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How to Get a Death Certificate in Arapahoe County, Colorado

If someone has died in Arapahoe County, Colorado, here is everything you need to know about ordering certified copies of the death certificate, including where to go, how much it costs, and how long it takes. Death certificates are one of the first documents you will need to begin handling the estate, filing insurance and Social Security claims, and closing accounts.

$17
Per certified copy
Yes
Online ordering
2 to 4 weeks by mail
Processing time
656,590
County population

Arapahoe County Vital Records Office

Office Name
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records
Address
4300 Cherry Creek Dr S, Denver, CO 80246
Order Online

Death Certificate Cost in Arapahoe County

Cost per certified copy$17
10 copies (recommended minimum)$170
15 copies (recommended for larger estates)$255
Processing time2 to 4 weeks by mail; same day in person
Online ordering availableYes

Compare death certificate costs across all states in our state-by-state guide. In Colorado, the state-level cost is $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.

Important Note

Colorado handles death certificates at the state level.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Arapahoe County

1

Check if the funeral home already ordered copies

Most funeral directors order death certificates on behalf of the family as part of their services. Ask your funeral home before ordering additional copies on your own. Learn more about funeral costs and services.

2

Gather your documents

You will need a government-issued photo ID, the deceased person's full legal name, date of death, Social Security number (if known), and proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court documents). Use our document checklist to make sure you have everything.

3

Choose how to order

You can order online, in person at 4300 Cherry Creek Dr S, Denver, CO 80246, or by mail. Online ordering may include an additional processing fee.

4

Pay the fee and submit your request

Each certified copy costs $17. Most offices accept checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. If ordering by mail, send a check or money order payable to the vital records office along with your completed application.

5

Receive your certified copies

Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks by mail; same day in person. Each copy will have an official seal or stamp, making it valid for legal and financial purposes.

Who Needs a Death Certificate from Arapahoe County?

You will need to provide a certified death certificate to multiple institutions. Based onArapahoe County's population of 656,590, families here commonly need copies for:

1.
Social Security AdministrationTo report the death and claim survivors benefits
2.
Life insurance companiesTo file a death benefit claim
3.
Banks and financial institutionsTo close or transfer accounts
4.
District Court (Probate)To begin the probate process in Colorado
5.
Retirement account providersFor inherited IRA and 401(k) claims
6.
Health insurance providersTo update coverage and COBRA enrollment
7.
Credit bureausTo protect the deceased from identity theft
8.
DMV, mortgage, and utility companiesTo close or transfer various accounts

Frequently Asked Questions: Death Certificates in Arapahoe County

How much does a death certificate cost in Arapahoe County, CO?

A certified copy of a death certificate in Arapahoe County costs $17. Most families need 10 to 15 copies, which would cost $170 to $255. You can order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records at 4300 Cherry Creek Dr S, Denver, CO 80246.

Can I order a death certificate online in Arapahoe County?

Yes, Arapahoe County offers online ordering for death certificates through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records. You can also order in person or by mail. Online orders may include an additional processing fee of $5 to $15.

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Arapahoe County?

Processing time for death certificates in Arapahoe County: 2 to 4 weeks by mail; same day in person. In-person requests at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records are typically faster than mail orders. Your funeral home may also order initial copies on your behalf as part of their services.

What should I do after I receive the death certificate?

After receiving death certificates, your next steps include notifying Social Security, filing life insurance claims, contacting banks and financial institutions, beginning probate if required (Colorado's small estate threshold is $74,000), and protecting the deceased from identity theft. Use our deadline tracker to see critical filing dates.

Complete Colorado Guide

For broader information about probate, estate tax, funeral costs, and other after-death procedures in Colorado, see our comprehensive state guide. Colorado has a probate threshold of $74,000, no state estate tax, and death certificates through the state office cost $20 for the first copy.

View Full Colorado State Guide

Other Counties in Colorado

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