Denver Public Records Search

Public records in Denver are held by both the City and County of Denver since Denver operates as a combined city and county government. Anyone can request these records under the Colorado Open Records Act. Denver maintains court files, police reports, property documents, business licenses, and vital records through various city and county offices. Most requests go to the specific agency that keeps the records. The city uses a central CORA request system for many departments, while the Denver County Court handles its own records separately. Denver keeps more records than most Colorado cities due to its status as both a city and county seat.

Denver County Handles All Filings

Denver is unique in Colorado. It merged with Denver County in 1902. This means the city and county are one. All public records go through Denver County offices. There is no separate county clerk or recorder outside the city. If you need a record in Denver, you deal with Denver County offices.

The City and County of Denver has its own court system. The Denver County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil suits up to $25,000, and small claims. Denver District Court is separate and handles felonies, larger civil cases, and family law matters. Both courts keep their own records and have different request processes.

For city and county agency records, most requests go to CAO.CORAREQUEST@denvergov.org. This email goes to the City Attorney's Office, which sends requests to the right department. Some offices handle their own CORA requests directly.

How CORA Works in Denver

The Colorado Open Records Act gives anyone the right to see public records in Denver. You must send your request in writing. Denver County Court will only take written requests. They do not accept phone calls or social media requests for records.

Send court record requests to coradatarequests@denvercountycourt.org. You can also walk into the courthouse or mail your request to 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202. Put "Attention: Record Request" on the envelope.

Denver has two main courthouses. Criminal and municipal cases are at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Traffic and civil cases are at the City and County Building. Make sure you go to the right place for your records.

For other city records, use the online form or email CAO.CORAREQUEST@denvergov.org. Each department has a records custodian. Your request gets sent to the right custodian automatically when you use the city system.

Denver must respond in three business days. They can extend this by seven more days if they need time to find or review records. Staff will tell you if any records are exempt from disclosure under CORA.

The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, Denver charges $41.37 per hour. This rate adjusts for inflation every five years as set in C.R.S. § 24-72-205. Copies cost $0.25 per page after the first 25 pages. The first 25 pages are free. Certified copies cost $20 each.

Denver Public Record Resources

Denver keeps records across many departments. Here are the main places to find public records in the city:

The Denver Clerk and Recorder handles property records, marriage licenses, motor vehicle titles, and election records. Their recording division has an online search for real estate documents. You can also submit CORA requests for clerk records.

The Denver District Attorney's Office has its own records request portal. Victims of crimes get the first two hours of research free instead of just one hour. DA records include case files, police reports that went to prosecutors, and other documents from criminal cases. You must submit requests in person, online, or by mail. They do not take email or phone requests. A 50% deposit is required before staff starts work on requests estimated to cost more than $100.

For police records, contact the Denver Police Department Records Unit. Police reports, arrest records, and incident reports are criminal justice records governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act as well as CORA. Some police records may be restricted if the case is still open or involves certain sensitive information.

The Denver Public Library also accepts CORA requests. Library records include board meeting minutes, budget documents, and administrative files. Use the online form on the library website.

Vital records like birth and death certificates go through the state. Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for birth, death, and other vital records. Denver does not issue these certificates locally.

Court Records in Denver

Denver has multiple court systems. Each court keeps its own records.

Denver County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims, and civil cases under $25,000. The court is at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse for criminal matters and the City and County Building for civil and traffic matters. All record requests go to coradatarequests@denvercountycourt.org.

Denver District Court is part of the Second Judicial District. It handles felonies, civil cases over $25,000, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. For these records, use the Colorado Judicial Branch record request form. You can also contact the State Court Administrator's Office at 720-625-5000 or public.access@judicial.state.co.us.

Some court records are available online through third-party vendors. LexisNexis Colorado Courts provides online access to many case records. Note that you cannot get official certified copies from these sites. You must request certified copies directly from the court.

Court fees in Denver include a $5 name search fee and $0.75 per page for paper file copies. E-filed documents cost $0.25 per page. Research time is charged at $30 per hour after the first free hour. Certified copies are $20 per document.

Legal Aid and Assistance

If you need help with a CORA request or understanding your rights, several organizations can assist:

• Colorado Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents
• The Colorado Bar Association has a lawyer referral service
• Denver Public Library offers free legal research databases and resources
• The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition provides guidance on open records laws

Many records in Denver are already available online. Check the city's website before submitting a CORA request. Property records, building permits, business licenses, and some court dockets can be searched for free on city and county websites.

Public Records in Nearby Cities

If you need records from cities near Denver, here are some options:

Each city has its own CORA process and record custodians. Check with the specific city for their requirements.