Hinsdale County Obituary Records Search
Hinsdale County obituary records can be obtained through Gunnison County Health or the Colorado Department of Public Health. Hinsdale County is the smallest county in Colorado by population. The county has limited local vital records services. Most residents use neighboring county or state resources for death certificates.
Where to Find Hinsdale County Death Records
The Hinsdale County Clerk and Recorder office is located at 317 N. Henson Street in Lake City. This is the county seat. You can call them at 970-944-2228. The Clerk's office handles various county documents and records.
Hinsdale County does not have a local health department that issues death certificates. Residents typically use Gunnison County Health and Human Services. This office is the nearest source for vital records. They can issue certified death certificates for any Colorado death.
The Colorado Department of Public Health in Denver is another option. This office maintains all state death records. You can order by mail, online, or in person. Many Hinsdale County residents find online ordering most convenient.
Note: Lake City is the only incorporated town in Hinsdale County. It is one of the most remote county seats in Colorado.
How to Request Hinsdale County Obituary Records
Hinsdale County residents have limited local options. You can contact the Clerk and Recorder for guidance. You can visit Gunnison County for in-person service. You can also use state resources.
Gunnison County Health and Human Services offers vital records. The office is at 220 N. Pine Street in Gunnison. Call 970-641-7900 for hours and requirements. This is the closest office for in-person service.
Mail requests can be sent to the Colorado state office. Complete the death certificate application. Include a copy of your photo ID and payment. Allow 30 business days for processing.
Online ordering is often the best choice for Hinsdale County residents. Use VitalChek or GoCertificates from home. Upload your ID and pay by credit card. Records are mailed directly to you.
Hinsdale County Death Certificate Fees
Colorado sets standard fees that apply to Hinsdale County. The first certified copy costs $25. Each additional copy ordered together costs $20. These fees are the same statewide.
Payment methods vary by ordering option. Mail requests require check or money order. Online orders use credit cards with service fees. In-person offices accept multiple payment types.
VitalChek adds a $7.50 surcharge per order. GoCertificates charges a $9.00 service fee. These third-party fees apply to online orders.
Eligibility for Hinsdale County Death Records
Colorado law under C.R.S. ยง 25-2-118 controls access. Hinsdale County follows these state requirements. You must have a qualifying relationship.
Eligible requesters include the current spouse. Parents named on the certificate qualify. Children can request with proof. Siblings are also eligible.
Funeral establishments can obtain copies. Legal representatives with court orders qualify. Insurance companies may access records. Government agencies have access for official purposes.
Genealogical researchers can get records over 25 years old. These are marked for research use only. Full public access comes after 75 years.
Genealogy Research in Hinsdale County
Family historians can find Hinsdale County obituary records through state resources. The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Their database includes select death records from various counties.
FindAGrave contains cemetery records for Hinsdale County. The Lake City Cemetery and others have been documented. You can search by name or browse burial sites.
The Lake City Public Library may have local history resources. Check with them for newspaper archives and historical records. The Hinsdale County Historical Society preserves local heritage.
Nearby Counties for Obituary Records
Hinsdale County is located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It is one of the most remote counties. Check these neighboring counties if you need additional resources.
Lake City is the Hinsdale County seat. It is a small mountain community with historic character. The county has the lowest population of any Colorado county.
Colorado State Vital Records
The Colorado Department of Public Health maintains all death records. This includes Hinsdale 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 Hinsdale County obituary requests.