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1. What do I need to get a death certificate?

•    Photocopy of the requestor's valid identification

•    Completed death certificate application

•    Proof of direct and tangible interest if applicable

•    Payment

2. Who can obtain a death certificate?

Access to copies of Colorado death certificates is restricted to the decedent's parents, grandparents, stepparents, siblings, spouse, adult children, stepchildren or grandchildren of the deceased, legal representatives of any of the above, legal representatives of the deceased, probate researchers, genealogists representing family members with appropriate credentials, others who may demonstrate a direct and tangible interest when information is needed for determination or protection of a personal property right. Proof of relationship or direct and tangible interest is required.

3. Who is an informant?

The informant is the person who provided information about the deceased person to the funeral home so that the death record could be filed.

4. What is direct and tangible interest / examples of tangible interest?

Colorado is a closed record state, therefore direct and tangible interest is required to release a record; meaning proof that the person requesting the death certificate is eligible for the record.

Examples can be a title with both parties listed, a bank account with both parties listed, beneficiary paperwork, lease agreements, social security paperwork, car/home title, etc.

5. What types of death certificates are available?

We offer 3 types of death certificates:

•    Standard death certificate will be the entire records legal information as well as medical will be listed on the death certificate.

•    Legal death certificate will only have legal information such as decedents name, address, social security number etc.

•    Death verification certificate will have minimal information verifying that the person passed away such as name, date of birth, date of death etc.

6. Can I order the death certificate online?

You can apply online through a secure third party website www.vitalchek.com.

7. How are death certificates used?

There are several reasons why you may need to obtain a death certificate. Most often, it’s to serve as proof for legal purposes. These reasons may include:

•    Accessing pension benefits,

•    Claiming life insurance,

•    Settling estates,

•    Getting married (if a widow or widower needs to prove that their previous partner has passed), or

•    Arranging for a funeral.