Obituary Records in Denver County
Denver County obituary records are available through multiple sources across the city and county. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment maintains death certificates for all deaths that occurred within Denver County boundaries. You can search for these vital records in person, online, or by mail. The Denver Public Library also hosts extensive obituary indexes and historical death records through their Western History and Genealogy Department.
Where to Find Denver County Death Records
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment serves as the main office for death certificates in Denver County. This agency issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred within Denver County only. You can request records in person at their downtown office. Appointments are recommended for faster service. The office is located near the heart of the city for easy access.
Denver Public Library operates a special obituary project that indexes death notices from local newspapers. This resource covers the years 1913 through 2016. The library maintains these indexes in PDF format by year range. You can download these files or visit the Western History Department at the main library branch. The staff can help you locate specific obituary records for Denver County.
For Denver County deaths that occurred before 1908, the Colorado State Archives may hold relevant records. The archives contain burial permits, coroner's records, and early death registers. You can search their online database for Denver County death records from 1905 through 1909. The archives staff can help with research requests for older Denver County obituary and death records.
Note: The Denver Department of Public Health can issue birth certificates for any Colorado birth, but death certificates are limited to Denver County deaths only.
Online Obituary Search in Denver County
You can search Denver County obituary records online through several websites. The Denver Department of Public Health offers online ordering for death certificates. You can also use third-party services like VitalChek and GoCertificates to order Denver County death records from home.
The Denver Public Library provides free access to the Denver Obituary Project online. You can download PDF indexes by year range. The library also maintains the Colorado Obituary Project, which covers non-Denver obituaries from the 1970s through 1990. Visit history.denverlibrary.org to start your Denver County obituary search.
Newspaper websites also publish recent Denver County obituaries. The Denver Post maintains an online obituary section where families post death notices. Legacy.com hosts obituaries from Denver area funeral homes. FindAGrave lists Denver County cemetery records with photos and memorial information. These free resources can help you find recent Denver County obituary records.
Denver County Death Certificate Fees
Fees for Denver County death certificates follow state guidelines. The cost for a certified copy is $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These fees apply to requests made through the Denver Department of Public Health. Online ordering through third-party services adds extra surcharges.
VitalChek charges a $7.50 service fee on top of state fees. GoCertificates adds a $9.00 surcharge for online orders. Credit and debit card payments may incur convenience fees at the Denver office. Cash and check payments avoid these extra charges. Plan your payment method to control costs for Denver County death records.
Colorado law sets these fees under C.R.S. § 25-2-118. The fees help fund vital records operations across the state. Denver County follows this fee structure for all certified death certificate requests. You can find the current fee schedule on the Denver Department of Public Health website.
How to Request Denver County Obituary Records
You have several options to obtain Denver County obituary and death records. In-person requests at the Denver Department of Public Health offer same-day service in many cases. Bring a valid photo ID and proof that you are eligible to receive the record. Walk-in hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours.
Mail requests require more time but work well if you cannot visit in person. Complete the death certificate application form and include a copy of your ID. Mail your request to the Denver Department of Public Health office. Processing time is usually 30 business days for mail requests. Include a check or money order for the correct fee amount.
Online ordering provides the fastest way to get Denver County death records without visiting an office. Use VitalChek or GoCertificates to place your order. You will need to upload proof of identity and relationship. The online system guides you through each step. Expect processing within 5 to 10 business days for Denver County records.
Note: Eligibility rules under C.R.S. § 25-2-118 restrict who can obtain certified death certificates. Spouses, parents, children, and siblings qualify with proper documentation.
Denver County Genealogy and Obituary Resources
The Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy Department is a top resource for historical Denver County obituary records. The department is located at 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway in Denver. You can call them at 720-865-1821 for research assistance. Their collection includes newspaper obituaries, cemetery records, and death indexes.
FindAGrave hosts thousands of Denver County cemetery records online. You can search by name or browse by cemetery. The site includes photos of headstones and memorial pages created by volunteers. This free resource helps genealogists find burial locations and death dates in Denver County. Visit FindAGrave to search Denver cemeteries.
Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection provides access to digitized Denver newspapers. You can search for obituaries published in early Denver papers. The collection covers many years of Denver history. This free database is maintained by the Colorado State Library. It is a valuable tool for finding Denver County obituary records from the past.
Who Can Obtain Denver County Death Certificates
Colorado law limits access to certified death certificates. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-118, only certain people can request these records. The list includes the current spouse, parents, children, and siblings of the deceased. You must provide proof of your relationship when you apply for Denver County death records.
Funeral establishments listed on the death certificate can also obtain copies. Legal representatives with court orders qualify as well. Insurance companies and government agencies can request Denver County death certificates for official business. Genealogical researchers can access records over 25 years old, but these copies are marked for genealogical use only.
Grandparents and grandchildren no longer qualify based on relationship alone. This change took effect in October 2024. You must bring a valid photo ID to any Denver County office when requesting death records. Digital IDs are not accepted. The office needs to verify your identity before releasing certified Denver County obituary documents.
Nearby Counties for Obituary Records
If you cannot find a death record in Denver County, check neighboring counties. The person may have died just outside Denver city limits. Each county maintains its own death records. You may need to search multiple counties to find the obituary you need.