Arapahoe County Genealogy Records

Arapahoe County stands as one of Colorado's original counties. It dates back to 1861. The county has seen much change. Denver was once part of it. Today it ranks as the third most populous county in the state. Many families have deep roots here. Records stretch back to territorial days. This makes it a gold mine for genealogy work.

Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder

The Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder keeps many records. Joan Lopez holds this office. The team serves a large population. They process many documents daily. For genealogists, they offer marriage and land records. These go back many decades. The office has modern systems. Yet they keep old records safe too.

The main office is in Littleton. This is the county seat. They have other locations too. You can visit the one nearest you. Call first to check hours. Some services need an appointment. Staff can tell you what to expect.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Arapahoe County

Start your search at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have the basics. Marriage records date back to 1861. Land records start then too. These are public documents. You can view them during office hours. Copies are available for a fee.

Birth and death records work differently. The state holds most of these. C.R.S. 25-2-103 created the vital records system. Older records may be at the state archives. They have records before statewide registration began.

Places to search:

• Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder for marriages and land
• Colorado State Archives for older vital records
• CDPHE for certified copies of birth and death
• Littleton Historical Museum for local history
• Aurora History Museum for eastern county records

Online Databases and Resources

The digital age helps researchers. You can find much online. Arapahoe County offers web searches. The state has bigger databases. FamilySearch adds more options. Start with these before you travel.

The Archives Search Database covers state holdings. You can search names and places. It tells you what exists. Then you can request copies. Or plan a visit. This saves time.

Key resources:

• Colorado State Archives - State records
• Archives Search - Find documents
• FamilySearch - Family history free
• CDPHE - Vital records office
• VitalChek - Quick certificates

Records Available in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County offers many record types. Each tells part of the story. Marriage records prove unions. Land records show moves. Probate records detail estates. Court records show disputes. All add to your family history.

Vital records have rules. C.R.S. 25-2-117 limits access to birth records for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Then they open to all. Marriage records are public. So are most land and court records.

Probate records are valuable. They name heirs. They list property. They show family ties. These are at the district court. Check there for estate files. They may hold surprises about your family.

Fees for Records in Arapahoe County

Copy fees add up. Plan your budget. The county charges per page. The state does too. Know the costs. Some searches are free. But copies cost money. Certified copies cost more.

CDPHE sets vital record fees. Birth certificates are $20. Death certificates start at $13. Extra copies cost less. The county sets its own rates. Call to confirm. Fees can change.

Common fees:

• State birth certificate: $20.00
• State death certificate: $13.00
• County marriage copy: Varies
• Land record pages: $1.00 each
• Certification: $5.00 extra

Nearby Counties for Research

Arapahoe County once covered a vast area. Check nearby counties. Your ancestors may appear there. Denver County was part of Arapahoe. So were parts of other counties.

Denver was once part of Arapahoe. Check both for early records.