Colorado

Open Public Record Act:

The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) enables anyone to request access to public records and information from any government offices. A public record is defined as most writings created, maintained, or filed by a government office.

Requests for public records must be made to the appropriate government office that holds the record. Each agency may have its own process for open record requests so it is best to contact the office ahead of time prior to making the request.

Birth Records:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment houses the official vital records of births that have occurred within the state. Only the following individuals may obtain a copy of a birth certificate:

The Registrant (Name On The Certificate)
Current Spouse
Ex-spouse
Parent/Co-parent
Stepparent
Legal Guardian
Grandparents/Great Grandparents
Siblings/Half Siblings
Children/Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren
Legal Representative/Paralegals
Consular Corps/Consulate Offices
Adoption Agencies
Genealogists
In-laws/Aunts/Uncles/Nephews/Nieces/Cousins
Governmental Agencies

To obtain a copy of a birth certificate, you can make a request in person, over the phone by calling 866-300-8540, and via mail. You can also order a copy online through third party companies such as VitalChek and GoCertificates.

If you submit your request via mail, you will need to complete an application, provide the necessary documents such as a copy of a government-issued picture ID, and the payment of the fees. The cost of a certified copy of a birth certificate is $20 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy.

Marriage Records:

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has an index of marriage records for the years 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to present. You can acquire verification of marriages that occurred within the years stated. For copies of marriage certificates, you will need to contact the clerk and recorder that issued the document. Unlike marriage certificates, verifications will only show the names of the parties involved, the date, and the county that issued the license.

If you wish to obtain a certified verification of a marriage or civil union, you will need to submit a completed application form along with proof of your identity and eligibility. The individuals eligible to receive a copy of a marriage or civil union verification are:

Bride or Groom
Parent
Stepparent
Grandparents/Great grandparents
Siblings/Half siblings
Children/Grandchildren/Great grandchildren
Step-children
Legal representatives/Paralegals
Consular Corps/Consulate Offices
Genealogists
Government agencies
Creditors
Relatives (in-laws, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins)
Probate Researchers
Employer

Requests can only be submitted in person or through mail. The cost of a certified copy of a marriage or civil union verification is $17 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.

Divorce Records:

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has an index of divorce records for the years 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to present. You can acquire verification of divorces that occurred within the years stated. For copies of divorce decrees, you will need to contact the county district court that issued the document. Unlike divorce decrees, verifications will only show the names of the parties involved, the date, and the county that issued the document.

If you wish to obtain a certified verification of a divorce, you will need to submit a completed application form along with proof of your identity and eligibility. The individuals eligible to receive a copy of a divorce verification are:

Bride or Groom
Parent
Stepparent
Grandparents/Great grandparents
Siblings/Half siblings
Children/Grandchildren/Great grandchildren
Step-children
Legal representatives/Paralegals
Consular Corps/Consulate Offices
Genealogists
Government agencies
Creditors
Relatives (in-laws, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins)
Probate Researchers
Employer

Requests can only be submitted in person or through mail. The cost of a certified copy of a divorce verification is $17 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.

Death Records:

Records of deaths that have occurred in the state of Colorado are filed with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. You can obtain a copy of a standard death certificate by submitting a completed application form in person or by mail. You will also be required to provide a copy of your identification and proof of eligibility. The individuals who are allowed to obtain copies of death certificates are the following:

Current Spouse
Ex-spouse
Parent
Stepparent
Grandparents/Great Grandparents
Siblings/Half Siblings
Children/Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren
Legal Representative/Paralegals
Consular Corps/Consulate Offices
Genealogists
In-laws/Aunts/Uncles/Nephews/Nieces/Cousins
Governmental Agencies
Probate Researchers
Creditors
Employers
Funeral Directors
Hospital/Nursing Home/Hospice/Physician

Informant
Anatomical Board
Insurance Companies

Individuals can also submit a request over the phone by calling 866-300-8540 or online through third party companies such as VitalChek and GoCertificates. The cost of a death certificate is $20 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy. Surcharges may apply for payments made via credit/debit card.

Missing People:

The Colorado Missing Children, a unit of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Department of Public Safety, is a central repository for information on missing children. This unit works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and is the Clearinghouse for the state. If you have information on a missing child or want to report a missing child, you will need to get in touch with your local law enforcement agency first before the CBI Missing Children Unit can become involved.

Elected Officials:

In Colorado, the Find My Legislature application found in the Colorado General Assembly website can help you find your state Senator and Representative in the Colorado State Legislature. You can use your address to search for your legislators or find a representative and/or senator by district number or last name. Each legislator will have his complete name, district number, photo, email, and website listed.

Court Records

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Public Records

Court Records

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