How to Find Colorado Birth Records

Are Birth Records Public in Colorado

Per C.R.S § 25-2-117, vital records, including death records, marriage records, adoption records, divorce records, and birth records, are confidential in Colorado. As a result, birth certificates and other birth records can only be released to eligible requesters. These include and are not limited to the registrant, their current spouse, ex-spouse, parent/co-parent, and legal representatives. Birth records are maintained by the state Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and locally by counties' vital record offices. The CDPHE maintains birth records as part of its vital statistics program. Although birth records are mostly confidential in Colorado, it is not impossible to find public birth records.

What are Birth Records in Colorado?

A Colorado birth record is proof of the identity of the subject of the record and an official document that the person named on it was born in Colorado. It is a vital record that identifies an individual as a citizen of Colorado and the United States. It is issued by the government and useful for several purposes, including vital statistics, understanding population dynamics, and other trends that are used in formulating far-reaching policies.

A Colorado birth record is important for a Colorado citizen to obtain a social security number, enroll in school, obtain a driver's license, apply for a passport, or other social and essential benefits. To the government, an individual without a birth record does not exist and cannot enjoy access to the rights and obligations of citizenship. A Colorado birth record contains:

Date of birth
Time of birth
Place of birth
Child's full name
Mother's name
Father's name
Child's gender
Type of birth
Mother's marital status
Birth registration number

How to Find and Request Birth Records Online in Colorado?

Colorado birth records do not fall under the scope and provisions of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). They are considered confidential under the Colorado statute C.R.S. 25-2-117. Therefore, it is not possible to look up Colorado birth records online. The state only provides access to eligible requesters to obtain birth records online. Colorado processes online requests for birth records through its partnership with two independent companies. Both companies accept all major credit cards and charge additional fees for their services.

Considered open to citizens of the United States, public records are available through both traditional, government sources, and through third-party websites and organizations. In many cases, third-party websites make the search easier as they are not limited geographically or by technological limitations. They are considered a good place to start when looking for a specific record or multiple records. In order to gain access to these records, interested parties must typically provide:

The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.

While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government-sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.

How to Get Birth Records in Colorado?

Birth records in Colorado can be obtained in person or by mail. However, a requester must provide proof of relationship or direct and tangible interest before a birth record can be obtained. A requester must provide one of the following current and valid forms of primary identification:

Alien registration receipt or permanent resident card
Certificate of U.S. citizenship
Jail temporary inmate ID: Denver and Pueblo Counties
Colorado Department of Corrections ID card
CO temporary driver's license or state ID
Department of Human Services Youth Corrections ID
Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Foreign passport
Government work ID
Job Corps ID
Photo driver's license or photo ID car (DMV U.S. only)
School, University or College ID card
Temporary resident card
U.S. B1/B2 visa card with I-94
U.S. certification of naturalization
U.S. citizenship ID card (I-197)
U.S. Military ID card
U.S. passport
U.S. Merchant Mariner ID/Book

or two of the following:

Acknowledgment of paternity document (Colorado only)
Court order of adoption or name change
Colorado craft or trade license
DD-214
Divorce decree (the U.S. only)
Hospital birth worksheet (for infants under 6-months)
Hunting or fishing license (must be current- Colorado only)
IRS-TIN card
Marriage license (the U.S.A. only)
Medicare card
Foreign or international driving license (with photo)
Mexican voter registration card
Motor vehicle registration or title (the U.S. only)
Pilot license
Selective Service Card (the U.S. only)
Social Security Card (the U.S. only)
State or federal prison or correctional card
Weapon or gun permit (the U.S. only)
A work ID, paycheck stub (within 3 months), or W-2(last tax year)
Any expired document from the Primary List (must not be expired more than 6 months)

The following forms of identification cannot be used to obtain birth records:

Matricula Consular Card
Novelty ID Card
Non-expiring Identification Cards (unless issued in the last five years)
City or county prison/jail ID
Souvenir birth certificates
Out-of-state temporary driver's license or temporary state ID
Medicaid card/WIC

An individual who requires an apostille on a birth record may mail the birth record obtained from the Colorado Office of Vital record to the Colorado Secretary of State. Note that the birth record is required to be a certified copy. An apostille is authentication or legalization needed for documents that will be used in a foreign country. To obtain an apostille on a birth record, complete the apostilles and authentication request form. Enclose the certified copy of the birth record, apostille application form, and a check or money order of the appropriate fee made payable to the "Colorado Secretary of State" in a mail to:

Colorado Secretary of State
1700 Broadway
Suite 200
Denver, CO 80290
authentications@sos.state.co.us

How to Get Colorado Birth Records in Person?

To obtain Colorado birth records in person, visit:

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Vital Records Section
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246

The Section is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. The requester must present acceptable identification and pay the appropriate in-person order fee. Requesters can also make in-person orders from the other Vital Records locations in the state. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, some locations work based on appointments, some are closed, while others only operate within specific periods of the day.

How to Get Colorado Birth Records by Mail?

To obtain a birth record by Mail in Colorado, complete the Birth Certificate Request Form. Enclose the completed form along with the appropriate fee and required identification in a mail to:

Vital Records Section HSVR-VR-A1
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530

For further inquiries contact the Vital Records Office at (303) 692-2200 or send an electronic mail to vital.records@state.co.us.

Where Can I Find Birth Records in Colorado?

Colorado birth records are issued by the Vital Records Office, a division of the state Department of Public Health and Environment. Birth records can also be obtained from the local public health offices across Colorado. Although a few counties in Colorado recorded births that occurred before 1908, there is no guarantee that a record of birth before 1908 can be obtained. However, the state began recording delayed births in 1908 - retroactive documentation of some births that occurred before that year. Hence, requesters may visit the Colorado State Archives to obtain birth records registered before 1908.

Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Colorado?

The registrant or the person named on a Colorado birth record is eligible to obtain the birth record without having to provide any other document apart from a means of identification. However, Colorado requires these categories of persons to obtain birth records if they can provide proofs of relationship:

Current Spouse: Must provide a document that clearly states "husband and wife", such as a Colorado marriage certificate. Notarized affidavits are accepted for common law marriages, joint income tax returns, or insurance policies)
Ex-spouse: Must provide proof of direct and tangible interest. A Colorado marriage certificate does not suffice. An insurance policy, a letter from SSA
Parent/Co-Parent: A parent or co-parent must be listed on such birth record.
Legal Guardian: Must provide original certified court order proving custody is required.
Grandparent/Great Grandparent: Birth certificate(s) proving relationship is required, Baptismal, hospital, or school records are not accepted, except where the requester can provide a letter from the state of birth stating no record of birth was found.
Siblings/Half Siblings: Must provide a birth certificate proving that at least one same parent is shared. Baptismal, hospital, or school records not accepted.
Children/Grandchildren/Great-Grandchildren: Must provide a birth certificate proving at least one same parent.
Legal Representative/Paralegals: Must provide proof of client relationship as well as proof of the client's relationship to the person named on the record.
Attorney-in-fact or Agent: Must provide a durable power of attorney that has been signed by the person named on the record and notarized. A durable power of attorney is indefinite unless specified in the document upon death. A Medical Power of Attorney is not accepted.
Consular Corps or Consulate Offices: Must provide appropriate credentials verifying that they are associated with the consulate.
Adoption Agencies: Must provide certified court orders proving custody. A notarized special power of attorney document signed by the mother and father (is listed) may also be accepted.
Genealogists: Must provide a signed release from an immediate family member as well as proof of the family member's relationship. Note that certificates are marked "For Genealogical Use Only".
In-laws, Aunts, Nephews, Nieces, and Cousins: Only eligible for birth records of deceased relatives that are over 50 years old. A copy of the registrant's death certificate is required.
Recruiters: A birth record can only be issued upon the signed release from the inductee. Otherwise, a birth verification form (DD371) must be completed.
Governmental agencies, such as Human Services, SSA, etc.: Must present credentials showing they are associated with the governmental agency.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes 25-2-118, the penalties for obtaining a birth record under false pretenses include a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or both.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost in Colorado?

A copy of a certified birth record in Colorado costs $20. If the Vital Record Section finds no record after conducting a birth record search, the fee will not be refunded. Each additional copy of the certified record ordered at the same time costs $13. Colorado charges $10 as a credit card convenience charge except for orders placed in person. Records returned by mail do not attract any shipping costs. Returns by FedEx or UPS (within the continental U.S.) cost $20 each. FedEx shipping fees are only payable by check, money order, or cash. UPS shipping fees can only be paid by credit cards.

Colorado also issues heirloom birth certificates to interested persons. An heirloom birth certificate is used to commemorate special events. It is valid and certified and may be used for official verification purposes. A copy of a Colorado heirloom birth certificate costs $35.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Birth Certificate in Colorado?

In-person requests for birth records typically result in same-day responses in Colorado. Responses to mail orders are mailed out in 30 business days after the receipt of requests. Online orders are usually mailed 3-5 days after the receipt of requests.

How to Get a New Birth Certificate in Colorado

Colorado state residents who had their birth certificate stolen or misplaced can order a new birth certificate through the state Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), their county’s vital record office, or third-party online vendors. Interested can also report a stolen or missing birth certificate to the CDPHE to hedge against their missing certificate being used for illegal activities.

Record seekers can submit a birth certificate request to the CDPHE in person, by mail, or by phone orders at (866) 300-8540. To submit an in-person order, a requester would need to schedule an appointment with the CDPHE in advance as walk in services are unavailable through the CDPHE. To book an in-person appointment, use the CDPHE appointment booking tool provided on the CDPHE website’s order certificate now webpage. On the appointment day, the record seeker would need to submit the required fees, supporting documentation, as well as details about the record.

For mailed-in requests, a record seeker must complete the CDPHE birth certificate application. Colorado birth certificate application form is also available in en español. After completing the application, attach the required documents and required fees and mail them to the CDPHE address listed on the form.

There are currently only two third-party online vendors the CDPHE advises state residents to use to order a new copy of their birth certificate. These third-party online vendors are listed on the CDPHE website’s order certificate now webpage. Most third-party online vendors offer expedited service. Similar to other birth certificate ordering methods, the requester would also need to submit supporting documentation that validates their eligibility to obtain the requested birth certificate.

Similar to the CDPHE, most county vital record offices accept birth certificate requests by mail and in person. For expedited service, a record seeker can request birth certificates in person at their local county’s vital record office. Birth certificate requests are typically processed within 15 to 30 minutes. While some county vital record offices offer walk in services, for example, boulder county. Others may strictly operate on appointment bases. A good example is the Tri-County Health Department which serves Adams county, Arapahoe county, and Douglas county. A record seeker can use its vital records online scheduler to book an appointment.

County vital record offices usually provide request forms on their official websites that record seekers can complete and submit by mail to request birth certificates. To find these forms, visit a Colorado county’s website and navigate to its Health Department webpage or license and record webpage. Most county vital record offices maintain birth certificates for their specific county in Colorado from 1904 to present day.

Can You Find Colorado Birth Certificates Online?

Because birth records are not public records, finding Colorado birth certificates online may prove difficult. The only way record seekers can find Colorado birth certificates online is through the Colorado State Archives search database. However, as stated earlier, the state Archives only maintain birth certificates issued before 1908. Additionally, the database does not contain all records maintained by the State Archive. However, there are several ways interested persons can place an online order for Colorado birth certificates.

How to Expunge Your Birth Records in Colorado?

An expungement refers to permanently removing a record and is usually used to delete criminal records. Colorado makes no provision for expunging birth records.

How to Seal Your Birth Records in Colorado?

Upon the completion of adoption proceedings, pre-adoption records including the original birth certificates are automatically sealed from public view. The original birth record is the document containing information about an individual's birth parents. An amended birth certificate is prepared by the state registrar stating the adoptive parents as the legal parents of the adoptee.

How to Unseal Your Birth Records in Colorado?

Original birth certificates for persons born in Colorado are maintained by the Vital Records Office of the State Department of Public Health and Environment. Colorado allows the following categories of persons to have direct access to an original birth certificate:

Adult adoptee aged 18 or older
An adoptive parent of a minor adoptee
Custodial grandparent of a minor adoptee
Birthparent
Sibling with one birth parent in common who was relinquished or adopted (proof required)
A legal representative of any such individual

The following categories of persons must obtain a notarized written consent from the adult adoptee or provide a certified copy of the death certificate if the adult adoptee is deceased:

Spouse of an adult adoptee
An adoptive parent of an adult adoptee
Adoptive sibling
An adult descendant of an adult adoptee (child, grandchild, or great-grandchild)
Grandparent of an adult adoptee
A legal representative of any such individual

An eligible requester can obtain an original birth record by completing an Application to Access an Original Birth Certificate form. Enclose the required ID, appropriate fee, and completed form in a mail to:

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Vital Records
Birth Unit
4300 Cherry Drive South
Denver, CO 80246

Requests can also be made in person. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. A copy of an original birth certificate costs $40. Each additional copy costs $13. Expedited shipping within the United States costs $20, while regular mail via U.S. postal service is free. A $10 convenience fee is charged on all credit card orders. It takes 30 business days for requests to complete. Incomplete applications will be returned to requesters.

Who Signs Birth and Death Certificates in Colorado?

Pursuant to CRS Title 25 § 25-2-112, it is the responsibility of the person in charge of the institution where a birth occurs or a designated representative of such person to sign the birth certificate. Furthermore, if the birth took place outside an institution, then the birth certificate may be signed and filed by an attending physician. In the absence of the attending physician, a birth certificate can be signed by any witness, the father or mother, or the person in charge of the place the birth occurred.

Per CRS Title 25 § 25-2-110, the physician who was in charge of the decedent's care prior to their death is responsible for signing their death certificate upon their demise. If the physian is absent or on their approval, their associate physician, the chief medical officer of the institution where the death occurred, or the physician that performed an autopsy on the decedent may sign the death certificate.

What is a Colorado Birth Index?

A birth index is a database that contains details of public birth records of all births in a particular state or county. However, a Colorado birth index is non-existent. This is because birth records are confidential in Colorado and can only be obtained and inspected by eligible persons. Neither the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, local county vital record offices, nor the state archive maintains a Colorado birth index.