Search Arapahoe County Public Records

Arapahoe County public records cover court cases, property documents, government files, and vital records kept by county offices. You can access most of these records under the Colorado Open Records Act. The county uses an online portal called NextRequest to process public records requests. This makes it easy to submit and track your request from any device. County offices include the Clerk and Recorder, Assessor, Sheriff, and Public Health. Each office maintains different types of records. Some records are available to view online at no cost. Others require a formal request and may have fees for research or copies in Colorado.

Arapahoe County Records Portal

Arapahoe County makes public records available as set forth in CORA. The county responds to most requests within three working days. To make the process easier, the county uses NextRequest, an online portal for submitting and tracking CORA requests. This system routes your request to the correct custodian automatically in Colorado.

Visit the Arapahoe County public records page for an overview of the process. The page lists contact information for major departments and explains what types of records each office maintains. Read the county's CORA policy to understand fees, response times, and exemptions.

To submit a request, use the NextRequest portal. You'll need to create a free account. Once logged in, fill out the request form with your name, contact information, and a description of the records you want. Be as specific as possible. Include dates, names, case numbers, or addresses if you have them. Specific requests get processed faster than vague ones.

You can also email requests to CORA@arapahoegov.com. The email will be forwarded to the appropriate custodian. For complex requests or if you're unsure which office holds the records, email is a good option. Staff will help route your request to the right place in Colorado.

Fees and Timelines

The first hour of research and retrieval is free under state law. After that, Arapahoe County charges up to $41 per hour, which is the state maximum rate. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Electronic records sent by email are usually free in Colorado.

Arapahoe County responds within three working days whenever possible. This is the standard timeline under C.R.S. § 24-72-203. If the request is large or complex, the county can extend the deadline by seven more days. You'll be notified in writing if more time is needed.

If staff determines that your request will take more than an hour, you'll receive an estimate of the total cost before they start work. You can then decide whether to proceed, narrow your request, or withdraw it. Payment is required before records are released. Most offices accept checks, money orders, or credit cards in Colorado.

Some records are exempt from disclosure under state law. These include personnel files, ongoing investigations, certain medical records, and attorney work product. If the county denies your request, they will cite the specific exemption that applies under C.R.S. § 24-72-204.

Property and Recorded Documents

The Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder maintains property records, deeds, liens, mortgages, and other recorded documents. The office is at 5334 South Prince Street in Littleton. Call 303-795-4520 for general questions about recording or copies in Colorado.

Many property records can be searched online for free. This database includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents filed with the county. You can search by name, address, or document number. The index is free to view. If you need certified copies, you must order them from the Clerk's office.

The Clerk and Recorder also handles marriage licenses and voter registration. Marriage records are public. You can view the marriage index and request copies by visiting the office or submitting a written request. Voter registration data has privacy protections, so not all information is available to the public under state law in Colorado.

Recording fees vary by document type. Standard documents cost a set fee per page. Oversize documents like plats have higher fees. Certification adds an extra charge per document. Visit the Clerk's website for the current fee schedule.

For CORA requests related to recorded documents, use the NextRequest portal or email the Clerk's office. Staff can help you find what you need if you're not sure how to search the database. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours in Colorado.

Court Records in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County is part of the 18th Judicial District. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, and small claims. Most court records are public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by law in Colorado.

The Justice Center at 7325 South Potomac Street in Centennial houses the main courthouse. A second courthouse is located at 1790 Littleton Boulevard in Littleton. Call 303-649-6355 for general court information. To request copies of court documents, use the 18th Judicial District records request form.

Some court records can be searched online through third-party vendors like LexisNexis Colorado Courts. These services charge fees for searches and document access. The Colorado Judicial Branch does not offer free online access to full case files. You can also visit the courthouse in person to view records at no cost. The clerk's office can help you locate a case by name or case number in Colorado.

Court fees include a name search for $5.00, paper copies at $0.75 per page, and e-filed copies at $0.25 per page. Research time is charged at a set hourly rate after the first free hour. Certified copies cost $20 per document. Processing time depends on the size and complexity of your request.

Property Tax Records

The Arapahoe County Assessor maintains property tax records and assessments. You can search property data online for free. The Assessor's website shows ownership, assessed values, tax history, and property characteristics. Most of this information is public in Colorado.

For formal requests or certified records, contact the Assessor's office at 303-795-4600 or email assessor@arapahoegov.com. The office is located at 5334 South Prince Street in Littleton. Staff can answer questions about assessments, exemptions, and property classifications.

Property tax records include ownership history, sales prices, and assessed values. These files are used to determine how much property tax is owed. If you disagree with an assessment, the Assessor's office can explain the appeal process in Colorado.

Sheriff Records

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, booking photos, and other law enforcement files. These records are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some are public, while others may be withheld during active investigations or to protect victims in Colorado.

Submit CORA requests for Sheriff's records through the NextRequest portal or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Include as much detail as possible about the records you want, such as dates, names, case numbers, and locations. The office charges fees for research and copies based on state guidelines.

Booking information is often available through the Sheriff's website. This includes names, photos, charges, and booking dates for people currently in custody or recently released. Historical arrest records require a formal request. Response times are the same as other county offices: three days with a possible seven-day extension in Colorado.

For crime reports filed with local police departments, contact the police department directly. The Sheriff's Office only has records for incidents in unincorporated areas or cases where deputies responded. Each city police department handles its own records.

Health Records Access

Arapahoe County Public Health keeps health-related public records. This includes data on disease outbreaks, restaurant inspections, environmental health reports, and public health programs. These records are subject to CORA but have some privacy protections in Colorado.

Birth and death certificates are maintained by the state, not the county. You must request vital records from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state Vital Records office handles all birth and death certificates issued in Arapahoe County. Visit the state vital records website to order certificates online.

For other public health records, contact Arapahoe County Public Health through the NextRequest portal or by calling the main office. Staff can tell you what records are available and how to request them.

Cities in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County includes several cities. Each city has its own municipal government and may maintain separate records. For city-specific records, contact the city clerk or city attorney's office. For county records that cover all areas, use the county offices listed above in Colorado.

Nearby Counties

If you need records from surrounding areas, check the pages for nearby counties. Each has its own offices and procedures for public records requests in Colorado.