Arapahoe County Obituary Records Search
Arapahoe County death records are maintained by the county public health department and the Colorado Department of Public Health. The Arapahoe County Public Health Department can provide birth and death certificates for any Colorado county. Certificates are typically issued within 20 minutes for in-person requests. You can also order by email, mail, or online through approved vendors. Finding obituaries and death records in Arapahoe County requires proper documentation and identification.
Arapahoe County Public Health Vital Records
The Arapahoe County Public Health Department issues birth and death certificates for any Colorado county. Email VitalRecords@arapahoegov.com to start your request. The department offers several ways to obtain records. Appointments are required for in-person visits.
In-person requests normally take 10 to 15 minutes. Email and mail requests process within 2 to 3 business days after receiving all documents. Online orders through third parties may take longer. All methods require proper identification and proof of eligibility.
Payment options include cash, check, money order, and credit card. Free shipping is available on all non-in-person orders via USPS regular mail. No tracking is provided for standard mail. Faster shipping methods may cost extra.
Fees changed effective January 1, 2026. The first copy of a death certificate now costs $25. Each additional copy of the same record costs $20 when ordered together. These fees apply to all Colorado counties, including Arapahoe County.
Note: Arapahoe County Public Health can only issue birth and death certificates. Marriage and divorce records require contacting the Clerk and Recorder or district courts.
Colorado State Vital Records for Arapahoe County
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves as the central repository for vital records. Their office processes requests for all Colorado counties. You can contact them at 303-692-2200. The address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.
State law under C.R.S. § 25-2-118 defines who may obtain death certificates. Immediate family members have first priority. This includes spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Each must show proof of relationship.
Grandparents are no longer eligible to order birth or death certificates based on relationship alone. This change took effect October 15, 2024. The restriction applies statewide, including in Arapahoe County.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek and GoCertificates. Both charge additional service fees. VitalChek adds a $7.50 surcharge. GoCertificates charges $9.00 extra. Credit card convenience fees also apply.
Searching Obituaries in Arapahoe County
Newspaper obituaries provide rich details about lives lived in Arapahoe County. Local papers publish death notices, funeral announcements, and memorial tributes. These sources complement official death certificates with personal stories.
The Denver Public Library maintains extensive obituary indexes. Their collections cover the Denver metropolitan area, which includes parts of Arapahoe County. The Denver Obituary Project spans 1913 to 2016. The Colorado Obituary Project adds statewide coverage from the 1970s to 1990.
Find A Grave lists cemeteries throughout Arapahoe County. This free database contains burial records and grave photos. Community members contribute memorials and biographical information. Many Arapahoe County cemeteries are documented here.
The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free access to historic papers. Search for Arapahoe County obituaries in publications from 1859 to 2025. The database includes over 945 newspaper titles.
Eligibility for Arapahoe County Death Records
Colorado law restricts access to death certificates to protect privacy. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 treats vital statistics records as confidential. Only qualified applicants receive certified copies.
You qualify if you are the current spouse, parent, or adult child of the deceased. Siblings and half-siblings may also request records. You must provide documentation of your relationship. Acceptable proofs include birth certificates and marriage licenses.
Legal representatives with court documentation can obtain records. Insurance companies handling claims may request copies. Government agencies have access for official purposes. Funeral establishments listed on the certificate are also eligible.
All applicants must present valid photo identification. Digital IDs are not accepted. Documents must be fully intact and legible. These requirements prevent fraud and ensure proper access.
Historical Records for Arapahoe County
For older records, consult the Colorado State Archives. They hold pre-1908 death records for the entire state. Arapahoe County deaths before 1975 require state-level requests.
Death records become public 75 years after the death. Genealogical researchers can access records over 25 years old with special marking. These copies are clearly labeled for research use only.
The State Archives also holds probate records. These can help establish death dates when certificates are missing. Contact them at 303-866-2358 for assistance.
FamilySearch provides free guidance on Colorado obituary research. Their wiki includes links to databases and research strategies.