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Learn how to order a Colorado Death Certificate from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The current processing time is 1 to 2 weeks. The state fee for a certified copy is $25.00, with additional copies costing $20.00. Authorized individuals include the certificate holder, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.
You can now order a Colorado death certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order death certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the CDPHE for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your death certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) by following their specific instructions. Confirm and review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times to ensure your application gets processed without delay.
Requesting a Colorado death certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
Colorado requires identification to request a death certificate for records less than 75 years old. Applicants must provide proof of their identity to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment when requesting certified copies of death records. Acceptable IDs include a current state-issued ID, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card. If you do not possess a valid ID, you may submit two forms of secondary identification, such as a vehicle registration, employee ID, or a Social Security card. The table below shows the information you need and the documents you must provide to request a Colorado death certificate.
Primary ID Requirements: Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Alien Registration Receipt/Permanent Resident Card | Acknowledgment of Parentage Document (Colorado Only) |
Cost & fees
Colorado's death certificate costs vary depending on the CDPHE fees and application method. A certified copy is $25.00, and each additional copy costs $20.00. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering death certificates.
State Fee |
|---|
$25.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not offered |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $20.00 |
It is generally recommended to order at least three to four certified copies of a Colorado death certificate. Multiple copies are often needed simultaneously for different purposes, and having extras on hand can save time and additional fees later.
Common situations requiring a certified copy include closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, transferring property titles, settling the estate through probate court, and notifying government agencies such as the Social Security Administration. Each institution typically requires its own original certified copy and will not accept photocopies.
Ordering additional copies at the time of your initial request is more cost-effective than placing separate orders later. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment charges a reduced fee for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
A certified copy of a Colorado death certificate is a vital legal document required in numerous situations following a person's passing.
Colorado death certificates are commonly required to:
• Settle the deceased's estate — Probate courts require a certified death certificate to begin the estate settlement process, distribute assets, and transfer property titles.
• Claim life insurance benefits — Insurance companies require an official certified copy before processing any death benefit claims.
• Close or transfer financial accounts — Banks, investment firms, and retirement account administrators need a certified copy to release funds or transfer account ownership.
• Apply for survivor benefits — The Social Security Administration and other agencies require a death certificate when applying for survivor or dependent benefits.
• Transfer vehicle titles and real estate — The Colorado DMV and county recorder's office require certified copies for ownership transfers.
Processing time
The processing time for replacement death certificates typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. The total waiting time will also depend on how you submit your application and the necessary documents. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.
Processing Time |
|---|
1 to 2 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not offered |
Authorization
Colorado law considers death certificates confidential for 75 years after death. During this time, they can only be accessed by authorized individuals such as immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct tangible interest. These authorized individuals can request certified copies, provided they supply proper identification and meet the eligibility requirements. After 75 years, death certificates become public records and can be accessed by anyone.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment generally does not require notarized applications for certified death certificates, regardless of how the request is made.
Tracking
When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the state health department.
If you choose to manually mail your death certificate request to the CDPHE, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to ensure it arrives. Once your certificate is mailed to you from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
In Colorado, death records are generally considered public records after a certain period. However, access to recent death records may be restricted to eligible applicants, including immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal or financial interest.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains death records and sets the rules for who can obtain certified copies versus informational copies. A certified copy serves as a legal document suitable for official transactions, while an informational copy is marked as not valid for legal purposes and is typically used for genealogical or personal research.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to obtain a certified copy of a Colorado death certificate, VitalRecordsOnline.com can help guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process.
You can also request other Colorado vital records through Vital Records Online:
You can also explore our related guides:
frequently asked questions
Yes, most funeral homes in Colorado will order certified copies of the death certificate as part of their services. They typically file the death certificate with the local registrar and can request multiple copies for the family. You can also order additional copies later through VitalRecordsOnline.com or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Colorado death records are generally accessible, though recent records may have restrictions on who can obtain certified copies. Eligible individuals include immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal interest. Older records may be more freely available for genealogical research.
If you are unsure of the exact details such as the full legal name or date of death, you can contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's vital records office for assistance. VitalRecordsOnline.com can also help guide you through the search process and assist with locating the correct record.
You can request a Colorado death certificate from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) online, by mail, or in person. Online orders are placed through the CDPHE vital records portal or authorized third-party services. Mail requests require a completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for online orders and may be longer for mail-in requests.
A certified copy of a Colorado death certificate costs $20 through the CDPHE. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $13 each. Online orders may include convenience and processing fees. If you need multiple copies for insurance claims, estate settlement, or property transfers, ordering them together is more cost-effective.
Colorado death certificates are restricted records. Only authorized individuals may obtain a certified copy. Eligible requesters include the surviving spouse or domestic partner, a parent or adult child of the deceased, the legal representative or executor of the estate, a funeral director acting on behalf of the family, and government agencies acting in an official capacity. Each requester must provide valid photo ID and proof of their eligibility. If you are an authorized party but unable to request in person, you may designate a representative through a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA).
Yes. You can order a Colorado death certificate online through the CDPHE vital records portal or authorized third-party providers. Online orders require a credit or debit card and a copy of your photo ID. Processing is typically faster than mail requests, averaging 1 to 2 weeks. You will need to provide the full name of the deceased, date of death, and county where the death occurred.
The process to correct or amend a Colorado death certificate depends on the type of correction required. When an amendment is made, the original certificate is not altered; a new certificate is issued with the correct information.
Determine the Type of Correction Needed
The process for amending or correcting a death certificate in Colorado varies depending on the type of correction required. Common amendments include: correcting a misspelled name, correcting the date or place of death, correcting demographic information (such as age, marital status, or occupation), or updating the cause of death (requires medical or legal documentation).
Obtain the Necessary Form
You must complete the Form to Correct a Colorado Death Certificate.**
Gather Supporting Documentation
Depending on the type of correction, supporting documents may be required:
Submit the Application
You can submit your request to amend or correct a death certificate by:
Mail: Send the completed Request for Amendment form and supporting documents to:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Vital Records Section
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
In Person: Visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Office, or regional offices to submit the form and documents.
Pay the Amendment Fee
There is a fee to amend a death certificate in Colorado: the fee is $20.00 for processing the amendment. Additional certified copies of the amended certificate cost $13.00 each. Payment can be made by check or money order if applying by mail, by credit card in person, or online, depending on the submission method.
Processing Time
Processing times for amendments vary: Simple amendments are typically processed within 4 to 6 weeks. More complex amendments (involving medical or legal documentation) may take longer, depending on the nature of the correction and whether additional review is required.
Legal Requirements
In cases where significant changes are requested (e.g., cause of death or legal name change), additional legal documentation may be required. You may need to provide a court order or consult with an attorney if you are unsure of the legal requirements.
Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State for records initially filed with the Colorado Department of Public Health, such as death certificates. You need an apostille when you file documents with a foreign government. It is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of vital records for international use and is acceptable in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
We offer comprehensive apostille services for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates across all 50 US states. Governments and organizations acknowledge the service, which is legally valid in over 100 countries. VRO’s service comes with expert support, costs $149 (plus government fees), and can be accomplished online in just three steps.
If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office, you will need to provide the following items:
Checks and money orders should be made payable to the "Colorado Secretary of State," or you can provide your credit card information.
Submit your request to the Colorado Secretary of State Authentication and Apostille Division at the following addresses:
To avoid delays, please make sure that the document includes:
-Original signatures - not stamped or photocopied
-A completed document - all blanks must be filled in or crossed out
-A complete notary statement, including the state and county where the notarization took place and the date of the notarization. Although the document may be in another language, the notary’s statement must be in English.
In-person/by mail (standard or express courier):
Simultaneous requests by mail:
Ensure that you specify on the application form that you need an apostille and indicate the country to which the document will be submitted. The fee for a death certificate is $20.00, and the apostille fee is $5.00.