Denver Birth Certificate Services
Denver is unique in Colorado. It is both a city and a county. This means the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment handles birth records directly. Residents do not need to go through a separate county office. The city issues birth certificates for all of Colorado, not just Denver births. You can get records dating back to 1910. Searching for Denver birth records starts at the DDPHE office downtown. The staff provides same-day service for walk-in requests. You can also order by mail, fax, or online.
Denver Birth Records Quick Facts
Denver Birth Records Office Location
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment sits in the heart of downtown. You will find it at 201 West Colfax Avenue on the 8th floor. This location is easy to reach by bus or light rail. Many Denver residents visit in person for same-day service. The office opens Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You should call ahead to confirm current hours before you visit. The phone number is 720-865-5365.
DDPHE offers several ways to request birth certificates. Walk-in service is the fastest option. You fill out a short form. Show your photo ID. Pay the fee. Most requests finish in under an hour. Some people prefer to order by mail. This works well if you do not need the record right away. You can also fax your request to 303-602-3665. Online ordering is available through VitalChek.
The office serves all of Colorado. You do not need to be born in Denver to get your birth certificate here. The staff can issue records for any birth that happened in the state. This makes DDPHE a convenient choice for many people. You can also email questions to certificates@dhha.org. Be sure to include your contact information. Do not send sensitive data through regular email.
How to Get Denver Birth Certificates
You have four ways to get a birth certificate from Denver. Each option fits different needs. Some people want speed. Others want convenience. DDPHE provides choices for everyone. The fees are the same no matter which method you pick.
In-person visits give you the record the same day. Bring a completed application. Show your current photo ID. Pay with cash, check, or credit card. The staff will print your certificate while you wait. This is the best choice if you need the document quickly. Most visits take less than thirty minutes.
Mail orders work for those who cannot visit downtown. Download the form from the Denver website. Fill it out completely. Include a copy of your ID. Send a check or money order made out to "Manager of Finance." Do not mail cash. Allow several weeks for processing.
Denver Birth Certificate Fees
Colorado updated birth certificate fees on January 1, 2026. The first copy now costs $25. Each extra copy of the same record costs $20. These prices apply when you order together. DDPHE accepts several payment types. You can pay with cash at the office. Checks and money orders work for mail orders. Credit cards are accepted in person and online. Note that online orders have extra service fees.
If no record is found, you pay a $20 search fee. This covers the time spent looking. Make sure you have the right facts before you order. Double-check the name spelling. Verify the birth date. Confirm the city or county of birth. This helps avoid search fees.
Online orders through VitalChek add surcharges. These fees go to the service provider. They are not set by the city. Check the total cost before you complete your order. Many people find the extra cost worth the faster delivery. Typical processing for online orders is about thirty business days.
Who Can Request Denver Birth Records
Colorado law controls who can get birth certificates. This protects your privacy. DDPHE follows state rules for all requests. You must prove you have a right to the record. The law takes this seriously. False requests can bring fines or jail time.
The person named on the certificate can always request their own record. Parents can get copies if listed on the birth certificate. Children may request with proof of relationship. Spouses need a marriage certificate. Siblings must show they share a parent. Legal guardians need court papers.
As of October 2024, grandparents and grandchildren face new rules. They are no longer immediate family. They need a court order or proof of legal guardianship. This is a major change from past policy. Be sure you qualify before you apply.
All requests need valid ID. Bring a current driver's license or passport. State-issued IDs work too. Documents must not be expired. If you lack primary ID, two secondary IDs may work. These include marriage licenses or birth certificates. The full list of approved IDs is on the CDPHE website.
Historical Denver Birth Records
Denver has a rich history. Birth records reflect this past. The Colorado State Archives holds old Denver birth records. These date back to 1868. The collection includes birth books and ledgers. Not all births were recorded back then. Statewide registration started around 1908. Before that, record-keeping was not uniform.
The State Archives requires records to be 100 years old for public access. This follows Colorado privacy laws. You can search in person at the archives building. It sits at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. You can also request by mail or phone. Call 303-866-2358 for help. Some records are indexed online at archives.colorado.gov.
Genealogists find these records valuable. They help build family trees. They connect people to their Colorado roots. The archives staff can assist with research. Appointments are required for in-person visits. Plan ahead if you need to access historical documents.
Denver Newborn Birth Certificate Registration
New parents in Denver should know some key facts. Hospitals do not automatically send you a birth certificate. They register the birth with the state. You must order the certificate yourself. This surprises many first-time parents. Do not wait for it to arrive in the mail. It will not come unless you request it.
The hospital sends a Report of Birth to vital records. This happens within days of delivery. Once registered, you can order your copy. Many parents visit DDPHE within the first month. You can also order online if you prefer. The process is the same for all Colorado births.
Social Security cards work differently. The Social Security Administration mails these automatically. You do not need to order them separately. This happens after the birth registration. Cards typically arrive within a few weeks. Contact the SSA if you have questions about this process.
Denver Vital Records Office Contact
| Office | Denver Department of Public Health and Environment |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 W. Colfax Ave., 8th floor, Denver, CO 80202 |
| Phone | 720-865-5365 |
| Fax | 303-602-3665 |
| certificates@dhha.org | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Denver County Birth Records
Since Denver is a consolidated city-county, all birth record services are handled by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. For more information about Denver County vital records services, visit our Denver County page.