Home › Colorado › How-To Guide
Colorado · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

County Public Health / Vital Records (county level) / Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - CDPHE (state level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Colorado is a CLOSED RECORDS state - death certificates restricted. Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with tangible interest (estate, insurance, financial institution).
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON AT COUNTY: Visit your county's Public Health Vital Records office - county offices typically issue death records for deaths occurring in their county; some larger counties can issue statewide records; same-day service typical
  4. BY MAIL TO STATE: Download and complete the Death Certificate Application from cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records; include copy of ID, proof of relationship/interest, and payment; mail to CDPHE Vital Records, 4300 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver, CO 80246; allow 30 business days
  5. ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek or GoCertificates at cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records - surcharge applies
  6. Submit application with valid photo ID and proof of relationship or legal interest
  7. Pay the fee
  8. Receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application
  • Copy of valid government-issued photo ID (CDPHE-approved ID list)
  • Proof of relationship or legal interest
  • Payment (check or money order for mail - no cash; card at county offices/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 surcharge
Processing Time
County office: same day; CDPHE by mail: 30 business days; online/VitalChek: faster with surcharge
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek and GoCertificates through cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records
Where to Go
County Public Health Vital Records (in person for local deaths); CDPHE Vital Records by mail (statewide); online through authorized vendors
County-specific variations apply

County offices generally only issue death certificates for deaths occurring in their county - for deaths in other Colorado counties, contact that county's public health office or CDPHE. Broomfield County can issue death certificates for deaths occurring anywhere in Colorado between 1975 to present. Verify coverage with your specific county before visiting. Some county offices have limited hours for vital records.

Colorado Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Colorado death records restricted to authorized requesters.
  • Fee increased effective January 1, 2026.
  • Order multiple certified copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, and VA each require a certified copy; most families need 6-10 copies.
  • Funeral homes typically assist with initial death certificate filing - contact them first for recent deaths.
  • Broomfield (City and County) can issue statewide death certificates for deaths from 1975-present - useful for residents of counties with limited vital records capacity.
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