Vital Records Online is a simple and secure US-based platform that allows you to easily order your Colorado birth, death, and marriage certificates online. Rest assured that your documents will arrive safely while your private information remains confidential.
Summary:
Colorado, “the Centennial State,” because it joined the union one century after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Colorado’s population is estimated at 5.8 million. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulates public health and the environment. Vital records are maintained by each county’s Vital Records Office (VR). These offices are responsible for the statewide registration and preservation of birth, adoption, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce registers.
Parents, adult children, and grandparents are authorized to request a Colorado-certified birth certificate. Spouses, siblings, adult children, and grandparents are approved to order certified death certificates. Family members may order a certified marriage certificate. Other parties that show cause may request vital records from a Colorado Vital Statistics Office.
If you’re doing an ancestry search, the vital statistics offices can help, or try the many available public archives.
Learn how to obtain certified copies of official Colorado vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, and why they are important to have in your possession.
Start your application online for CO vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential for many events in life. They can prove identity, citizenship, and family relationships and assist in resolving legal disputes or claiming inheritances. These records are also valuable tools for researching family history, providing details about our ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If your birth, marriage, or divorce certificate has been lost or stolen, you must file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible.
Each county in Colorado can issue and certify vital records. To locate where to request a certificate in your county, refer to the complete list of Colorado vital records offices containing locations, contact information, and links to the online applications for ordering birth, death, and marriage certificates. All vital records are issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s state vital records office.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Colorado, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Residents of Colorado have a few options when ordering vital records. It’s possible to apply in person or by mail, although online requests are the most reliable and convenient option. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment produces and certifies copies of vital records for authorized applicants who fulfill the eligibility requirements and follow the guidelines for requesting certificates. The procedure and prerequisites vary between birth, death, and marriage certificates, but the process is straightforward once the requirements are understood.
The type of certificate you need and how you order will affect the costs, eligibility criteria, requirements, and processing times. Regardless of how you order your certificate, be sure to review the terms and application procedure for the type of vital record you need before requesting your certified copy from the CDPHE.
Ordering Colorado Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
Authorized individuals can apply for a Colorado birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Ensure that you have the required documents ready before you start the application. You will be prompted to upload copies of the documents during the online application.
Vital Records Online simplifies the process of collecting and generating the documents required for your request. It also shows you how and where to submit them. Applicants can quickly complete the entire process in just five minutes from any internet-enabled device. Additionally, Vital Records Online helps users avoid application rejections due to mistakes or missing information.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Those who live near a vital records-issuing agency can make their requests in person. The state health department’s in-person vital record requests are by appointment only. Some county vital records offices may offer walk-ins, but be prepared to face long lines and be sure to confirm the hours of operation at the local office. Ordering via mail or online can be a more convenient and efficient option.
The procedures for requesting records in person and by mail are similar. The requirements for applying in person may vary by county, but the process will generally involve the following steps:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before submitting the application, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Understanding the process and requirements of requesting vital records is essential. Be sure to review these before gathering the required documents for your application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The table below displays the information and documents required to request Colorado’s vital records certificates. If you do not possess a valid primary ID, you may submit two forms of accepted secondary ID.
Applicants must provide proof of their identity to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment when requesting certified copies of vital records. The CDPHE defines accepted primary IDs and optional secondary IDs for requesting birth, death, or marriage certificates.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Colorado?
The eligibility conditions and requirements can vary by certificate type and applicant, so be sure to review the application and instructions relevant to your specific certificate request.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parents Names, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, College ID, Driver's License, Government Work ID, Job Corps ID, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, State Corrections ID, State Temporary Driver's License, Temporary Inmate ID, Temporary Resident Card, US B1/B2 Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Merchant Mariner Card, US Military ID | Acknowledgement of Parentage Document, Birth Certificate, Corrections ID, Court Order of Adoption, Court Order of Name Change, DD-214 Form, Divorce Decree, Expired Primary ID, Foreign Driver's License, Hospital Birth Worksheet, Medicaid Card, Medicare Card, Mexican Voter Registration Card, Pilot's License, Prison ID, Social Security Card, State Craft License, State Fishing License, State Gaming License, State Hunting License, State Trade License, US Marriage Certificate, US Selective Service Card, Vehicle Registration, Weapon Permit, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Place of Death, State of Birth, Your Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, College ID, Driver's License, Government Work ID, Job Corps ID, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, State Corrections ID, State ID, State Temporary Driver's License, Temporary Inmate ID, Temporary Resident Card, US B1/B2 Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Merchant Mariner Card, US Military ID | Acknowledgement of Parentage Document, Birth Certificate, Corrections ID, Court Order of Adoption, Court Order of Name Change, DD-214 Form, Divorce Decree, Expired Primary ID, Foreign Driver's License, Hospital Birth Worksheet, Medicaid Card, Medicare Card, Mexican Voter Registration Card, Pilot's License, Prison ID, Social Security Card, State Craft License, State Fishing License, State Gaming License, State Hunting License, State Trade License, US Marriage Certificate, US Selective Service Card, Vehicle Registration, Weapon Permit, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride's Name Before Marriage, County of Marriage, Date of Marriage, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Groom Name Before Marriage, Your Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, College ID, Driver's License, Government Work ID, Job Corps ID, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, State Corrections ID, State ID, State Temporary Driver's License, Temporary Inmate ID, Temporary Resident Card, US B1/B2 Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Merchant Mariner Card, US Military ID | Acknowledgement of Parentage Document, Birth Certificate, Corrections ID, Court Order of Adoption, Court Order of Name Change, DD-214 Form, Divorce Decree, Expired Primary ID, Foreign Driver's License, Hospital Birth Worksheet, Medicaid Card, Medicare Card, Mexican Voter Registration Card, Pilot's License, Prison ID, Social Security Card, State Craft License, State Fishing License, State Gaming License, State Hunting License, State Trade License, US Marriage Certificate, US Selective Service Card, Vehicle Registration, Weapon Permit, Work ID |
Who can request vital records in Colorado?
Certificate holders can request certified copies of their vital records but must confirm their identity by providing a valid form of identification.
If you are requesting vital records on behalf of someone else, check the eligibility requirements for each birth, death, and marriage certificate to confirm that you are authorized. You will be required to submit additional documentation verifying your relationship with the person on record. In some circumstances, you may need to obtain a notarized statement. All requests ordered through Vital Records Online include an online notarization service if necessary, which can be added as an extra step during checkout.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Aunts/Uncles, Children, Consulate of a Foreign Government, Cousins, Ex-Spouse, Genealogists, Government Officials, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, In-Laws, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Nephew/Niece, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Recruiters, Siblings, Spouse, Step-Parents |
| Death Certificate | Anatomical Board, Attorneys, Aunts/Uncles, Beneficiary, Children, Consulate of a Foreign Government, Coroners, Cousins, Creditors, Employer, Ex-Spouse, Funeral Director, Genealogists, Government Officials, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Hospital, In-Laws, Informant listed on death certificate, Insurance Company, Legal Representative, Nephew/Niece, Nursing Home, Opposing Counsel, Parents, Probate Researchers, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Marriage Certificate | Attorneys, Aunts/Uncles, Consulate of a Foreign Government, Cousins, Creditors, Employer, Genealogists, Government Officials, Grandparents, Great Grandchildren, Great Grandparents, In-Laws, Insurance Company, Legal Representative, Nephew/Niece, Parents, Person on Record, Probate Researchers, Step Children, Step-Parents |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Health Department of Colorado does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of their certificates, regardless of the method they use to order. However, third-party applicants, such as genealogists or Power of Attorneys, must obtain notarized statements when requesting Colorado birth or death certificates.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required when requesting a Colorado birth or death certificate as a genealogist or Power of Attorney.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service as an additional step in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document at a local public notary.
The associated expenses of obtaining a vital record certificate depend on the CDPHE’s fees for each type of certificate, the submission method, and whether or not a notary is needed.
Vital Records Online’s Application Assistant starts at $29. The CDPHE’s fees are $20.00 for a birth certificate, $17.00 for a marriage certificate, and $20.00 for a death certificate. Additional copies of the same certificate can be ordered at reduced prices: $13.00 for each additional copy of a birth or death certificate and $10.00 for each additional copy of a marriage certificate.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order at reduced prices to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $20.00 | $13.00 |
| Death Certificate | $20.00 | $13.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $17.00 | $10.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs from shipping and notary if your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Colorado?
Processing and replacement times can differ when requesting a replacement birth, death, or marriage certificate. Current processing and delivery times are listed below. The total waiting time depends on your application submission method and required documents. Ordering through Vital Records Online simplifies gathering documents and submitting your application packet with options to expedite your order.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 10 weeks (30 business days from the date received) | Not Available |
| Death Certificate | 10 weeks (30 business days from the date received) | Not Available |
| Marriage Certificate | 10 weeks (30 business days from the date received) | Not Available |
❗️ We advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process if you use a local public notary.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
You can easily track your application’s progress when ordering your certificate with Vital Records Online by viewing your order status. After your application packet ships, you can monitor its journey to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment with first-class mail tracking.
If mailing your application manually, purchasing First-class mail tracking is advised to let you know when your application arrives successfully. The CDPHE ships all documents via first-class mail for extra security; however, it is not responsible for any lost documents. If your birth certificate is lost, you should file a report immediately. Note that any simple errors, typos, or missing documents can delay waiting times, incur repeat shipping costs, or risk exposure of your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Colorado counties office locations directory.
An Apostille is required when submitting a vital record certificate to a foreign government. All apostilles for Colorado birth, death, and marriage certificates initially filed with the CDPHE must be requested from the Secretary of State’s office.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can secure apostilles for Colorado vital records via Vital Records Online or directly through the Secretary of State’s office.
Vital Records Online offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is acknowledged by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. The service covers apostilles for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, all with professional assistance. Starting at $149 (plus government fees), the entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps.
Under most circumstances, acquiring a physical rendition of your papers isn’t necessary, allowing you to complete the procedure online. Upon completing your apostille documentation, it will be dispatched to you through FedEx or DHL. The delivery will arrive at your doorstep regardless of your location— in the U.S. or elsewhere. We rely on esteemed courier services for global delivery.
If you are manually sending your certificates, you will need to include the following in your request:
All requests, whether sent by standard mail, express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), or brought in in person, should be submitted to the following address:
Colorado Secretary of State,
1700 Broadway, Ste. 550,
Denver, CO 80290
You can reach the office at 303-894-2200 or online at https://www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/apostilles/home.html.
The CDPHE provides a list of situations requiring an amendment to a person’s birth or death certificate.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides a straightforward procedure for amending birth or death certificates. The CDPHE does not handle corrections to marriage certificates. Contact your local County Clerk’s office if you need to amend your marriage certificate. Different forms must be completed depending on the certificate type and the information being amended. All changes or corrections are made as addendums to the original record; the original documents cannot be altered.
The documents and information required to correct or amend a certificate vary depending on which vital record needs changing and what information should be changed.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
In Colorado, vital records, including birth, death, adoption, marriage, and divorce, are confidential per Colorado state statute. Consequently, finding free public records may be challenging. However, you can view the complete list of counties and the archives they provide.
Are Colorado Vital Records Open to the Public?
While Colorado has abundant vital records available to the public, full access to birth, death, and marriage certificates is generally only available for events that occurred before 1908.
Third-party websites can be helpful sources of information for researching vital records. These websites are not bound by geographic location and can be good points of reference. However, their data may differ from that found in official government records. If you are searching for records on a third-party website, you will need to provide the following information:
Colorado residents have the right under the Colorado Open Records Act “CORA” to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.
The physical appearance of a vital record certificate can differ depending on which state, county, or municipality issued it. You can confirm that your certificate is an official (certified) copy rather than an informational one. Informational copies usually have a stamp or large print on the front stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies of vital records are certified legal documents that can be used officially as identification. Authorized copies are typically restricted to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the record.
If you need an authorized birth, death, or marriage certificate, you must verify your identity by providing a valid form of identification. Failing to do so will result in your application being rejected, so be sure to check the accepted forms of ID. If you are requesting records that are not your own, you will need to provide additional documentation, which may require notarization.
Informational Copy:
Colorado’s informational (heirloom) copies of Colorado birth, death, and marriage certificates are primarily intended for personal or commemorative use and some official purposes, as they are still considered “certified” documents. These can be great keepsakes to celebrate milestones like a new birth in the family, a wedding anniversary, or to honor the memory of a deceased loved one.
However, it’s important to note that while these heirloom copies are certified, they may only sometimes be accepted as legal documents for most legal purposes. They usually display a declaration such as “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or similar, indicating they cannot be used for official purposes.
If you need a vital record for official purposes, request an authorized or certified copy from the relevant issuing agency. Informational copies of a birth certificate are not acceptable for applying for a passport, driver’s license, enrolling in school, or claiming benefits.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Colorado government website at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords
