for.
• Choose a subscription plan.Some websites offer basic searches for free, while others require a subscription for more comprehensive access.
• Carefully examine the search results to check if they are relevant and accurate.
• Verify the information.

Note that third-party websites may have limitations or inaccuracies. Always exercise caution and verify the information using other sources if needed.

How To Find Colorado Public Records Offline

Individuals may request records offline, depending on their convenience. Alternatives include in-person, by mail, phone, or fax.

For a comprehensive guide, here are the steps when obtaining records offline:

In-person visits:

• Identify the appropriate agency.
• Research the agency's procedures.
• Schedule an appointment (if necessary).
• Gather the necessary information.
• Prepare the request.
• Visit the agency during business hours.
• Submit the request.
• Pay the applicable fees.

Mail requests:

• Determine the agency in charge of the record.
• Obtain a request form.
• Complete the form.
• Enclose payment (if applicable).
• Mail the request to the agency's mailing address.

Phone requests:

• Search for the appropriate agency.
• Gather all necessary information.
• Call the agency's public records office.
• Provide the required information, such as name and contact number.
• Inquire about the process.
• Consider following up with a written request if no response was given within a reasonable timeframe.

Fax requests:

• Search for the fax number of the holding agency.
• Write a clear and concise request, including the required information.
• Scan the request and any required supporting documents.
• Send the request to the agency's fax number.
• In case of zero response, follow up by calling the agency to check on the request's status.

Types of Public Records in Colorado

Colorado's scope of public records varies depending on the premises and context. Below are the most commonly searched records in Colorado:

State of Colorado Public Court Records

Under the Colorado Court Procedure, state court records encompass a comprehensive array of documents, exhibits, and materials produced by the state's judicial system.

These records include transcripts, recordings, orders, case filings, and judgments related to various court proceedings. The Colorado Judicial Branch offers multiple avenues for accessing these records, including their official website and in-person visits to courthouses.

For those seeking electronic access, the Court Docket Search tool on the Colorado Judicial Branch website provides a convenient method to retrieve case information from District and County Courts. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney bar number. Additionally, an online Record/Document Request Form is available for more specific inquiries.

While many records are publicly accessible, some may be suppressed or protected, requiring proper identification for release. The state implements a fee structure for record retrieval, ranging from $0.25 per electronic page to $20 for certified copies. Other relevant fees can be located on the online Record/Document Request Form.

For historical cases, the Colorado State Archivesserves as a repository, particularly for Supreme Court records and select district and county court cases.

Colorado Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records in Colorado display court proceedings of business entities or individuals seeking to repay creditors or evade debt. The U.S.Bankruptcy Court in the District of Colorado has jurisdiction over these cases.

Generally, bankruptcy records contain the following information:

• Name of the Debtor
• Address of the Debtor
• Attorney's name
• Trustee's name
• Consumer statements
• Type of bankruptcy case filed
• Gross income
• Filing date
• Case status
• Court address
• Date of the discharge order
• Type and category of the petition filed
• Docket number

Requestors have several options for accessing these records.

Interested individuals may use PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) for online options. Access to this federal database requires account registration. It also charges per page viewed and contains specific information (e.g., court dockets).

Alternatively, requestors may use the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) by dialing (866) 222-8029. When using VCIS, enter the state abbreviation code for Colorado (CO26) or the court code (22).

In addition to those options, records can be inspected and copied by visiting the court location in Denver during regular business hours or by sending written requests through the mail.

Relevant information must be attached to the written request, such as the debtor's name and case number, details of the needed requirements, and the non-debtor's name, contact number, and address. For additional information, call the clerk of court at 720-904-7300.

County Court Records in Colorado

County court records in Colorado include a wide range of legal documents and information about cases handled at the county level. These courts primarily deal with civil cases valued under $25,000, felony complaints (which may be transferred to district court), misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and protection orders.

The records from these proceedings contain essential details about the cases, including party information, charges, judgments, and court orders. They typically include case summaries, hearing dates, party names, and case outcomes.

Like state court records, county-level court records can be accessed through the Court Docket Search tool or an online Record/Document Request Form.

Individuals can also visit the courthouse that handled the case in person to access and obtain copies of county court records. For convenience, the judicial branch website offers a Find Your Court system, enabling requestors to easily locate the appropriate court for their needs.

Colorado Criminal Records

Criminal records in Colorado, labeled as rap sheets, are a compilation of official data about a person's legal delinquencies, such as arrest, conviction, and criminal histories. County courthouses, trial courts, and correctional facilities maintain these records.

While the information in Colorado criminal records varies depending on the individual, the following details are typically included:

• Name and alias of the subject
• Personal information such as birth date
• Known address and phone number of the subject
• Physical description of the person involved
• Photograph
• Known accomplice of the subject
• Court disposition
• Charges

While the standards for record collection may vary among counties, the state has established a centralized system for public access. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) provides a key resource for these records through its Internet Criminal History Check System (ICHC).

This online platform allows members of the public to conduct criminal background checks, subject to certain requirements. To use this service, researchers must first create an account on the CBI website. When performing a search, they must provide specific information about the individual in question, including their first and last name and date of birth.

Additionally, researchers must state their reason for searching. The CBI charges $6.85 for each criminal record search to cover administrative costs.

Colorado Public Arrest Records

Arrest records in Colorado are official documents created by law enforcement agencies when an individual is taken into custody. These records are generated regardless of whether the arrest occurs at the crime scene or following an investigation.

CRS (Colorado Revised Statutes) Section 24-72-301 to 309 or the CCRJA (Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act) provides a comprehensive overview of the expected information stipulated in an arrest record. Typically, Colorado arrest records include the following:

• Full name and demographic profile of the arrestee
• Arrestee's physical description
• Date and time of the arrest
• Offenses that motivated the arrest
• Amount of the bail
• Booking number
• Arresting agency

To access arrest records, interested parties should contact the local police department or the county sheriff's office that made the arrest. The process often involves submitting a written request form, which may be available on the agency's website. Some local law enforcement agencies in Colorado also offer online submission options for convenience.

Additionally, because arrest records are often included in criminal records, they can be accessed through the ICHC of the CBI.

Colorado Vital Records

Unlike the legal documents mentioned above, Colorado's vital records, such as marriage, birth, death, and divorce, are not generally public ( CRS 25-2-117). Only eligible individuals and those directly related to the person named on the document can access certified copies of these records.

Most of these records are in the custody of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and proof of identificationis required when accessing them.

Colorado Public Birth Records

Colorado public birth records serve as official documentation of an individual's birth within the state. Issued by the Vital Records Office, a division of the CDPHE, these records are available for births from 1905 to the present. The office not only processes requests for birth records but also handles birth certificate replacements.

Eligible individuals can obtain these vital documents through various methods, including in-person appointments, mail-in requests, or online services.

For in-person requests, the State Vital Records Office operates on an appointment-only basis, while local vital records offices may offer more accessible services. To acquire a birth certificate, requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification.

For mail-in requests, applicants must submit a completed Birth Certificate Request Form, along with the required fees and proof of identification. The completed form should be mailed to the address indicated on the form.

Online requests can be made through authorized platforms such as VitalChek and GoCertificates, with a standard processing time of 30 business days. However, additional charges may apply for credit or debit card payments when using these online services.

Colorado Public Death Records

A death record in Colorado details the information of the deceased person and the identified cause of death. Funeral Directors record these data using the Electronic Death Registration (EDR) system.

Only legible members of the public are allowed to access the death records of a deceased loved one. The CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) maintains and issues death records.

In-person requests are made at the State Vital Records Office or the local vital records office during business hours. Requestors must bring a completed Colorado Death Certificate Request form, including appropriate fees, an acceptable form of ID, proof of relationship copy, and applicable fees.

The same Colorado Death Certificate Request form is needed when applying via mail. The requestor must attach this with valid forms of identification and a copy of proof of relationship. The mailing address is stipulated in the form.

Like bird records, death records can be ordered online through authorized platforms such as VitalChek and GoCertificates.

Colorado Public Marriage Records

Colorado marriage records are governed by CRS (Colorado Revised Statutes) Section 25-2-117, which restricts access to legally entitled individuals. Depending on the requester's preference and the county's capabilities, these records can be obtained through various methods.

In-person requests can be made at the county clerk and recorder office where the marriage was recorded. Requestors must visit during business hours and bring necessary documents and appropriate fees.

Many counties accommodate mail requests for those unable to visit in person. This method requires a written application or a form, copies of acceptable identification, and applicable fees.

Furthermore, numerous Colorado counties embrace modern technology and offer online request options for marriage certificates. Interested parties can visit the relevant county clerk's website to locate the marriage record order page.

For historical research, the state provides an Archives Search database covering marriages from 1890 to 1939. This resource contains valuable information, including spouses' names, marriage dates, county, and license numbers.

Colorado Public Divorce Records

Colorado public divorce records are available for genealogical and statistical purposes for two distinct periods: 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to the present. However, recent divorce records are restricted from public access. The responsibility for generating and maintaining these records falls to district court clerks across the state.

Individuals seeking divorce records in Colorado have three primary options. They can search online databases maintained by district courts and third-party data collectors, visit the courthouse in person, or submit a mail-in request.

To effectively utilize these channels, requesters typically need to provide information such as the names of the parties involved, the approximate filing date, and the case number. A government-issued ID proving eligibility and applicable fees are also required.

For in-person visits, it is advised to contact the appropriate clerk beforehand. Fee schedules vary among judicial districts and must be paid in full before processing a record request.

Districts offering mail-in options often require a written request with sufficient details about the divorce record. Some clerks provide specific application forms for this purpose. Mail-in requests should be enclosed in a self-addressed stamped envelope and sent to the appropriate location.

Colorado Property Records

Colorado property records contain information about real estate and land parcels, including ownership details, boundary descriptions, zoning regulations, liens, transfer history, and assessments. These records are primarily maintained at the county level, specifically in the judicial district where the property is located.

Typically, the clerk and recorder or the recording department in each county are responsible for keeping property records. Interested parties can access these records by visiting the relevant county office in person or by sending written requests via mail with specific property information.

Depending on the type of document needed, various county or municipal offices may provide the required information.

Some counties may also offer online platforms. For example, the Moffat County Clerk and Recorder offers the iCounty.Org Document Search, which allows digital access to property records from 1990 to the present. These records can be searched using names, recording dates, document numbers, and book and page details.

Note that different agencies or separate tools are used to locate property tax records in Colorado. For instance, Denver's Assessment and Taxation System can be used to obtain property tax records in the city and county of Denver. Tax assessments related to properties are often handled by the county assessor.

Colorado Inmate Records

Colorado inmate records are official documents of individuals detained, booked, or incarcerated in county or state correctional facilities. The Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) and the county sheriff's offices maintain these records, respectively.

These records typically contain the following information:

• Inmates' identity includes name, age, ethnicity, etc.
• The current conviction of the inmate
• Inmate's mugshot and DOC number
• Estimated parole eligibility date
• Estimated mandatory release date

To search for this record, interested parties may use the DOC's offender search tool. Information such as the inmate's name, DOC number, and gender must be provided.

Colorado also houses federal prisons, as reflected in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) website. Here, interested parties can navigate the agency's search tool to access inmate records by entering the inmate's name or BOP register number.

Colorado Traffic Records

In Colorado, public traffic records contain comprehensive driver history information. This includes accident involvement, traffic violations, points accumulated, personal details, license status, and any suspensions or revocations.

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains these records, which are regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requestors of traffic or driving records may resort to in-person, mail, or online transactions. For in-person requests, individuals may visit the CO DMV or their local county office and must be able to provide the following:

• Driver's name and birth date
• Driver license number (if available)
• Complete and legible signature of the driver
• Photocopy of driver's ID photo (with signature)
• Completed Driver Record Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use (DR 2489)
• Payment for appropriate fees

The same requirements are needed when requesting via mail. The requestor must address the

request on the mailing address found in form DR 2489. For online transactions, individuals may utilize the tools provided by CO DMV. Third-party websites are also available if the cited platforms are not accessible.

License Plate Lookup in Colorado

The Colorado DMV offers a comprehensive license plate lookup system through its Partner Access program. This service allows authorized entities to conduct record searches based on plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or title number. To safeguard personal privacy, the system does not permit searches using an owner's name.

The DMV maintains a database of imaged records spanning seven years plus the current year. When a search is performed, and a matching record is found in the motor vehicle system, it provides a wealth of information. This includes a detailed vehicle description, any existing lien information, and, when appropriate, the name and mailing address of the vehicle's owner.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Information Act in Colorado?

Based on the information provided in the CORA (Colorado Open Records Act) document, several types of information are exempt from public disclosure under Colorado's public records law. Here are some key exemptions:

Correspondence of elected officials that is as follows:

• Work product
• Without the connection to official functions or public funds
• Confidential communications with constituents

Records excluded from the definition of "public records":

• Criminal justice records covered by separate statutes
• Work product prepared for elected officials (with some exceptions)
• Certain records related to CollegeInvest programs
• Confidential materials of crime victim compensation boards
• Information security plans and incident reports of public agencies

Records that may be withheld at the custodian's discretion:

• Law enforcement investigations and security procedures
• Test questions and examination data
• Details of research projects by state institutions
• Real estate appraisals (until property transfer)
• Certain Department of Revenue records identifying individuals
• Email addresses and contact information provided for communications

Records that must be withheld from inspection:

• Personnel files (except applications and performance ratings)
• Letters of reference
• Trade secrets and privileged information
• Sexual harassment complaint records
• Records protected by deliberative process privilege
• Student contact information in public schools
• Ballots (under certain circumstances)

Other Public Records in Colorado

Other types of public records in Colorado include:

• Sex Offender Registry: The CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) maintains a record of sex offenders in the state. Those who desire to search for the record may utilize the search tool provided on the CBI website.
• Warrant Records: These are official documents detailing legal authorizations for law enforcement to conduct searches, arrests, or seizures. Warrant records, maintained by the state's judicial system, contain information about the nature of the warrant, the issuing court, and the targeted individual or property.
• Business Records: The Colorado Secretary of State (SOS) maintains records of business entities across the state. To access these records, requestors may use the search tool on the CO SOS website.
• Voter Information: The CO SOS manages this record, which includes information about the voter's registration, mail ballot status, etc.
• Environmental Reports: The CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) is in charge of this record. It handles records on air pollution and waste management across the state, including reports on water quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on Colorado public records, explore the frequently asked questions below:

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