Finding Obituary Records in El Paso County
El Paso County obituary records are maintained by El Paso County Public Health. The office serves Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. You can obtain death certificates in person or by appointment. The health department issues certified copies for any Colorado death. Proof of relationship and valid photo ID are required for all requests.
Where to Find El Paso County Death Records
The El Paso County Public Health office is located at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs. This office issues certified death certificates for any death that occurred in Colorado. You can reach them by phone at 719-575-8492. Visit their website at elpasocountyhealth.org for more details.
The office accepts both appointments and walk-in visitors. Appointments are recommended for faster service. Walk-ins are served as time permits. You should arrive with all required documents. This helps ensure quick processing of your El Paso County obituary record request.
Pikes Peak Library District offers historical obituary resources. The library maintains local newspaper archives. You can search for obituaries published in Colorado Springs. The Penrose Library Genealogy Department provides research assistance. This is a free resource for El Paso County residents.
Note: The El Paso County office requires physical photo ID. Digital IDs are not accepted for death certificate requests.
How to Request El Paso County Obituary Records
El Paso County Public Health offers multiple ways to request death certificates. You can schedule an appointment online. Walk-in visits are accepted when staff is available. Mail requests are also an option. Online ordering through third-party vendors provides another choice.
To schedule an appointment, visit the online appointment system. Choose a time that works for your schedule. Arrive a few minutes early with your documents. Staff will verify your identity and process your request. Most in-person requests are completed the same day.
Mail requests require you to complete the state application form. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Send payment by check or money order. Mail everything to the El Paso County Public Health office. Allow up to 30 business days for processing.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This service allows you to order from home. You will upload your ID and pay by credit card. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days.
El Paso County Death Certificate Requirements
El Paso County requires specific documents for all death certificate requests. You must provide proof of relationship to the deceased. You must also show valid photo identification. These requirements come from C.R.S. § 25-2-118.
Acceptable ID includes a driver's license or state ID card. Passports and military IDs also work. The ID must be current and not expired. Digital copies are not accepted. You must bring the physical ID document.
Proof of relationship varies based on your connection. Spouses can show a marriage certificate. Children should bring their birth certificate. Parents are typically named on the death certificate. Siblings need birth certificates showing shared parents. All documents must be fully intact and easy to read.
Note: Make sure all documents are legible before submitting your El Paso County request.
El Paso County Death Certificate Fees
El Paso County follows state fee guidelines for death certificates. The first certified copy costs $25. Each additional copy costs $20 when ordered together. These fees are set by Colorado law.
Payment options include cash, check, and money order. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee. Online orders through VitalChek include a $7.50 surcharge. GoCertificates charges a $9.00 service fee. Plan your payment method accordingly.
Application fees are non-refundable. This applies even if no record is found. Make sure you have accurate information before ordering. Double-check dates and spellings. This helps avoid wasted fees for El Paso County obituary records.
Who Can Obtain El Paso County Death Records
Colorado law restricts access to certified death certificates. Under C.R.S. § 25-2-118, only certain people can request these records. El Paso County follows these state rules strictly.
Eligible requesters include the current spouse. Parents named on the certificate qualify. Children can obtain copies with proof of relationship. Siblings and half-siblings are also eligible. Funeral homes listed on the record can request copies.
Other eligible parties include legal representatives with court orders. Insurance companies handling claims may access records. Government agencies conducting official business qualify. Genealogical researchers can get records over 25 years old marked for research use only.
Grandparents and grandchildren do not qualify based on relationship alone. This changed in October 2024. Make sure you meet eligibility before applying for El Paso County death records.
Genealogy Resources in El Paso County
Family historians have excellent resources in El Paso County. The Pikes Peak Library District maintains extensive collections. The Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs offers genealogy services. Staff can help you search for obituaries and death records.
Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs maintains burial records. You can contact them for burial locations and dates. The cemetery has served El Paso County since 1871. Many early residents are buried there.
FindAGrave contains thousands of El Paso County cemetery records. Volunteers have documented many local burial sites. You can search by name or browse by cemetery. This free resource includes photos and family information.
Local newspapers are valuable for obituary research. The Gazette published obituaries for El Paso County residents. Check with the library for newspaper archives. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection offers digitized papers online.
Nearby Counties for Obituary Records
El Paso County borders several other Colorado counties. Deaths near county lines may be recorded elsewhere. Check these counties if you cannot find a record in El Paso County.
Colorado Springs is the El Paso County seat. It is the largest city in the county. Other communities include Fountain, Monument, and Manitou Springs.