Alamosa County Records Search

Public records in Alamosa County include court documents, property files, marriage licenses, and government records kept by county offices. Colorado law requires most of these to be open to the public under CORA. You can request records by visiting county offices in Alamosa, submitting written requests by mail, or using online tools when available. Each office has a custodian who manages specific types of documents. Some records are free to view online, while others require fees for copies or research time. Processing depends on how busy the office is and how complex your request might be.

Requesting Records in Alamosa County

The Colorado Open Records Act requires that public records be available for inspection by any person at reasonable times. This law covers documents made, maintained, or kept by Alamosa County offices. To get records, you must contact the custodian of the specific files you want. Different offices hold different types of records.

County offices must respond to CORA requests within three working days. If your request is large or requires extensive searching, they can extend this by seven more days. You will be notified in writing if an extension is needed. The first hour of research and retrieval is free under state law. After that, offices can charge up to $41 per hour for staff time. Copies cost $0.25 per page for standard documents.

When making a request, be specific. Include names, dates, document types, and any other details that help staff locate what you need. Vague requests take longer to process. The Colorado Secretary of State offers tips for submitting effective CORA requests. You can send requests by email, mail, or in person to most county offices.

Not all records are public. Exemptions include personnel files, ongoing investigations, work product, and certain medical data. If your request is denied, the office must cite the specific law that allows them to withhold the records. You can challenge denials in court if you believe they are wrong.

Land and Marriage Records

The Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder keeps property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents related to real estate. This office also issues marriage licenses and maintains voter registration files. The office is located in Alamosa at the county courthouse.

You can search property records in person or online if the county has a digital database. Many Colorado counties now offer free online searches of recorded documents. You can look up deeds by name, address, or document number. Viewing the index is usually free. If you need certified copies, you must order them from the clerk's office. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certification adds $1 per document.

Marriage licenses are public records. You can get copies by visiting the clerk's office or submitting a written request. Include the names of both parties and the approximate date of the marriage. Birth and death certificates are not kept by the county. For those, contact the state Vital Records office. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment charges $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.

Divorce records are court documents, not clerk records. You must request them from the District Court where the case was filed. The court clerk can help you locate a case if you have the names or case number.

Court Files and Dockets

Alamosa County is part of the 12th Judicial District. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, and small claims. Most are public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by law.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides some online access through third-party vendors. One option is LexisNexis Colorado Courts, which charges fees for searches. This service shows case summaries and docket entries. Full documents must be requested from the court clerk.

To get copies of court documents, contact the Clerk of Court at the Alamosa County courthouse. You can request records in person, by mail, or through the state's record request form. Fees include $0.75 per page for paper copies and $0.25 per page for electronically filed documents. Research time costs $30 per hour after the first free hour. Certified copies are $20 each.

Some files are not public. Juvenile records are sealed in most cases. Certain domestic cases have restricted access. Mental health proceedings are confidential. If a record is not available, the clerk will tell you why and cite the law or order that restricts it.

For questions about court records, call the State Court Administrator's Office at 720-625-5000. You can also email public.access@judicial.state.co.us. Staff can help you understand the process and explain what records are available.

Sheriff and Law Enforcement Files

The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, booking photos, and jail rosters. These records are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some are public, while others can be withheld during active investigations.

Current jail bookings are often available online. This includes names, photos, charges, and booking dates for people in custody. Historical arrest records require a formal CORA request. Submit your request in writing to the Sheriff's Office. Include as much detail as possible, such as dates, names, and case numbers.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history records. You can search for arrest and conviction history through the CBI's online system. The search costs $5.00 online or $13 by mail. This database only shows arrests where fingerprints were taken and does not include out-of-state convictions or sealed records.

Some law enforcement records are exempt from disclosure. These include ongoing investigations, informant identities, and certain victim information. If your request is denied, the Sheriff's Office will cite the specific exemption under state law.

Other Public Records

The Alamosa County Assessor keeps property tax records. You can search ownership, assessed values, and tax history online or in person. The Assessor's website shows property details like lot size, year built, and sale history. Most of this information is public. For certified records, contact the Assessor's office directly.

Business permits and licenses are usually public records. Contact the county Planning and Development office for building permits, zoning records, and land use files. These show permit applications, inspections, and approvals. Some are available online, while others require a visit or written request.

Public Health records include immunization records and health data. Most health records have privacy protections. You can only get your own records or records for people you have legal authority to represent. Contact Alamosa County Public Health for information about requesting these files.

The Treasurer's office handles tax payments and collections. You can look up tax bills and payment history online. For older records or detailed information, submit a CORA request. Make sure you contact the right office for the records you need.

Archives and Older Files

Historical public records may be held by the Colorado State Archives. The Archives keeps older documents from counties across the state, including death records, divorce files, probate cases, and land records from the 1800s and early 1900s.

You must make an appointment to visit the Archives. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule. The Archives is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff can help you locate records. Some are searchable online, while others require an in-person visit. Check the Archives website for a list of holdings and searchable records.

Nearby Counties

For records from surrounding areas, check the pages for nearby counties in the San Luis Valley region.