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Colorado Death Records.
State-Level Resources
The central state resource for Colorado death records is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This organization holds death certificates from 1900 onward. Based on Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117, death certificates are required to be filed with the local registrar and enter public records 75 years after the death occurs.
The CDPHE Vital Records Section operates at 4300 Cherry Creek Dr S, Denver, CO 80246-1530. You can reach them by phone at 303-692-2200 or email vital.records@state.co.us. To order using a credit card, dial 866-300-8540. Their business hours run Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Another useful state resource is the Colorado State Archives. They keep an array of historical death records, such as death certificates, death registers, burial permits, and coroner’s files. Records preceding 1908 might be more inconsistent since formal registration began around that period. The Colorado State Archives serves as a rich resource for genealogical digging, especially for older records that might not be found elsewhere.
County-Level Resources
Various Colorado counties maintain their death records, particularly for deaths happening before statewide registration started in 1908. Notable county-level sources include:
Adams County
The Adams County Clerk and Recorder’s Office offers access to death certificates and records.
Arapahoe County
Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder’s Office provides death record services.
Boulder County
Boulder County Clerk and Recorder manages death records for the county.
Denver County
The Denver Office of the Clerk and Recorder handles Denver County death records.
El Paso County
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder allows access to death records.
Jefferson County
The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder manages death records for the county.
Larimer County
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder provides death record services.
Mesa County
The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder’s Office gives access to death records.
Pueblo County
Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder maintains death records for the county.
Weld County
The Weld County Clerk and Recorder provides death record services.
Online Databases and Indexes
Multiple online databases and indexes can help you search for Colorado death records:
FamilySearch grants free access to many Colorado death record collections.
Ancestry.com contains a Colorado Select County Death Records collection spanning 1986-2017, mostly for Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties.
FindAGrave has cemetery and burial details for numerous Colorado residents.
The Colorado Genealogical Society provides databases and tools for genealogical exploration, including death records.
How to Request Death Records
In-Person Requests
Stop by the CDPHE Vital Records Section or your local county clerk’s office. Make sure to bring ID and the needed details about the deceased, including full name, date of death, and place of death.
Mail Requests
Mail a filled application, a copy of your valid ID, and payment to the CDPHE Vital Records Section. Include a stamped return envelope for receiving the records.
Online Requests
The CDPHE enables online ordering via a third-party service. This method may be easier but may have added fees.
Alternative Sources for Death Information
If official death records are unavailable or hard to get, try these alternative resources:
- Obituaries: Local papers frequently print obituaries. Libraries often store obituary indexes.
- Church Records: Religious bodies may have records of members’ deaths and burials.
- Cemetery Records: Many cemeteries keep burial records that include death data.
- Probate Records: These legal documents often contain the date of death and other pertinent details.
Tips for Successful Searches
- Collect as much information as possible before you begin your search, including the complete name, approximate death date, and potential location.
- Watch for name variations and potential misspellings in records.
- Use wildcard searches on online databases to cover spelling differences.
- Consider checking records in nearby counties if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the expected place.
Historical Death Records
Death records predating 1900 might be trickier to find. The Colorado State Archives is a good resource for these older documents. Additionally, county-level resources and other sources like church records and newspapers may hold vital information for deaths occurring in the late 19th century.
What are Colorado Death Records?
Colorado death records are formal papers that hold vital details about a person’s passing within the borders of Colorado. These records act as legal evidence of death and are crucial for various formalities, legal affairs, and family history pursuits. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is the main authority in charge of managing and providing death records for the state.
Death records in Colorado fall under the rules of the Vital Statistics Act, which lays out the procedures for recording, keeping, and granting access to these documents. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-110, death certificates must be submitted to the state registrar within five days after death and before any final handling of the body. These records then become a key piece of the state’s vital records network, offering essential data for health research, population studies, and archival documentation.
Types of Death Records in Colorado
Death Certificates
Death certificates are the most widespread and detailed form of death record in Colorado. They provide extensive details about the deceased, such as personal identifiers, reasons for death, and other important facts. The CDPHE Vital Records Section is responsible for distributing certified copies of death certificates.
Registers of Deaths
Registers of deaths are collections of death records, often kept at the county level. These registers may not contain the level of detail found in full death certificates but are still useful for historical research and ancestry exploration.
Burial Permits
Burial permits are papers given by local health authorities or coroners that allow the body’s final placement. Although not as detailed as death certificates, they can still offer important clues like the death date and burial location.
Coroner’s Reports
In cases where death is sudden, unanticipated, or violent, a coroner’s report may be produced. These reports provide a deep dive into the circumstances and medical causes of death, as determined through examination.
Information Contained in Colorado Death Records
Colorado death records typically include the following details:
Basic Demographic Information
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and location of death
- Date and place of birth
- Gender
- Race or ethnicity
- Marital status
Cause of Death
- Direct cause of death
- Underlying factors or contributing conditions
- Manner of death (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or unresolved)
Medical Information
- Name and address of the attending doctor or coroner
- Medical certifier’s endorsement
- Autopsy information (if conducted)
Family Information
- Names of parents (including mother’s maiden name)
- Spouse’s name (if applicable)
- Informant’s name and relationship to the deceased
Importance and Uses of Death Records
Death records have several purposes in Colorado:
Legal and Administrative Uses: Death certificates are necessary for handling estates, claiming insurance payouts, and closing financial dealings.
Genealogical Research: These records are priceless for people tracking family history and constructing family trees.
Public Health Studies: Data from death records helps health officials analyze mortality patterns, recognize health risks, and devise preventive strategies.
Historical Documentation: Death records offer a glimpse into historical events, social conditions, and population shifts across time.
Laws and Regulations Governing Colorado Death Records
Colorado death records are regulated by laws and rules governing their creation, storage, and accessibility:
Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117 specifies the requirements for submitting death certificates and the necessary details they must carry.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117.5 discusses the privacy of death records and outlines who may access them.
The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) regulates public access to government-held records, including death records unless restricted by privacy laws.
Federal laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), also influence how death records with protected health information are managed and disclosed.
Historical Evolution of Death Records in Colorado
The systematic recording of deaths in Colorado has evolved greatly since the state was established in 1876. Before 1900, death records were unevenly kept, often by counties or religious entities. The move to statewide registration in 1907 improved the consistency and detail in death records.
Over time, death certificates have expanded to include more thorough medical and demographic details. The rise of digital systems has transformed the storage and access of death records, with many older records now available online through the Colorado State Archives and other repositories.
Agencies Responsible for Death Records in Colorado
Multiple agencies are involved in managing death records in Colorado:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is the lead agency managing and issuing death records at the state level.
County Clerk and Recorder Offices typically keep local death records and may offer death certificate copies for deaths within their regions.
The Colorado State Archives safeguards historical death records and provides them for research purposes.
Death Record Certification and Authentication
Colorado offers several types of death record copies:
Certified Copies: These official documents, stamped with the state seal, can be used for legal purposes. They’re available to those eligible under Colorado law.
Informational Copies: These unofficial copies, marked “For Informational Purposes Only,” cannot be used for legal affairs but may be available to a broader set of requestors.
Apostille Certification: If you need a death record for use abroad, you might require an apostille, which can be obtained from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.
Challenges and Limitations of Death Records
While death records are valuable, they have some limitations:
- Incomplete or inaccurate data may exist, especially in older records.
- Historical record gaps are common, especially before statewide registration began.
- Name variations, spelling differences, or transcription mistakes can make record searches tricky.
Death Records and Public Health
Death records play a pivotal role in public health efforts in Colorado:
- They help monitor death rates and recognize major causes of death.
- Data from death records guide public health strategies and interventions.
- During health emergencies, like pandemics, death records offer key insights for response plans.
The CDPHE’s Center for Health and Environmental Data uses death record information to generate statistical reports and perform health studies that guide statewide health policies.
FAQ
How far back do Colorado death records go? Official statewide death records in Colorado start in 1900. However, some counties have earlier records dating back to 1876.
What information is typically found in a Colorado death certificate? Death certificates usually list the deceased’s name, date of death, location of death, cause of death, age at death, birth date, occupation, and names of parents and spouse.
Can I request a death certificate for someone who isn’t a relative? Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117.5, you need a direct, tangible connection to the record to request it. Typically, this applies to close family, legal reps, and those who can show the record is needed to protect personal or property rights.
How long does it take to receive a death certificate after ordering? Processing times differ, but mail orders usually take 5-10 business days, while online orders take 3-5 business days.
Are there free resources to search Colorado death records? Yes, free resources like FamilySearch and FindAGrave offer access to some Colorado death record details.
What should I do if I can’t find a death record for my ancestor? You can search alternate sources like obituaries, church records, or probate records. You might also want to expand your search to nearby counties or states.
Can I order a certified copy of a death certificate online? Yes, you can order certified copies online through the CDPHE’s third-party provider.
How much does it cost to get a Colorado death certificate? As of 2024, it costs $20 for the first copy and $13 for each extra copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
What ID is required to request a death certificate? You’ll need to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
Are Colorado death records accessible for genealogical research? Yes, after 75 years from the death date, death records become public, as per Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117. Records older than 75 years are open for genealogical research with no restrictions.