Garfield County Obituary Records Search
Garfield County obituary records are available through Garfield County Public Health. The office is located in Glenwood Springs. You can obtain certified death certificates for any Colorado death. The health department follows state guidelines under C.R.S. § 25-2-118.
Where to Find Garfield County Death Records
Garfield County Public Health is located at 2014 Blake Avenue in Glenwood Springs. The office is in Suite 200. You can call them at 970-384-3700, extension 4. The fax number is 970-384-3750.
The health department issues certified death certificates. These cover any death that occurred in Colorado. You do not need to have died in Garfield County. Staff verify eligibility before releasing records. Bring proper identification for all requests.
Glenwood Springs serves as the Garfield County seat. Most county offices are located here. The city is known for its hot springs. It is a hub for western Colorado services.
Note: Call ahead to confirm hours and any requirements for Garfield County vital records.
How to Request Garfield County Obituary Records
Garfield County offers several ways to obtain death certificates. You can visit the public health office. You can send a mail request. Online ordering is also available.
In-person service is available at the Glenwood Springs office. Bring your photo ID and proof of relationship. Staff can provide same-day service in most cases. This is the fastest way to get Garfield County death records.
Mail requests take longer but work from anywhere. Complete the state death certificate application. Include a copy of your ID and payment. Mail to the Garfield County office or state office in Denver. Allow 30 business days for processing.
Online ordering through VitalChek is convenient. You can order from home using a computer. Upload your ID and pay by credit card. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
Garfield County Death Certificate Fees
Garfield County follows state fee guidelines. The first certified copy costs $25. Each additional copy costs $20 when ordered together. These fees are standard across Colorado.
Payment methods include cash, check, and money order. Credit cards may be accepted with a fee. Online orders include service charges. VitalChek adds $7.50. GoCertificates charges $9.00.
Make payments to the correct agency. Include full payment with your request. Fees are non-refundable. Verify information before submitting.
Eligibility for Garfield County Death Records
Colorado law restricts access to certified death certificates. C.R.S. § 25-2-118 defines who can request records. Garfield County follows these state rules.
Spouses can obtain death certificates. Parents named on the record qualify. Children can request with proof. Siblings are eligible with documentation.
Funeral homes listed on certificates can obtain copies. Legal representatives with court orders qualify. Insurance companies may access records. Government agencies have access for official business.
Genealogists can get records over 25 years old. These are marked for research use only. Full public access comes after 75 years.
Genealogy Research in Garfield County
Family historians can find Garfield County obituary records through state resources. The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Their database includes select death records.
FindAGrave contains cemetery records for Garfield County. Local burial sites have been documented. You can search by name or browse cemeteries.
The Glenwood Springs Post Independent published local obituaries. Check with the library for newspaper archives. The Garfield County Historical Society may have additional resources.
Nearby Counties for Obituary Records
Garfield County is located in western Colorado. It borders several mountain counties. Check these counties if you cannot find a record in Garfield County.
Glenwood Springs is the Garfield County seat. Rifle and Carbondale are other major communities. The county includes popular ski areas and outdoor recreation destinations.
Colorado State Vital Records
The Colorado Department of Public Health maintains all state death records. This includes Garfield County deaths from 1900 to present. You can request records directly from Denver.
The state office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. Call 303-692-2200 for information. Visit cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords for online services.
VitalChek is available at 866-632-2604. GoCertificates can be reached at 800-324-6380. Both process Garfield County obituary requests.