Colorado Public Records

Colorado has a long history and many records that date back several hundred years. There are also many current records available for genealogy researchers. However, Colorado does restrict access to vital records due to a rise in identity theft. Authorized individuals may request copies of Colorado birth records, death, marriage and divorce records from the Department of Public Health and Environment. Colorado marriage records can be viewed locally through most County Clerk and Recorder offices and are not restricted. Colorado public records also include access to Colorado court records, which can be searched online for a fee through the Colorado Judicial Branch website or requested from the court that handled the case. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides online access to criminal records on anyone for a fee. Access to historic Colorado public records can be obtained through the State Archives. Available to the public are Colorado military records, obituaries, and cemetery and vital records.

About Colorado Public Records

Although Colorado is an open records state, a recent rise in identity theft has created additional restrictions on vital records like marriage and divorce records. The state vital records office, under the Department of Public Health and Environment, restricts access to Colorado vital records to the person of record, an immediate family member, and genealogists with notarized permission from the family and legal representatives. However, these Colorado public records can also be requested locally and in certain counties with fewer restrictions.

Although Colorado death records and birth records are still restricted, even if requested from your local health department, the County Clerk and Recorder’s office that holds the local marriage records likely does not restrict access. For example, the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder offers an online database that includes marriage records that are open to the public. Colorado divorce records are usually available at the District Court that handled the case.

Searching Colorado Public Records Online

The Colorado Judicial Branch oversees the state court system and is a good resource to learn about which courts handle the various types of cases.  In general, local District Courts handle civil, criminal, domestic and small claims cases, and these Colorado court records are available to the public unless sealed by a judge. Searching Colorado public records online can be done through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. There are two online services that access court records: CoCourts and BIS (background information services), although both charge a fee to conduct a search.

Online public records in Colorado do include access to current docket information for each court, which is available online for free. You can perform a search by name, type of court and county. Then, simply request copies of these Colorado court records from the specific court or view them in person. Usually, there is no charge to view in person unless copies are requested. Other Colorado online public records include access to criminal records through the state Bureau of Investigation.

Search Public Records in Colorado

The Colorado State Archives offers an amazing collection of state records that are readily available to the public. Although a Digital Archive is offered online, most of the records of major interest to those performing family history will only be available in person. Search public records in Colorado State Archives, and you will find historic vital records, military and cemetery records, as well as Colorado obituaries. Many of these record collections are part of an online index that can be searched for free prior to a visit. If a visit to the Archives in Denver isn’t feasible, the staff accepts research requests online, by telephone or fax for a fee.