Denver County Genealogy Records

Denver County holds a special place in Colorado history. It is both a city and a county combined into one. This makes it unique among Colorado counties. The Denver Clerk and Recorder keeps vital records for the area. Genealogy research here can uncover rich family stories. Many families have called Denver home for generations. The records span from the pioneer days to modern times.

Founded in 1861, Denver became the state capital in 1881. It grew from a gold rush town to a major city. Today over 715,000 people live here. The city-county government serves all residents. Records here date back to the earliest settlers. You can find birth, death, and marriage records. Land records tell the story of the city's growth. Denver is the hub for Colorado genealogy research.

Denver County Clerk and Recorder

Debra Johnson serves as the Denver Clerk and Recorder. She was elected to this office. Her team handles all vital records for the city and county. The office is in the Wellington Webb Building downtown. You can visit in person or request records by mail. Staff can help with genealogy searches. They maintain records dating back many decades. The office follows C.R.S. 25-2-103 for vital records.

The Clerk and Recorder keeps birth and death records. Marriage licenses are also issued here. They have records from 1900 to the present. Older records may be at the State Archives. The office can search their database for you. Bring as much detail as possible. Names, dates, and locations help narrow the search. Fees apply for certified copies of records.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Denver County

Several places hold Denver County genealogy records. Start with the Clerk and Recorder for vital records. The Colorado State Archives is nearby. They have older records and special collections. The Denver Public Library has a great genealogy room. Their Western History Collection is famous. Many researchers visit from across the country.

The State Archives sits at 1313 Sherman Street. This is just blocks from the State Capitol. They hold records under C.R.S. 24-80. You can search their database online first. Then visit to view original documents. Staff can help with tough searches. Bring a photo ID for entry. The archives are free to use.

The Denver Public Library Central Branch is at 10 W. 14th Avenue. Their genealogy collection spans multiple floors. They have census records, city directories, and newspapers. Computer access is available for online databases. Librarians can guide your research. The building is easy to reach by bus or light rail.

Online Databases and Resources

Many Denver County records are online. The State Archives has a search portal. You can look for records from home. The database covers many record types. It is free to search. Some documents can be viewed online. Others require an in-person visit. This saves time before you travel.

FamilySearch has Denver County records too. This free site is run by the LDS Church. You must create an account. Then you can search millions of records. Some images can be viewed at home. Others need a visit to a Family History Center. Denver has several centers nearby. The main one is in the metro area.

VitalChek offers online ordering. You can request certified copies through their site. They charge a service fee. Records come by mail. This works for recent births, deaths, and marriages. Visit vitalchek.com to order. The CDPHE also takes online orders. Their site is for Colorado vital records statewide.

Records Available in Denver County

Denver County has many record types for genealogy. Birth records start around 1900. Death records go back to the same time. Marriage records are available from 1900 forward. Some older marriages are at the State Archives. Divorce records are kept by the court system. They are not with the Clerk and Recorder.

Land records show property ownership. These go back to the early days of Denver. They trace how the city grew. Census records are available online. Denver was counted in every federal census. Colorado became a state in 1876. The 1880 census was the first as a state. City directories list residents by year.

• Birth certificates from 1900 to present
• Death certificates from 1900 to present
• Marriage licenses from 1900 to present
• Land deeds and property records
• Probate records at the courts
• Naturalization records at the archives

Newspapers are a great resource. The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News have archives. Old issues are on microfilm. The library has many papers from across Colorado. Obituaries can be found here. They often list family members. This helps build your family tree.

Fees for Denver County Records

Record fees in Denver County vary by type. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The Clerk and Recorder sets the rates. Fees can change over time. Call to check current prices. Bring exact change if paying in cash. Credit cards are usually accepted too.

Typical fees for Denver County include:

• Certified birth certificate: $20 for first copy
• Additional birth copies: $13 each
• Certified death certificate: $20 for first copy
• Certified marriage certificate: $17
• Record search fee: May apply for complex searches

The CDPHE Vital Records office also charges fees. Their rates match county fees for most records. Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, some records are confidential. Birth certificates are private for 100 years. Death certificates are private for 75 years. Only family can get these copies. You must prove your relationship.

Nearby Counties

Denver County is surrounded by other counties. Your ancestors may have lived in these areas. Adams County lies to the north. Arapahoe County is to the east and south. Jefferson County borders to the west. Douglas County is south of Denver. Records may be in these counties instead.