La Plata County Birth Certificate Services

La Plata County birth records are available through La Plata County Public Health. The office is in Durango. Durango is the county seat. It is also the largest city in the county. La Plata County is in southwestern Colorado. It is known for its mountains. The area is popular for outdoor activities. The vital records office serves all residents. The staff can help with birth certificates. They follow state guidelines.

La Plata County Public Health Vital Records

The La Plata County Public Health office issues birth certificates. They can provide records for any birth in Colorado. The state system links all counties. You can get your certificate locally. You do not need to visit another county. This is convenient for residents. Durango is the main city in the region. It serves many surrounding areas. The office is busy. But the staff handles requests efficiently.

The office is on Suttle Street in Durango. This is in Suite 100. The location is in downtown Durango. It is easy to find. Parking is available nearby. The staff processes birth certificate requests. They follow CDPHE guidelines. Call ahead to check hours. Walk-ins are welcome during open times. The office serves La Plata County residents. It also serves visitors to the area.

How to Order La Plata County Birth Records

You have several options for getting birth certificates in La Plata County. In-person visits work well for same-day service. Visit the office on Suttle Street. Bring your photo ID and payment. The staff can process most requests quickly. This is the fastest option. Many people choose it.

Mail orders are accepted by La Plata County Public Health. Complete the state application form. Include a copy of your ID. Add payment by check or money order. Mail to the Durango address. Allow time for processing and return mail. This works if you cannot visit in person. It also works if you live far away.

Online ordering is available through state vendors. VitalChek and GoCertificates serve Colorado. They charge extra fees. Your certificate arrives by mail. This works from anywhere. You can order from home. No office visit is needed.

La Plata County Birth Certificate Fees

Fees follow state standards in La Plata County. The first copy costs $25. Each extra copy costs $20. Order them together for the discount. Prices went up on January 1, 2026. The state sets these rates. All counties in Colorado use the same fees.

The Durango office accepts cash and checks. Money orders are accepted. Call to confirm credit card acceptance. Some offices take cards. Others do not. Online orders have vendor fees. These are separate from state fees. Plan your payment method in advance.

Who Can Request La Plata County Birth Certificates

Colorado law limits access to birth certificates. Privacy is important. You must prove your identity. You must also show your relationship to the person on the record. The Durango office follows these rules. They check ID carefully.

The person named on the certificate can request it. Parents listed on the record may also order. Adult children need proof of relationship. Siblings must show they share a parent. Spouses need a marriage certificate. Legal guardians need court papers. Grandparents now need a court order. This rule changed in October 2024.

Bring valid photo ID to the La Plata County office. A driver's license or passport works. State IDs are also accepted. Expired documents are not valid. If you lack primary ID, bring two secondary forms. The staff will verify your identity before releasing records.

Historical Birth Records in La Plata County

La Plata County has a rich history. It was founded in 1874. The name means the silver in Spanish. Early birth records may be at the Colorado State Archives. Statewide registration began around 1908. Some counties have earlier records. The archives can help you search.

For historical research, contact the Colorado State Archives. Records must be 100 years old for public access. Visit archives.colorado.gov for details. The archives is in Denver. You can search online. You can also visit in person. Appointments are required.

Communities in La Plata County

Several communities are in La Plata County. All use the same vital records office in Durango. The main communities include:

• Durango (county seat)
• Bayfield
• Ignacio
• Hesperus

Residents of these communities can visit the Durango office. The location is central to the county. It serves all areas. Many people find it convenient. The office is near downtown.

Nearby Counties for Birth Records

If La Plata County is not convenient, try these nearby offices: