Order Official Colorado Vital Records Online.

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Adams County Online Order Portal for Colorado Vital Records.

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GoCertificates online ordering portal allows Adams County to provide you with certified copies of State of Colorado Vital Records. We are committed to getting your birth or death certificate quickly and easily. Expedited shipping for birth certificates and death certificates is available as well.

Orders for vital event certificates placed through this portal are directed to the Adams County Department of Health. Request processing is done directly by the Adams County Department of Health.

ID Requirements | Birth Certificate Requirements | Death Certificate Requirements

Identification Requirements

All applicants must submit a copy of proof of relationship and a copy of an accepted form of identification. (Proof of relationship is not required if you are ordering your own certificate.) After placing your order, you will need to return to GoCertificates.com to upload an image of your identification and proof of relationship. Additionally, at the end of your online application process, you will be required to print, sign, and upload your confirmation page (application summary). Your order will only be processed once a legible copy of identification, proof of relationship, and signed confirmation page are received.

Applicants must provide one form of primary identification or two forms of secondary identification.

Primary Identification: Submit a copy of 1 of the following:

(No expired documents accepted)

  • Alien Registration Receipt/Permanent Resident Card
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Jail Temporary Inmate ID: Denver or Pueblo County
  • Colorado Department of Corrections ID card
  • Colorado Department of Human Services Youth Corrections ID
  • CO Temporary Driver’s license/State ID (must be current)
  • Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Foreign Passport
  • Government Work ID
  • Job Corps ID
  • Driver's License/ID Card (DMV - U.S. only)
  • Foreign Driver's License/ID Card (issues directly from the foreign country’s government-not state or province)
  • School, University or College ID Card (must be current)
  • Temporary Resident Card
  • U.S. B1/B2 Visa card with I-94
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
  • U.S. Citizenship ID Card (I-197)
  • U.S. Military ID card (front and back)
  • U.S. Passport or Card
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner ID/book

OR

Secondary Identification: Submit a copy of 2 of the following:

(Any document expired more than six months will not be accepted)

  • Acknowledgment of Paternity document (Colorado only)
  • Birth certificate of Applicant (U.S. only)
  • Court order for Adoption or Name Change
  • Craft of Trade License (Colorado only)
  • DD-214
  • Divorce Decree (U.S. only)
  • Colorado Gaming License
  • Hospital Birth Worksheet (within 6 months of birth)
  • Colorado Hunting or Fishing License (must be current)
  • Foreign or International Driving License/ID card (issued by foreign country’s state or province)
  • Marriage License/Certificate (U.S. only)
  • Medicaid Card (Colorado only)
  • Medicare Card
  • Mexican Voter Registration Card
  • Motor Vehicle Registration or Title (must be current - U.S. only)
  • Pilot License
  • State, Territorial or Federal Prison or Corrections ID Card
  • Selective Service Card/Letter (U.S. only)
  • Social Security Card
  • Weapon or Gun Permit (U.S. only)
  • Work ID, Paycheck stub (within 3 months), or W2 (last tax year)

The following forms of identification are not accepted

  • Matricula Consular Card
  • Novelty ID Card
  • IRS-ITIN Card/Letter
  • Non-expiring identification cards (unless issued in last 5 year)
  • Souvenir/Hospital birth certificates
  • Out-of-State Temporary Driver’s license or Temporary State ID card

If you cannot provide acceptable identification, it is suggested that you ask a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling or adult child, who can provide appropriate identification, to request the certificate. Proof of relationship is required.

ID Requirements | Birth Certificate Requirements | Death Certificate Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Birth Certificates

With the exception of applicants who are ordering their own certificate, Colorado Vital Records requires all applicants to submit a copy of proof of relationship. Documents vary depending on the relationship, and are outlined in the table below.

If requesting a birth certificate for a person who is deceased, a copy of the death certificate must also be provided.

Applicant Documents Required for Proof of Relationship
The registrant (person named on certificate) Registrant must provide ONE acceptable identification from the primary ID list OR a combination of TWO documents from the secondary ID list to prove identity. Please reference the detailed Approved ID List and/or ID Cheatsheet for acceptableidentifications.
Current Spouse Certified copy of marriage/civil union certificate is required – or for common law marriage, some examples of documents we can accept are: notarized affidavit of common law marriage, joint income tax returns, or insurance policies. A government-issued death certificate listing the spouse is also acceptable.
Ex-Spouse Must present proof of direct & tangible interest. Marriage certificate is not acceptable. (i.e. insurance policy, letter from SSA, etc.) Document must clearly state/show the ex-spouse’s eligibility. See sample of acceptable/non-acceptable descriptions at the end of the document.
Parent / Co-Parent Must be listed on the birth certificate.

Does not include:
• any birth parent of an adopted child seeking a record for the adopted child when the birth parent does not have custody;
Stepparent Certified copy of a marriage/civil union certificate to a parent listed on the birth certificate is required. For common law marriage, some examples of documents we can accept are: notarized affidavit of common law marriage, joint income tax returns, or insurance policies. (In the case of common-law marriage, the document must clearly state: husband and wife).
Step-children Birth certificate proving relationship required. Certified copy of a marriage/civil union certificate of a parent is required. Birth certificate must show a parent that is listed on the marriage/civil union certificate as the spouse.
Legal Guardian Original, certified court order proving custody is required OR original, notarized Power of Attorney (POA) for guardianship of minor child. If you have any questions about the document, contact the state office.

Court order requirements:
• Must be a final/clear order, specifying what the judge is ordering. May not be a motion or petition.
• Must name the registrant and the requestor. All names must match the record in question.
• Must be signed by a judge, magistrate or a deputy clerk of a court (Probate Registrar is acceptable) of ‘competent jurisdiction’. For example, an ecclesiastical court order is not accepted. Signatures may be original or digital.
• Must have an original seal of the court. Seals may be ink or raised.
• The original court order must be presented, not a photocopy.
• Court order can state one or all of the following terms: Custody, parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities or decision making responsibilities.

Power of Attorney (POA) requirements:
• If the registrant is 18 years old or older, not acceptable, must have a court order.
• If the registrant is less than 18 years old:
• Must show the date the POA/guardianship starts and the date the POA/guardianship ends, and cannot exceed 12 months.
• If signed by a legal guardian, a certified court order, detailing guardianship, must also be submitted. See below for more detail.
• Parent(s)/guardian signatures must be notarized. Verifying Colorado notaries may be done at https://www.sos.state.co.us/notary/pages/public/verifyNotary.xhtml. Verification is an option step, it is not required.
Siblings / Half Siblings Birth or death certificate proving at least one same parent required (cannot accept baptismals, hospital records or school records, unless the customer has a letter from the state of birth stating no record of birth was found).

Does not include:
• an adopted child seeking a record for a birth relative whose parental rights have been relinquished and/or terminated;
Children Birth Certificate(s) and/or death certificate(s) proving relationship is required. (cannot accept baptismals, hospital records or school records, unless the customer has a letter from the state of birth stating no record of birth was found).

Does not include:
• an adopted child seeking a record for a birth relative whose parental rights have been relinquished and/or terminated;
Legal Representative / Paralegals Proof of client relationship required, as well as proof of the client’s relationship to the registrant.

Proof of client relationship can consist of (but not limited to) the following examples:
• Copy of fee agreement
• Copy of contract
• Signed release on letterhead
• Copy of a court order showing the attorney’s legal representation of client
Attorney-in-fact/agent (power of attorney) Must present a Durable Power of Attorney that has been signed by the “principal” (person they are representing) and notarized. Durable Power of Attorneys are indefinite unless specified in the document or upon death. We do not accept Medical Power of Attorney. Review the Power of Attorney carefully, since some provide a limited amount of authority to the “attorney-in-fact”/”agent”. If Power of Attorney is for anyone other than the registrant, proof of relationship or legal interest between the principal and the registrant is also required.
Consular Corps/Consulate Offices Must present appropriate credentials verifying association with the consulate
Adoption Agencies Certified court order(s) proving custody is required. (May also accept notarized “Special Power of Attorney” document signed by mother and father if listed)
Genealogists Notarized signed release from immediate family member required as well as proof of the family member’s relationship. Certificate will be marked “For Genealogical Use Only”
Other relatives:

In-laws/aunts/uncles/ nephews/nieces/cousins/gr andparents/great grandparents/grandchildren /great grandchildren
Only eligible for birth records of deceased relatives that are over 50 years old and must present a copy of the registrant’s death certificate. A family tree can be used to establish the proof of relationship requirement (whether handwritten or printed).
Recruiters Birth certificate can only be issued upon a signed release from inductee or they can have a DD372 (birth verification) completed. Certificates of dependents CANNOT be issued or verified to recruiters, even with a signed release from the inductee.
County, state, federal governmental agencies(SSA, human services, etc.) No additional document needed- fee may apply (Must present credentials showing they are associated with the governmental agency. Note some governmental agencies do not allow photocopying of their government IDs. In these scenarios, make a note on the request that the deputy verified the governmental ID and a copy of their driver’s license or passport will then be required).

Colorado State agencies and Veteran Administration offices are not required to pay the fee if certificate needed in their administrative duties.

Out-of-state government agencies and federal government agencies (i.e. SSA) must submit the fee. For Human Service requests, please refer below for information on watermark or fees:

In-state w/HS Referral letter (No watermark)

When receiving this type of request, a court order to show custody, credentials (work ID) and an application are required. There is no fee associated with this request. Preexisting SPU Fees will not be paid by the customer in this transaction.

In-state (watermark)

When receiving this type of request, credentials (work ID) and an application with a reason for request listed as “case file” or similar language are required. A court order of custody is not mandatory and these certificates are to be kept in the administrative files of the human services office and may not be released to clients or outside agencies. There is no fee associated with this request. Preexisting SPU Fees will not be paid by the customer in this transaction.

In-state (no watermark)

When receiving this type of request, credentials (work ID) and an application with a reason for request other than “case file” or similar language are required. A court order of custody is not mandatory. There is a fee associated with this request and the certificate may be released by the caseworker to a client or an outside agency, such as SSA or a school. Preexisting SPU fees must be paid by the customer in this transaction.

Out-of-state (No watermark)

When receiving this type of request, credentials (work ID) and an application with a reason for request are required. A court order of custody is not mandatory. There is a fee associated with this request. Preexisting SPU fees must be paid by the customer in this transaction.
Law enforcement All types of criminal investigations at the federal, state or out-of-state level must be directed to the State Vital Records office.

Criminal investigations at the Colorado county or city level concerning the issuance of a birth or death record of the subject of the investigation may be processed by the respective local office or at the State Vital Records office. Examples of eligible offices/agencies requiring certificates for criminal investigations are: District Attorney offices, city/county police or sheriff departments, probation departments, District Courts, etc.

No fee is required. If the request is submitted in person, by mail or by fax, an ID of the requester is required for every request. If the request is submitted via an official governmental email, an ID will not be required, however, the email must be submitted via a secure method and contain the pertinent information regarding the birth or death certificate (name, date of event, parents’ names – if applicable) and a complete email signature line which includes the name and title of the requestor, name of agency, address and phone number. The request must also contain a reason for the request of “criminal investigation” or a reason similar.

If an agency is asking for verification of various data fields on a certificate or for broad research requests relating to a criminal investigation, the agency will be referred to the State Vital Records office.

Certificate will contain the watermark.
ID Requirements | Birth Certificate Requirements | Death Certificate Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Death Certificates

Colorado Vital Records requires all Death Certificate applicants to submit a copy of proof of relationship. Documents vary depending on the relationship, and are outlined in the table below.

Applicant Documents Required for Proof of Relationship
Current Spouse Must be listed on death certificate
Ex-Spouse Must present proof of direct & tangible interest (i.e. Social Security record, insurance policy) Document must clearly state/show the ex-spouse’s eligibility.
Parent Must be listed on the death certificate.

Does not include:
• any birth parent of an adopted child seeking a record for the adopted child when the birth parent does not have custody;
Shared Parentage For passport reasons and Social Security reasons only- a shared parent can present the child’s birth certificate (showing both parents listed) (in cases for passport, the child must be under age 16).
Stepparent Certified copy of a marriage/civil union certificate to a parent listed on the death certificate is required. For common law marriage, some examples of documents we can accept are: notarized affidavit of common law marriage, joint income tax returns, or insurance policies. (In the case of common-law marriage, the document must clearly state: husband and wife).
Siblings / Half Siblings Birth or death certificate showing at least one same parent required. (Cannot accept baptismals, hospital records or school records, unless the customer presents a letter from the state of birth stating no record of birth was found).

Does not include:
• an adopted child seeking a record for a birth relative whose parental rights have been relinquished and/or terminated;
Children Birth certificate(s) and/or death certificate(s) showing relationship is required. (Cannot accept baptismals, hospital records or school records, unless the customer presents a letter from the state of birth stating no record of birth was found) If the death occurred more than 25 years ago, a basic family tree is acceptable for proof of relationship (certification should be marked for “Genealogical Use Only”).

Does not include:
• an adopted child seeking a record for a birth relative whose parental rights have been relinquished and/or terminated;.
Step-Children Birth certificate proving relationship required. Birth certificate must show a parent that is listed on the death certificate as the spouse.
Legal Representative / Paralegals Proof of client relationship required as well as proof of the client’s relationship to the registrant.

Proof of client relationship can consist of (but not limited to) the following examples:
• Copy of fee agreement • Copy of contract • Signed release on letterhead • Copy of a court order showing the attorney’s legal representation of client
Attorney-in-fact/agent (power of attorney) Must present a Durable Power of Attorney that has been signed by the “principal” (person they are representing) and notarized. Durable Power of Attorneys are indefinite unless specified in the document or upon death. We do not accept Medical Power of Attorney. Review the Power of Attorney carefully, since some provide a limited amount of authority to the “attorney-in-fact”/”agent”. If Power of Attorney is for anyone other than the registrant, proof of relationship or legal interest between the principal and the registrant is also required.
Opposing counsel Processed at state office: Certificate will be mailed to court w/ motion to seal “confidential record”. Name, address and case number of the court required.
Consular Corps/Consulate Offices Must present credentials verifying connection to the Consulate
Genealogists Notarized signed release from immediate family member required as well as proof of the family member’s relationship. Certificate will be marked “For Genealogical Use Only”
Other relatives:

In-laws/aunts/uncles/ nephews/nieces/cousins/grand parents/great grandparents/grandchildren/ great grandchildren
For a death certificate 25 years or younger- Must present proof of direct & tangible interest. (i.e. insurance policy, personal will, etc.) Document must clearly state/show the requestor’s eligibility.

For death certificates over 25 years- Must present proof of relationship (a family tree would be acceptable for this case) Death certificate marked “For Genealogical Use Only”.
Probate Researchers Proof of direct & tangible interest required
Creditors Proof of direct & tangible interest required. A creditor can submit a copy of the signed loan paperwork, as well as their credentials.
Anatomical Board Must be listed on death certificate
Employer Proof of direct & tangible interest required. Must present documentation to establish the employer/employee relationship. Credentials are required.

Some examples of document(s) that can be presented to establish proof of employer relationship are (but limited to):
• Signed agreements/contracts from employee
• HR documents (W2, signed payroll documents, etc.)
Beneficiaries Proof of direct & tangible interest required (i.e. letter on insurance company/pension company letterhead that clearly states the applicant is a beneficiary or is eligible to file a claim). Please note, insurance policies must contain the policy number.
Insurance Companies Proof of direct & tangible interest required (Insurance policy). Credentials are required.
Hospital / Nursing Home / Hospice / Physician Proof of patient relationship required. This can be a signed consent for treatment.
Funeral Directors Must be listed on the death certificate. If not listed, they can submit proof of the relationship between themselves & the funeral establishment listed on the death certificate. (i.e. copy of contract).
Coroners Must present their work credentials (work ID). No fee is required. Required that the coroner need the death certificate for 1) death in their county, 2) transfer of jurisdiction or 3) as a result of an active investigation they are working on.
Informant Must be listed on death certificate
County, state, federal governmental agencies (SSA, Human Services, etc.) No additional document needed – fee may apply

Must present their work credentials (work ID) Note some governmental agencies do not allow photocopying of their government IDs. In these scenarios, make a note on the request that the deputy verifies the governmental ID and a copy of their driver’s license or passport will then be required.

Colorado State agencies and Veteran Administration offices are not required to pay the fee if a certificate is needed in their administrative duties.

Out-of-state government agencies and federal government agencies (i.e. SSA) must submit the fee.
Law enforcement All types of criminal investigations at the federal, state or out-of-state level must be directed to the State Vital Records office.

Criminal investigations at the Colorado county or city level concerning the issuance of a birth or death record of the subject of the investigation may be processed by the respective local office or at the State Vital Records office. Examples of eligible offices/agencies requiring certificates for criminal investigations are: District Attorney offices, city/county police or sheriff departments, probation departments, District Courts, etc.

No fee is required. If the request is submitted in person, by mail or by fax, an ID of the requester is required for every request. If the request is submitted via an official governmental email, an ID will not be required, however, the email must be submitted via a secure method and contain the pertinent information regarding the birth or death certificate (name, date of event, parents’ names – if applicable) and a complete email signature line which includes the name and title of the requestor, name of agency, address and phone number. The request must also contain a reason for the request of “criminal investigation” or a similar reason.

If an agency is asking for verification of various data fields on a certificate or for broad research requests relating to a criminal investigation, the agency will be referred to the State Vital Records office.Certificate will contain the watermark.
Beneficiary on insurance policy -or Person applying for benefits (i.e. pension, VA, SSA) Acceptable:
• Letter on letterhead from the benefit/insurance company
• Naming the decedent
• Verbiage that the requestor has been approved or the requestor is eligible and further documentation is needed to process the claim, i.e. a death certificate

Not Acceptable:
• Claim form applying for benefits/insurance
• Letter or form that the requestor may be eligible
Transfer/update property record Acceptable:
• A property record (i.e. deed) showing the name of the requestor and the name of the decedent as joint owners.
• A will signed by the decedent that specifically states that the requestor was deeded or designated the property
• A court order showing the requestor was granted the property (possibly through a probate hearing)
Transfer/update car title Acceptable:
• Must present official, department of revenue car title listing the name of the decedent as well as the requestor. The requestor needs to be either joint-owner or has signed the back as the buyer along with the signature of the seller. Seller will need to provide proof of relationship, if they are not listed on the front of the car title.
• Must present current, non-expired, car registration listing the name of the decedent as well as the requestor.

Not acceptable:
• Bill of sale
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