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Colorado Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Colorado Birth Certificates from the CDPHE. The state fee for obtaining a birth certificate is $20.00, with additional copies available for $13.00 each, and the current processing time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Authorized individuals who may request a birth certificate include the certificate holder, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.

How to Order Colorado Birth Certificates

To obtain a birth certificate, you can order it in person or by mail through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or apply online now through VRO. Before proceeding with your order, reviewing the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times is essential.


Person ordering a death certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering Online with VRO

Order your Colorado birth certificate online quickly and securely through VRO in two simple steps:

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a
Colorado Birth Certificate?

All applicants must provide proof of identity when requesting certified copies of birth records from the CDPHE. A government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or US Passport is sufficient as a primary ID. Additional documentation may be necessary for third-party requests depending on the relationship to the record holder. Refer to the table below for comprehensive details regarding the required information and documents.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Alien Registration Receipt/Permanent Resident Card
CO Temporary Driver’s license/State ID (must be current)
Certificate of U.S.Citizenship
Driver’s License/ID Card
Employment Authorization Card
Foreign Passport
Government Work ID
Jail Temporary inmate ID
Job Corps ID
School
Temporary Resident Card
US B1/B2 Visa with I-94
US Certificate of Naturalization
US Citizenship
US Merchant Mariner ID/Book
US Military ID card (front/back)
US Passport or Card
University or College ID Card

Acknowledgment of Parentage Document (Colorado Only)
Any expired document from the Primary List (cannot be expired more than 6 months)
Colorado Gaming License
Colorado Hunting or Fishing License (must be current)
Court Order of Adoption or Name Change
Craft or Trade License (Colorado Only) DD-214 Form
Foreign/International Driving License (issued by state/province)
Hospital Birth Worksheet (within 6 months of birth)
Marriage License
Medicaid Card (Colorado Only)
Medicare Card
Mexican Voter Registration Card
Motor Vehicle registration or title (must be current-US only) Pilot's License
Paycheck Stub (within 3 months
Prison ID
Social Security Card
U.S. Birth Certificate
US Divorce Decree
US Selective Service Card
W-2
Weapon Permit
Work ID

How to Get a Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not possess a primary form of identification accepted by the CDPHE, you can provide two forms of secondary identification listed in the table above. In the absence of two secondary forms, it is advisable to contact the CDPHE Vital Records office for guidance on alternative identification options.



Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Colorado?

The total cost to replace a birth certificate is influenced by the ordering method (in person, by mail, or online). CDPHE current fees for certified copies are $20.00, and additional copies are $13.00 each when ordered with the same request.



State Fee

$20.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $13.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Colorado?

The total time to process and receive a Colorado birth certificate can vary based on the method of application submission. The current processing time defined by the CDPHE is approximately 2 to 3 weeks from the date received.

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered





Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Colorado Birth Certificate?

The person named on the birth record can request certified copies of their birth records but must confirm their identity by providing a valid form of identification. If you are requesting a birth certificate on behalf of someone else, check the eligibility requirement to verify that you are authorized. You may be required to submit additional documentation to verify your relationship with the person on record.

Access to Colorado birth records is restricted for 100 years after the date of birth to eligible parties as specified by the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Birth records created over 100 years ago are deemed public information under CORA, which can be requested by submitting an application form with a valid form of identification.



Authorized People


  • Adoptive parents (with proof of adoption)
  • Adult children of the registrant
  • Grandparents
  • Legal guardians (with proof of guardianship)
  • Legal Representative (must provide proof of client relationship)
  • Parents named on the birth certificate/Stepparents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings (over 18 years old)
  • Spouse/Ex-spouse (with proof of relationship)

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) does not mandate notarization for birth certificate applications, regardless of the ordering method.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Application

After you submit your order online through VRO, you can track your application status through the online order portal. Once the application packet is dispatched, first-class mail tracking allows you to monitor its delivery to the CDPHE.

If you are manually mailing your application to the CDPHE, it is advisable to use first-class mail with tracking to ensure delivery confirmation. The CDPHE securely sends certified documents using first-class tracking. Note that the CDPHE is not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates. Therefore, it is essential to file a report immediately if your certificate goes missing.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of a Colorado Birth Certificate?

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    Birth certificates are official state-issued documents recognized by both government and private institutions and necessary for a wide range of services. They provide critical information that verifies your identity and citizenship, such as the individual's legal name, date of birth, birthplace, and parents' names. Certified copies of your birth certificate are commonly required for various legal matters, including family affairs, school enrollment, marriage licenses, and passport applications. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in financial matters, such as pensions and Social Security, personal record-keeping for genealogy, and employment verification.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a Colorado Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    The CDPHE establishes distinct rules regarding the appearance of birth certificates, ensuring that they adhere to specific authentication features. The design may differ depending on the year of issuance and the issuing county due to local guidelines and practices, which can impact their overall layout and security attributes. Standard features of official birth certificates include a raised, embossed, or multicolored state seal to signify its authenticity, which is produced on specialized, secure paper. Additionally, certified copies will display essential information such as the registrar's signature, the parents' full names, the date and location of birth, and a unique certificate number.

    While Colorado issues two types of birth certificates—long-form (official) and short-form (informational)—the long-form certificates serve as certified documents, typically required for legal purposes. In contrast, short-form certificates are informational and may not carry the same legal significance. You can contact the county's vital records office for the most accurate and current information regarding the appearance and use of birth certificates.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.


    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.


    Colorado Birth Certificate
  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Colorado Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the CDPHE.

    a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The CDPHE does not accept walk-ins at their location, so be sure to schedule an appointment before arriving.

    b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the CDPHE at:

    Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

    4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246

    c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

    2. CDPHE will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Colorado Birth Certificate

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    Amendments to a birth certificate may be necessary when inaccuracies are identified in the original preparation. The process must adhere to the requirements set forth by Colorado state law, necessitating appropriate documentation to verify the requested changes. In some cases, court orders may be required for specific amendments. Individuals seeking to correct common errors, such as misspelled names, incorrect dates, or location information, should be prepared to provide original or certified copies of any supporting documents. The CDPHE may mandate legal documentation to substantiate changes and require court orders for specific corrections.

    Here are the steps to correct or amend a Colorado birth certificate:

    Complete the Birth Certificate Correction Form:Fill out the form accurately with the requested changes.

    1. Gather Required Documentation: Valid government-issued photo ID.

    2. Supporting documents proving the need for correction (original or certified copies).

    3. Court orders (if required) for specific changes.

    Submit Your Application and Documents:Send all materials to CDPHE or submit them in person at a local vital records office. Note: In-person services require appointments (no walk-ins accepted).

    1. Pay Required Fees: Processing fee: $20.00 for first copy, $13.00 for each additional certified copy. (Additional fees may apply for rush processing.)

    2. Accepted payments: Check or money order payable to CDPHE.



  • How to Get an Apostille for a Colorado Birth Certificate

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    You can obtain an apostille for your Colorado birth certificate by submitting your request through the Colorado Secretary of State's Office or online via VRO's Apostille Express Service.

    An apostille is necessary when presenting your birth certificate to a foreign government that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. Apostilles are exclusively issued by the Colorado Secretary of State's Office for records initially filed with the CDPHE.


    Steps for manual apostille requests through the Colorado Secretary of State's Office:

    1. Obtain an original or certified birth record issued by the CPDHE.
    2. Complete the Apostille Request Form.
    3. Include payment for the apostille fee of $5.00 per document, as a check or money order payable to the Colorado Secretary of State.
    4. Provide a self-addressed prepaid envelope with tracking (required for return shipping).
    5. Submit the apostille application form, birth certificate, payment, and required information to the following address:

    In-Person or Mail in Orders (USPS or Express Courier):



    For Simultaneous orders of a birth certificate and apostille, you can submit the request to the CDPHE Vital Records Office:

    1. Complete the CDPHE Birth Certificate Application Form for a vital record replacement:
      1. Check the Apostille Fee box indicating $5.00 for the simultaneous apostille request.
      2. Specify the intended destination country where the apostille will be used.
    2. Submit Required Information and Documents for the birth certificate replacement:
      1. Valid proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
      2. Include any additional documents the CDPHE requires based on your relationship to the registrant.
    3. Include Payment for Fees as a check or money order made payable to Vital Records:
      1. $20.00 for the first certified copy. ($13.00 for additional copies of your birth certificate)
      2. $5.00 for each birth certificate to be apostilled.
      3. Note that cash is not accepted. Credit Card payment is available if CC information is completed in the request form. (All fees are non-refundable.)
    4. Submit Your Application, documents, and payment:
      1. Applications can be submitted via mail to the following address:

    Mail-in or In-Person Orders: