Denver County Public Records

Denver County public records include court files, property deeds, vital records, city ordinances, and law enforcement documents. As a consolidated city and county, Denver has a unique government structure. Most records are available under Colorado's Open Records Act, known as CORA. You can request records in writing, by email, or in person at various government offices. Denver County Court and Denver District Court each maintain separate record systems. Some records are online, while others require formal requests. The city has multiple custodians for different record types, so you'll need to contact the right office based on what you're looking for in Colorado.

Denver County Court Records

Denver County Court handles misdemeanor crimes, traffic cases, small civil claims, and municipal ordinance violations. The court only accepts written record requests. You cannot request records over the phone or through social media. Submit your request by email to coradatarequests@denvercountycourt.org, in person at the courthouse, or by mail to 1437 Bannock Street, Attention: Record Request, Denver, CO 80202.

The Denver County Court records page provides detailed instructions for requesting files. Criminal and municipal court divisions are housed in the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Traffic and civil divisions are in the City and County Building. Make sure you know which division handles your case before visiting in Colorado.

The first 25 pages of records are free. Additional pages cost $0.25 each. If staff time exceeds one hour, the court charges $33.50 per hour. Certified copies are $20 per document. These fees are lower than some other counties in Colorado.

Denver County Court processes most requests within three business days under state law. Complex requests may take up to ten days. You'll be notified if the court needs more time. Payment is required before records are released.

City Records Access

The City of Denver operates under CORA guidelines for all city agency records. Each city department has its own custodian. You must submit your request to the specific agency that holds the records you want. The City Attorney's Office coordinates CORA compliance across departments in Colorado.

To request city records, email CAO.CORAREQUEST@denvergov.org or use the online form on the city's website. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of the records you seek. The more specific your request, the faster it will be processed.

The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, the city charges $41.37 per hour. This is the state maximum rate. Electronic records sent by email are usually free. Paper copies follow standard CORA pricing in Colorado.

Denver responds to requests within three working days. If the request is large or involves multiple departments, the city may extend this deadline by seven more days. You'll receive written notice of any delay along with an explanation.

Property and Recording Documents

The Denver Clerk and Recorder maintains property records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. The Recording Division provides public access to these files. Many records can be searched online for free through the Clerk's website.

The Denver Clerk and Recorder CORA page explains how to request certified copies or records not available online. Standard copy fees apply. Certification adds an extra charge per document in Colorado.

The Clerk's office also issues marriage licenses and maintains voter registration data. Marriage records are public. Voter registration has privacy protections, so only certain information is available to the public under state law.

Visit the Recording Division in person to view documents at no cost. Staff can help you locate records by name, address, or document number. If you need copies, you can order them on the spot or request them by mail in Colorado.

District Attorney Records

The Denver District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution files, case records, and victim information. These files are subject to CORA but have some restrictions. The DA's office has its own records request process separate from other city offices in Colorado.

You can submit requests through the Denver DA records portal, in person at the office, or by mail. Do not call or email to request records. The office does not accept phone or email requests. Use the official portal or visit in person.

The first hour of research is free. Victims of crimes get two free hours. After that, the DA's office charges $41 per hour. Copies over 25 pages cost $0.25 per page. A 50 percent deposit is required before staff begins work on your request. This is standard practice for large or complex requests in Colorado.

Some records are not public. These include active investigation files, witness statements in pending cases, and certain victim information. If the DA denies your request, they will cite the specific legal exemption that applies under C.R.S. § 24-72-204.

Online Court Records Access

Denver court records can be searched through third-party vendors. The Colorado Judicial Branch does not offer free online access to full case files. Services like LexisNexis Colorado Courts provide paid searches of court databases. These sites charge fees for searches and document access in Colorado.

You can view basic case information for free at the courthouse. Visit the clerk's office and ask to search by name or case number. Staff will help you locate the file. Viewing records in person is free. You only pay if you need copies.

Transcript requests must be submitted separately. Use the online transcript request form on the court's website. Payment goes directly to the court reporter or transcription service. Turnaround time depends on the length of the hearing or trial in Colorado.

Birth and Death Certificates

Vital records for Denver County are maintained by the state, not the county. Birth and death certificates must be requested from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state Vital Records office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver in Colorado.

You can order vital records online through the state website. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies. Death certificates are the same price. Only eligible people can request these records. You must prove your relationship to the person or show legal authority.

Marriage and divorce records are handled differently. Marriage licenses come from the County Clerk where the license was issued. Divorce decrees are filed with the Clerk of the District Court where the divorce was granted. The state can verify if a marriage or divorce occurred but cannot provide certified copies.

For old vital records, check the Colorado State Archives. The Archives hold historical records from various counties. Death certificates issued after 1908 are not in the Archives. Request those from the state Vital Records office instead.

Library and Public Records

The Denver Public Library is a city agency subject to CORA. You can request library records through the library's own CORA process. Visit the Denver Public Library CORA page for details on submitting requests in Colorado.

The library maintains public documents, historical collections, and government publications. Some materials are available online. Others require in-person visits or formal requests. The library follows standard city fee schedules for research and copies.

Library circulation records are protected under state privacy laws. You cannot request records about what books someone else checked out. Only the cardholder or a legal guardian can access those files.

City of Denver

Denver is a consolidated city and county, so city and county records are often managed by the same offices. For detailed information about accessing city records, visit the Denver city page. It covers municipal courts, police records, city agencies, and local government documents 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.