How to Find Colorado Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Colorado Deaths

Colorado became a state in 1876 and at this time a law was passed requiring counties and towns to record deaths. Some Colorado death records exist as early as 1877. Prior to 1900 the records are incomplete. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 and was generally complied with by 1920. Where clerks complied the records are available at the county courthouse.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Before 1877
 * 1877 thru 1899
 * 1900 thru present


 * }

Deaths before 1877
Before 1877 no deaths were recorded by county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1877 thru 1899
Death records are housed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and in the county office where the death occurred. Colorado death records become public record 75 years after the death event.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1900 thru present
The state of Colorado began officially recording deaths in 1907. All deaths in the state beginning in 1900 are housed on the state level.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death: For a fee, the West Virginia Department of Health office will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths after 1970
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

With an exact date (from your records), you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

Return to top: Choose another death year

Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records
Restrictions for persons born who died within the last 50 years: To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:


 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * Funeral director
 * Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
 * NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

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