How to Find Colorado Death Records

Colorado became a state in 1876 and at that time a law was passed requiring counties and towns to record deaths but not all counties complied. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 and was generally complied with by 1920.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Before 1876
 * 1876 thru 1899
 * 1900 thru present
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths before 1876
Before 1876 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 1876 thru 1899
After statehood in 1876 some counties began to record deaths. These records are housed on the county level. There is no complete index for these county marriages. To locate the county of the marriage you must search substitute records.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
To locate a Colorado death record for this time period you must know that county where the death occurred.

For a list of Colorado counties containing earliest records available visit: Earliest Colorado Vital Records on File in the Colorado Counties

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
Contact the county where the death event occurred. State of Colorado roster of County Clerks Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1900 thru present
All Colorado death records beginning in 1900 are housed on the state level.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
There are no death indexes for Colorado at this time. If you do not know your ancestor's death date try searching for death information in other records.

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

Order a copy of the death certificate for a fee from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

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
Anyone can obtain a death certificate for a death that occurred 75 or more years ago.

To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 75 years, you must be:


 * Current spouse named on the certificate
 * Ex spouse: Must present proof of direct and tangible interest
 * Parent: Must be listed on death certificate
 * Stepparent: Marriage certificate proving relationship to a parent that is listed on death certificate
 * Grandparents/Great grandparents: Birth certificate(s) proving relationship required
 * Siblings/Half siblings: Birth certificate showing at least one same parent required
 * Children/Grandchildren/Great grandchildren: Birth certificate(s) showing relationship is required
 * Step-Children: Marriage certificate and birth certificate proving relationship required
 * Legal representative/Paralegals: Proof of client relationship required as well as proof of the client’s relationship to the registrant
 * Consular Corps/Consulate offices: Proof of client relationship required as well as proof of the client’s relationship to the registrant
 * Genealogists: Notarized signed release from immediate family member required as well as proof of the family member’s relationship. Certificate marked “For Genealogical Use Only”
 * In-laws/aunts/uncles/nephews/nieces/cousins: For death certificate 25 years or younger- Must present proof of direct and tangible interest. For death certificates over 25 years- Must present proof of relationship (a family tree would be acceptable for this case) Death certificate marked “For Genealogical Use Only”
 * Probate Researchers: Proof of direct and tangible interest required
 * Creditors: Proof of direct and tangible interest required
 * Anatomical Board: Must be listed on death certificate
 * Employer: Proof of direct and tangible interest required
 * Insurance companies: Proof of direct and tangible interest required (Insurance policy)
 * Hospital/Nursing home/Hospice/Physician: Proof of patient relationship required
 * Funeral Directors: Must be listed on death certificate. If not listed, they can submit proof of the relationship between themselves and the funeral establishment listed on the death certificate. (copy of contract)
 * Informant: Must be listed on death certificate
 * Governmental agencies (SSA, Human Services, etc): No additional document needed – fee may apply. Must present their work credentials (work ID)
 * NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 75 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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