Ouray County Birth Records Services
Ouray County birth certificates are issued by the Public Health Agency. The office is on Sherman Street in Ridgway. This small mountain county offers full vital records services. You can get birth certificates for any Colorado birth.
The county is in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It is known for its scenic beauty. The population is small but the services are complete. Residents do not need to leave the county for vital records. The local office handles all requests.
Ouray County Quick Facts
Ouray County Public Health Agency Vital Records
The Ouray County Public Health Agency provides birth certificates. Their office is in Ridgway. This is convenient for most county residents. The staff can access all Colorado birth records. The state system links every county together.
| Office | Ouray County Public Health Agency |
|---|---|
| Address | 177 Sherman St., Unit 103 Ridgway, CO 81432 |
| Mailing | PO Box 466 Ridgway, CO 81432 |
| Phone | 970-325-4670 |
| Website | ouraycountyco.gov |
The office has both a physical and mailing address. Use the physical address for visits. Use the mailing address for written requests. The staff processes requests quickly. Most are completed the same day.
How to Order Ouray County Birth Certificates
You can order birth records in several ways. In-person visits work best for quick service. The Ridgway office is easy to find. Bring your photo ID and payment. Staff can print your certificate while you wait.
Mail orders are accepted too. Use the PO Box address for mail. Include the completed application. Attach a copy of your ID. Add payment by check or money order. Allow time for processing and return mail.
Online ordering is available through approved vendors. VitalChek and GoCertificates serve Colorado. They add fees but are convenient. Your certificate arrives by mail.
Ouray County Birth Certificate Fees
Fees follow state law. First copies cost twenty-five dollars. Extra copies cost twenty dollars each. Order them together to save money. Prices went up in January 2026.
The Ouray office accepts various payment types. Cash works for in-person visits. Checks and money orders are accepted. Credit cards may be available. Call ahead to confirm.
Historical Birth Records in Ouray County
Ouray County has some early birth records. The Colorado State Archives holds certificates from 1891 to 1902. These are indexed and searchable. This is rare for such an early period.
The State Archives requires records to be 100 years old for public access. This protects privacy. For historical research, visit archives.colorado.gov. The archives is in Denver. Records from 1891 to 1902 can be searched online.
For births after 1908, contact the Ouray County office. They can access records from 1910 to present. The statewide system makes this possible.
Who Can Request Ouray County Birth Records
Colorado law limits access to birth certificates. You must prove your identity. You must also show your right to the record. This prevents fraud and protects privacy.
The person on the certificate can always request it. Parents listed on the record may order. Adult children need proof of relationship. Spouses must show a marriage certificate. Legal guardians need court papers.
Bring valid photo ID to the Ridgway office. A driver's license is best. A passport or state ID works too. Expired IDs are not accepted. If you lack primary ID, bring two secondary forms.
Home Birth Registration in Ouray County
Parents who have home births must register them. The process is different from hospital births. Work with the Ouray County Public Health Agency. Registration must happen within one year.
Call 970-325-4670 for guidance. You will need proof of residency. Other documents may be required. The staff will explain everything. Early registration avoids problems.
Birth Records for Ridgway and Ouray Residents
The Public Health Agency office is in Ridgway. This serves residents of both Ridgway and the city of Ouray. Both communities are close together. The drive between them is short and scenic.
Residents of Ouray can visit the Ridgway office for same-day service. The staff serves all Ouray County residents equally. Call 970-325-4670 with any questions.
The city of Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America. It sits in a beautiful mountain valley. The area attracts tourists year-round. Despite the small population, full vital records services are available locally.
Nearby Counties
If Ridgway is not convenient, try these nearby offices: