Vital Statistics (Birth and Death Records)
Si usted habla Español, y tiene preguntas, por favor llame a este número 970-498-6710.
Mission: To process all Larimer County certificates of birth, death and fetal death in accordance with state law, while providing prompt and courteous service to customers.
Hours :
8 AM - 4:15 PM Monday - Friday, except County holidays
Location:
The Vital Statistics Office is on the first floor of the Fort Collins Office of the Department of Health and Environment, at 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO, 80524-2004.
970-498-6710
Forms:
Services Provided
- Birth Certificates: We issue certificates for all births that occurred within the State of Colorado from 1900 to present.
- Death Certificates: We issue copies of death certificates only for deaths which occurred in Larimer County.
- Burial permits: (Authority for Final Disposition) are issued to funeral homes and families that are acting as their own funeral directors.
Common Questions about Birth Certificates
- How can I get a birth certificate if I was not born in Larimer County?
For in-state births from 1900 to present, they can be obtained from our office. For birth certificates before 1900 contact the County where the birth occurred or the State Health Department at (303) 756-4464.
- Does the birth certificate contain a state seal?
Certified copies of birth certificates are on Banknote paper. A state seal is embossed in the paper, but it is not raised. A raised seal is not needed for travel.
- What is a legal birth certificate?
To be used for legal purposes, a birth certificate must be a certified copy, the kind that is issued at a health department. A hospital issued birth certificate cannot be used for legal purposes.
- What can I use for identification when applying for a birth certificate?
A photo ID is necessary. If you do not have a photo ID, please contact our office at 970-498-6710 for a list of approved identification sources.
- Can I apply for a birth certificate for someone else?
Proof of relationship will need to be submitted if the birth certificate is for someone other than yourself or if you are not named as a parent on the certificate.
- How Much Does it Cost?
A certified copy of a birth certificate is $17.75 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. For walk-in customers we will accept cash, check, money orders, and debit/credit cards*. PLEASE NOTE: FOR WALK IN CUSTOMERS ONLY, WE DO NOT ACCEPT VISA DEBIT OR CREDIT. Faxed orders are credit card only and mail orders can be paid by check, money order, credit or debit cards (we accept all major credit cards, including VISA, on faxed and mail orders only) and there will be an additional $6 service fee for all cards. For UPS next business day delivery there is an additional $20 fee.
* Please note: for credit/debit card orders we process the payment through an independent company that we have partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. This independent company charges the service fee for using the credit cards.
- Who can get a certified birth certificate?
Someone with a direct and tangible interest: One's self or immediate relative: mother or father (if father is listed on birth certificate). Maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents (if father is listed in the certificate), siblings or someone who has legal guardianship with certified court orders showing such. Proof of relationship will need to be submitted if the birth certificate is for someone other than yourself or if you are not named as a parent on the certificate. Please call 970-498-6710 for any other requests.
- What is proof of relationship?
If you are obtaining a birth certificate for a sibling, parent, grandparent, etc., you will need to show chain of relationship. Examples are: A sibling could provide their birth certificate to show same parents. If you are trying to get a grandparent's birth certificate you will need to show your birth certificate, plus your parent's birth certificate to show chain of relationship. If you have questions on this please call our office at 970-498-6710.
- How can I obtain a certified birth certificate?
In person, by written request, or by fax (using a credit card).
- In person: there is a short form that needs to be filled out and you would need to present a photo identification card and proof of relationship.
- By fax: You will need to supply credit card information, a photo ID, and possibly proof of relationship.
Common Questions about Death Certificates
- How can I obtain a certified death certificate?
You can come to our office in person, send in a written request, or fax in a request.
- In person: You will need to fill out a short form and present a photo ID.
- Written: Print and fill out the application (see above). Attach a copy of your photo ID. Mail to: Vital Statistics, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
- Fax: Print and fill out the application (see above). Fax it and a copy of your photo ID to 970-498-6715.
- Do you have access to all death certificates in the state?
We only supply death certificates for deaths that have occurred in Larimer County. For other Colorado deaths, contact the county where the death occurred or the State Health Department (303)756-4464.
- Do death certificates contain a seal?
Certified copies of death certificates are issued on Banknote paper. They are not issued with a raised seal, but a state seal is embossed in the paper.
- How Much Does it Cost?
A certified copy of a death certificate is $17.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. For walk-in customers we will accept cash, check, money orders, and debit/credit cards*. PLEASE NOTE: FOR WALK IN CUSTOMERS ONLY, WE DO NOT ACCEPT VISA DEBIT OR CREDIT. Faxed orders are credit card only and mail orders can be paid by check, money order, credit or debit cards (we accept all major credit cards, including VISA, on faxed and mail orders only) and there will be an additional $6 service fee for all cards. For UPS next business day delivery there is an additional $20 fee.
* Please note: for credit/debit card orders we process the payment through an independent company that we have partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. This independent company charges the service fee for using the credit cards.
- Who can get a certified death certificate?
Someone with a direct and tangible interest to the deceased. Relatives include wife, mother, father, child (if they are listed on the death certificate). If they are not listed on the death certificate they must show proof of relationship. This would include maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, siblings if they can prove chain of relationship.
- Can death certificates be issued to lawyers and others settling an estate?
Death certificates can be issued for the purpose of banking (example: investments , trust funds), real estate, motor vehicle transfer and other legal purposes, but proof of need must be submitted with request. Law offices will need to submit a written request on their letterhead along with proof of relationship.
- What is required for proof of relationship?
If you are obtaining a death certificate for a sibling, parent, grandparent, etc. you will need to show chain of relationship. Examples are: A sibling could provide their birth certificate to show same parents. If you are trying to get a grandparent's death certificate you will need to show your birth certificate, plus your parent's birth certificate to show chain of relationship to the deceased. Law office need to submit paperwork showing they are representing the deceased or family of the deceased. If you have questions on this please call our office at 970-498-6710.
- How Do I get a Birth/Death Certificate Changed or Corrected?
Changes in Birth and Death Certificates must be made through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Certification Section, Vital Records Division:
For birth records, call 303-692-2226
For death records, call 303-692-2188
For adding a father's name, call 303-692-2230
For processing recent adoptions, call 303-692-2227
For filing delayed birth or death records, call 303-692-2188
To find Us
From I-25: Take I 25 to the Mulberry Street (Highway 14) exit heading West. When you get to College Avenue, turn Right (North) and follow directions below:
From College Avenue (Highway 287), downtown Fort Collins: From downtown, go North on College until you get to the light at College and Conifer (JAX surplus is on the SE corner). Turn Right on Conifer and take a Left at Blue Spruce Drive. Go North about two Blocks until you see the sign on your left indicating the Larimer County Offices. The Dept. of Health & Environment is the second building, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive.
To Get a Birth/Death Certificate from Another State
The list below gives United States registration areas and the telephone number to call in order to verify fees and ordering instructions. In most cases, you will reach a recorded message.
Date prepared: January, 2008
| Alabama | (334) 206-5418 |
| Alaska | (907) 465-3391 |
| Amer. Samoa | (684) 633-4606 |
| Arizona | (602) 364-1300 |
| Arkansas | (501) 661-2174 |
| California | (916) 445-2684 |
| Connecticut | (203) 509-7897 |
| Delaware | (302) 744-4549 |
| Dist. of Columbia | (202) 671-5000 |
| Florida | (904) 359-6900 |
| Georgia | (404) 679-4702 |
| Guam | (671) 735-7292 |
| Hawaii | (808) 586-4533 |
| Idaho | (208) 334-5988 |
| Illinois | (217) 782-6553 |
| Indiana | (317) 233-2700 |
| Iowa | (515) 281-4944 |
| Kansas | (785) 296-1400 |
| Kentucky | (502) 564-4212 |
| Louisiana | (504) 568-5152 |
| Maine | (207) 287-5795 |
| Maryland | (410) 974-3914 |
| Massachusetts | (617) 740-2600 |
| Michigan | (517) 333-8656 |
| Minnesota | (651) 201-5970 |
| Mississippi | (601) 576-7981 |
| Missouri | (573) 751-6387 |
| Montana | (888) 877-1946 |
| Nebraska | (402) 471-2871 |
| Nevada | (775) 684-4280 |
| New Hampshire | (603) 271-4654 |
| New Jersey | (609) 292-6260 |
| New Mexico | (866) 534-0051 |
| New York | (518) 474-3075 |
| New York City | (212) 788-4520 |
| North Carolina | (919) 733-3526 |
| North Dakota | (701) 328-2360 |
| No. Mariana Is. | (670) 236-9830 |
| Ohio | (614) 466-2531 |
| Oklahoma | (405) 271-4040 |
| Oregon | (971) 673-1190 |
| Pennsylvania | (412) 656-3100 |
| Puerto Rico | (787) 767-9120 |
| Rhode Island | (401) 277-2811 |
| South Carolina | (803) 898-3630 |
| South Dakota | (605) 773-4961 |
| Tennessee | (615) 741-1763 |
| Texas | (512) 458-7111 |
| Utah | (801) 538-6105 |
| Vermont | (802) 863-7275 |
| Virginia | (804) 662-6200 |
| Virgin Islands | (809) 774-9000 |
| Washington | (360) 236-4300 |
| West Virginia | (304) 558-2931 |
| Wisconsin | (608) 266-1371 |
| Wyoming | (307) 777-7591 |
U. S. Department of State (for children born overseas to American citizens) | (202) 647-0518 |
| Passport Correspondence Office | (202) 955-0307 |
Related Internet Sites
Birth and Death Certificates
Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment
Health Statistics:
National Center for Health Statistics, CDC, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services