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Vital Statistics (Birth and Death Records)

image of birth certificate

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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