Chaffee County Obituary Records

Chaffee County death records are available through Chaffee County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health. The county health department in Salida provides vital records services for local residents. Chaffee County sits in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Death certificates from 1975 to present can be requested at the local office. Older records require contacting state offices directly.

Chaffee County Public Health Vital Records

Chaffee County Public Health provides vital records services for county residents. Their office is at 448 E. 1st Street, Suite 137, Salida, CO 81201. You can contact them at 719-539-4510. Visit the county website for additional information.

The health department issues death certificates for any Colorado county death from 1975 to present. Fees follow state guidelines at $25 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies. These rates became effective January 1, 2026.

Same-day service is often available for in-person requests. Bring valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the deceased. Staff will help you complete the necessary application.

Note: Deaths that occurred before 1975 require contacting the Colorado state vital records office.

Colorado State Resources for Chaffee County

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all state death records. Contact them at 303-692-2200 for assistance. Their Denver office processes mail and online requests.

Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, vital records remain confidential. Only qualified applicants may receive certified copies. You must demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record.

Eligible requesters include spouses, parents, children, and siblings of the deceased. Each must provide proof of relationship. Legal representatives with court orders also qualify.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek and GoCertificates. Additional fees apply for these services. The state ordering page shows current processing times.

Finding Chaffee County Obituaries

Local newspapers in Salida and Buena Vista publish Chaffee County obituaries. The Mountain Mail and other regional papers cover local deaths and memorials. Check their websites for recent notices.

The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free online access. Search for Chaffee County obituaries in historical publications. The collection spans from 1859 to 2025.

Find A Grave documents cemeteries throughout Chaffee County. This free database includes burial locations and gravestone photos. Community volunteers contribute memorial pages.

The Denver Public Library maintains obituary indexes covering Colorado. Their collections may include Chaffee County residents with Denver area connections.

Genealogy Resources in Chaffee County

Family historians can access Chaffee County death records through several resources. The Colorado State Archives holds pre-1908 records. Contact them at 303-866-2358.

Death certificates become public after 75 years. Records over 25 years old may be released for genealogical research. These copies are marked for research use only.

FamilySearch provides free genealogy guidance. Their wiki includes links to Colorado databases and research tips.

Local libraries in Salida may have historical newspapers on microfilm. Call ahead to ask about their collections.

Eligibility for Chaffee County Death Records

Colorado law restricts access to death certificates. C.R.S. § 25-2-118 defines eligible requesters. Immediate family members have priority access.

You may request a death certificate if you are the spouse, parent, adult child, or sibling of the deceased. You must provide documentation of your relationship. Legal representatives need court orders.

All applicants must present valid photo identification. Digital IDs are not accepted. Documents must be intact and legible.