How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

County Public Health / Vital Records (county level - in person, faster) / Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - CDPHE (state level - by mail/online)

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine eligibility: Colorado is a CLOSED RECORDS state - birth certificates are restricted. Authorized requesters include the registrant (18+), parents listed on the certificate, siblings (with proof of shared parent), current spouse, children of the registrant, grandparents/grandchildren, and others with tangible interest or court order.
Choose your method:
IN PERSON AT COUNTY: Visit your county's Public Health Vital Records office - most county offices can issue certified copies for any Colorado birth from 1903 to present; same-day or next-day service typical; bring valid ID
BY MAIL TO STATE: Download and complete the Birth Certificate Application from cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records; include copy of ID and payment (check or money order payable to CDPHE Vital Records); mail to CDPHE Vital Records, 4300 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver, CO 80246; allow 30 business days for state office processing
ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek or GoCertificates at cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records - surcharge applies; faster processing than state mail
Submit completed application with valid government-issued photo ID (copy)
Pay the fee
Receive certificate

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Completed birth certificate application
Copy of valid government-issued photo ID (CDPHE-approved ID list applies)
Proof of relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
Payment (check or money order for mail - no cash; card accepted at county offices and online)

Fee

Effective January 1, 2026: $25 first certified copy; $20 each additional copy of same record ordered at same time (increased from $20/$13 in 2025); online orders add VitalChek/GoCertificates surcharge (~$7.50)

Processing Time

County office: same day to 3-5 business days (mailed records); CDPHE state office by mail: 30 business days; online/VitalChek: faster with surcharge; newborn certificates: 10-14 days to process after registration

Online Option

Yes - VitalChek and GoCertificates through cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records

Where to Go

County Public Health Vital Records office (in person - faster); CDPHE Vital Records by mail; online through authorized vendors

County-specific variations apply

Most county public health vital records offices can issue certified copies of any Colorado birth record from 1903 to present (not just local births). Some rural counties only issue records for births in their county; for other Colorado births, go to the state CDPHE office or another county. Fees, hours, and card acceptance vary by county - verify before visiting. Jefferson County note: credit card processing fee of 2.25% applies starting March 1, 2026. Some county offices temporarily closed or relocated - check your specific county website before visiting.

Colorado Notes

Important state-specific details

Colorado is a CLOSED RECORDS state - birth records restricted to authorized requesters only.
Fee increased effective January 1, 2026 per CDPHE updated fee schedule.
Records maintained from 1903 statewide (some county-level records from earlier years).
Hospital or midwife documents are NOT official certified copies - must be obtained from Vital Records.
Colorado's 150th Anniversary (2026): special commemorative birth certificate with the 150th Anniversary logo available - check the box on the application form at participating county offices.
Adoptees: Colorado law allows adult adoptees to request their original pre-adoption birth certificate directly from CDPHE; contact CDPHE at (303) 692-2227.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Colorado CDPHE Vital Records - cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records | (303) 692-2200 | 4300 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver, CO 80246