Arvada Death Records Search
Finding Arvada obituary records involves working with two counties. Arvada spans Jefferson County and Adams County. Most of Arvada lies in Jefferson County. The eastern edge extends into Adams County. Death records may be filed in either county. This depends on exactly where the death occurred. This guide helps Arvada families locate death certificates and vital records.
County Vital Records Offices Serving Arvada
The Jefferson County Public Health office serves most Arvada residents. They are conveniently located within the city at 645 Parfet Street. Call 303-271-6450 for information. Jefferson County issues death certificates for any Colorado death. They follow state fee schedules exactly. First copies cost $25. Additional copies cost $20 each.
The Adams County Health Department serves eastern Arvada. Their office is at 7190 Colorado Blvd., Suite 170, in Commerce City. Reach them at 720-200-1401. Email VitalRecords@adamscountyco.gov. Adams County can also issue certificates for any Colorado death. They charge the same fees as Jefferson County.
Both offices offer same-day service for in-person requests. Bring valid photo identification. Show proof of relationship to the deceased. Arvada residents can choose either location. Jefferson County may be closer for most residents. Call ahead to confirm hours and appointment requirements.
Death records from before 1975 may require special handling. Some older records are only at the state office. Contact the county office first to verify they have your record. This saves time for Arvada families. Both counties maintain records from 1975 to present.
Colorado State Resources for Arvada Residents
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves Arvada residents. Their Denver office holds the master state database. CDPHE issues certificates for any Colorado death from 1900 onward. This includes all Arvada deaths. The state office complements county services.
Arvada families can order death certificates online. GoCertificates charges a $9 service fee. Call 800-324-6380 for help. VitalChek adds $7.50. Reach them at 866-632-2604. Both deliver to Arvada addresses. Processing takes about thirty business days.
The Colorado State Archives helps Arvada genealogists. They preserve pre-1908 death records. These assist with early Colorado research. The archives also hold probate records. These supplement death certificates. Visit by appointment in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for assistance.
Note: CDPHE charges $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy of a death certificate.
Online Obituary Databases for Arvada
The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free newspaper access. This helps Arvada researchers find obituaries. The collection has over 7.5 million pages. Papers span 1859 to 2025. More than 945 titles are available. Arvada obituaries may appear in regional papers. The database is completely free.
Denver Public Library provides obituary indexes. Their Denver Obituary Project covers 1913 to 2016. The Colorado Obituary Project includes other areas from the 1970s to 1990. Arvada deaths may appear in both. Request copies through Special Collections. The reference desk is at 720-865-1821.
Legacy.com collects current Colorado obituaries. This helps find recent Arvada death notices. Search by name or location. Coverage includes all 64 counties. The site has guest books for messages. Legacy.com partners with Colorado newspapers. It fills gaps while certificates remain private.
Find A Grave provides free Arvada cemetery records. Users upload grave marker photos. GPS coordinates help find burials. Family links create virtual plots. This helps locate Arvada burial sites. It complements official death records well.
Ordering Arvada Death Certificates
Colorado limits access to recent death certificates. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 keeps vital records confidential. They stay private for 75 years. Only certain people may obtain copies. This protects families under Colorado law.
C.R.S. § 25-2-118 lists who can request records. Spouses named on certificates may order. Parents listed qualify too. Adult children need birth certificates. Siblings must show shared parents. Funeral homes listed may obtain copies. Insurance companies with proof may request records.
In-person requests at either county office often provide same-day service. Bring the completed application. Show valid photo ID. Present relationship proof. Pay $25 for the first copy. Additional copies are $20 each. Jefferson County is conveniently located in Arvada.
Mail orders work for those who cannot visit. Download forms from CDPHE. Fill out all fields. Include ID copy and proof. Mail with payment to the county office. Allow extra processing time. Both counties mail to Arvada addresses.
Arvada Genealogy Research Resources
Arvada genealogists have many research options. Start with county death certificates. These give names, dates, and family data. Census records show Arvada residents through time. Combine sources to build family trees.
Both counties hold historical records. County clerks have older vital records. Some predate state registration. Probate records show family relationships. Files list heirs and property. Courts maintain these public documents. Researchers can access them for genealogy.
Arvada cemetery records offer genealogy help. Grave markers show birth and death dates. Family plots reveal relationships. Burial records add more details. Find A Grave lists many Arvada burials. These support family history research.
Local historical societies may have resources. They sometimes keep obituary collections. Some have family history files. Contact them for specialized help. They know local sources not online. They guide Arvada genealogy research well.
Note: Death certificates become public records after 75 years from the date of death.
Related Arvada Resources
Explore these resources for Arvada obituary records. Both counties serve parts of the city. State agencies offer more support. Libraries and archives preserve history.