Search Larimer County Death Records

Larimer County obituary records are available through multiple offices. Fort Collins is the county seat. The Larimer County Health Department issues death certificates. They serve Larimer and Jackson counties. Records date back to 1975. Older certificates come from the state. Poudre River Libraries hold historical resources. This guide explains how to find these vital records.

Larimer County Health Department Vital Records

The Larimer County Vital Records Office issues death certificates. Their Fort Collins location is the only office in Larimer and Jackson counties. The address is 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524. Call 970-498-6710 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Appointments typically last 15 to 20 minutes. Arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you may need to reschedule. The office closes daily from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. for lunch. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Larimer County can issue death certificates for all Colorado deaths from 1975 to today. They cannot make corrections to records. All changes must go through the state office. For corrections, call 303-692-2200. Or visit the state vital records website.

Fees changed on January 1, 2026. The first copy costs $25. Each additional copy in the same order costs $20. These fees apply statewide. Larimer County accepts payment by cash, check, or card. Bring valid photo ID to your appointment.

Note: The Loveland and Estes Park offices do not offer vital records services. Fort Collins is the only location.

Types of Larimer County Death Certificates

Larimer County offers three types of death certificates. Each serves different purposes. The standard or "long" form lists all legal and medical information. This is the most complete option. Most families choose this type.

The legal version lists all legal items. It contains no medical information. This works for banking and property transfers. Insurance companies often accept this type. It protects medical privacy while proving death.

The verification type provides limited legal information. No medical details appear. This serves basic proof of death needs. It costs the same as other types. Choose based on your specific requirements.

Larimer County staff can help you decide which type you need. Explain your situation. They will recommend the right certificate. Each type has the same legal standing. All are certified copies.

Who Can Request Larimer County Death Certificates

C.R.S. § 25-2-118 limits access to death records. Larimer County follows these rules strictly. Current spouses may request if named on the certificate. Parents listed on the record qualify. Adult children must show birth or death certificates proving relationship.

Siblings and half-siblings can request Larimer County records. They need proof of a common parent. Funeral establishments listed on the certificate have access. Larimer County cannot accept baptismal, hospital, or school records. Use official government documents only.

Legal representatives need court orders. Insurance companies must show policy proof. Government agencies request for official business. Genealogists access records over 25 years old. These are marked for genealogical use only. Records over 75 years old become public.

Bring valid photo ID to your Larimer County appointment. The office requires physical ID. Digital copies are not accepted. Documents must be clear and unaltered. Staff verify identity carefully.

How to Order Larimer County Death Records

You have three ways to get Larimer County death certificates. In-person visits require appointments. Call 970-498-6710 to schedule. Fill out the application. Present valid photo ID. Same-day service is available.

Mail orders work for those who cannot visit. Print the death certificate application from the Larimer County website. Fill it out completely. Attach a copy of your photo ID. Include payment by check or money order. Mail to the Vital Records Office address.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This service adds a $7.50 surcharge. It is authorized by the state. Processing takes about 30 days. Rush options may be available. This works well for out-of-state requesters.

Note: Larimer County cannot process online orders directly. Use VitalChek or visit in person.

Poudre River Libraries Obituary Resources

The Poudre River Libraries Local History Archive holds Larimer County obituaries. Their collection includes Fort Collins newspapers. Death notices date back decades. The archive is searchable online. You can access many resources from home.

The Coloradoan newspaper obituaries appear in recent years. The library maintains indexes. Older papers are on microfilm. Staff help researchers navigate collections. The local history room is at the Old Town Library.

Larimer County historical societies preserve obituary collections. They gather family histories. Some maintain cemetery transcripts. These groups meet regularly. They welcome new researchers. Contact them for help with specific families.

Colorado State Archives Larimer County Records

The Colorado State Archives holds pre-1975 Larimer County records. Deaths before state registration may appear in other documents. The archives collected county records. Coroner's files exist for some years. Early burial permits survive.

Fort Collins grew rapidly after 1870. The railroad arrived in 1877. Death registration improved over time. Larimer County kept better records than some rural areas. The State Archives preserves what survived.

Under C.R.S. § 25-2-110, funeral homes must file within 72 hours. This keeps Larimer County records current. Doctors certify causes of death. These rules ensure accuracy.

Find A Grave lists many Larimer County cemeteries. Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins is large. Rural burial grounds appear too. Users contribute photos and information. Cemetery records help verify death dates.

Historical Death Records in Larimer County

Larimer County's history appears in death records. Early settlers faced harsh conditions. Winters were deadly. Disease spread in close quarters. Mining accidents occurred in the foothills. These events created records.

The 1918 flu pandemic hit Fort Collins hard. Colorado Agricultural College lost students. Death records show the impact. Obituaries describe symptoms. Cemetery records confirm burial dates. This tragedy is well documented.

Military deaths appear in Larimer County records. Veterans are buried in local cemeteries. Some died in service. Their obituaries honor sacrifice. The community remembered them. These records preserve their stories.

Ranching accidents killed residents. Weather-related deaths occurred. Floods took lives. These appear in coroner's reports. Early newspapers covered such events. Larimer County's diverse history appears in death records.