Costilla County Obituary Lookup
Costilla County death records are available through San Luis Valley Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health. San Luis Valley Health serves multiple counties in the region from their Alamosa office. Costilla County is one of Colorado's original counties with rich Hispanic heritage. Death certificates from 1975 forward can be requested through this regional health provider. The Costilla County Clerk and Recorder office can provide additional guidance on local records.
Costilla County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Costilla County Clerk and Recorder provides information about vital records access. Their office is at 354 Main Street, San Luis, CO 81152. You can contact them at 719-672-3301. They maintain local records and can direct you to death certificate services.
For death certificates, Costilla County residents use San Luis Valley Health. This regional provider serves Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties. Their office is at 106 Blanca Avenue, Alamosa, CO 81101. You can reach them at 719-589-4509.
San Luis Valley Health issues death certificates for any Colorado county death from 1975 to present. Fees are $25 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies. These rates became effective January 1, 2026.
Note: Costilla County is in the San Luis Valley, about an hour's drive from Alamosa. Plan travel time if you need in-person service.
Colorado State Resources for Costilla County
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains all death records for Costilla County. Their Denver office processes requests by mail, phone, and online. Call 303-692-2200 for information.
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, vital records remain confidential. Only qualified applicants may obtain certified copies. You must demonstrate direct and tangible interest.
Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized agencies. Spouses, parents, children, and siblings qualify with proper documentation.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek and GoCertificates. Additional fees apply. The state ordering page shows current processing times.
Finding Costilla County Obituaries
The San Luis Valley has a rich newspaper tradition. The Valley Courier and other regional papers publish Costilla County obituaries. Check their current and archived editions for notices.
The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers free online access. Search for Costilla County obituaries in historical publications. The collection includes Spanish-language papers from the San Luis Valley.
Find A Grave documents cemeteries in Costilla County. This free database includes burial locations and gravestone photos. Community volunteers contribute memorial pages.
The Colorado State Archives holds pre-1908 death records. For Costilla County deaths before 1975, contact the state vital records office.
Genealogy Research in Costilla County
Costilla County is one of Colorado's original counties, established in 1861. It has deep Hispanic roots dating to the 1850s. The Colorado State Archives holds many historical records. Contact them at 303-866-2358.
Death certificates become public after 75 years. Genealogical researchers can access records over 25 years old marked for research use only. These copies are not valid for legal purposes.
FamilySearch provides free genealogy guidance. Their wiki includes links to Colorado databases and research strategies.
Many early Costilla County records are in Spanish. This reflects the area's unique heritage as part of the original Colorado territory.
Eligibility for Costilla County Death Records
Costilla County follows Colorado state law regarding death record access. C.R.S. § 25-2-118 defines eligible requesters. Immediate family members have priority.
You may request a death certificate if you are the spouse, parent, adult child, or sibling of the deceased. You must provide documentation proving 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.