Access La Plata County Public Records

La Plata County maintains public records at offices in Durango, the county seat. The clerk and recorder's office handles property deeds, marriage licenses, and recorded documents. District and county courts keep case files for criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The sheriff's office maintains law enforcement records. Most government documents are available to the public under the Colorado Open Records Act. Many records can be searched online through state and county systems. Others require in-person visits or written requests. Fees apply for copying, research, and certification services. Processing times depend on record type, volume, and how requests are submitted to county offices.

Clerk and Recorder Services

The La Plata County Clerk and Recorder is responsible for many official records. This includes property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real estate documents. The office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. They also handle elections and motor vehicle registration.

The clerk's office is in the county administration building in Durango. Office hours are Monday through Friday. Staff can help you search for documents and request copies. It's helpful to know what you're looking for before you visit. Bring identifying information like names, dates, and property addresses.

You can request records by phone, mail, or in person. Be specific about what you need. Include names, dates, and document types. The clerk will check availability and provide fee information. Payment is usually required before copies are provided.

Recording fees vary based on document type and page count. Copy fees for existing records are twenty-five cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional dollar per document. Oversize documents like plats cost more to copy. Ask the office for current fee schedules.

Court Records Access

La Plata County is part of the 6th Judicial District Court. This district serves La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan Counties. District court handles felonies, major civil cases, domestic relations, and probate. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims.

Court records can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. The judicial branch provides guides for accessing court records. Third-party vendors like LexisNexis Colorado Courts offer online searches for some types of cases.

Not all court records are public. Juvenile cases are sealed by law. Adoption records are confidential. Mental health proceedings have restricted access. Some domestic violence cases may have protective orders limiting access. Ask court staff about availability before requesting sealed records.

To obtain copies of court documents, contact the clerk of court for the 6th Judicial District. Include case numbers if you know them. Staff will check if records can be released. Fees apply for copies and research time. Some records must be requested in writing.

Property and Land Records

Property records are maintained by the clerk and recorder. Real estate transactions must be recorded to be legally effective. Deeds transfer ownership. Mortgages and liens secure debts against property. These documents create a chain of title for each parcel in the county.

Search property records by owner name, legal description, or reception number. The reception number is assigned when documents are recorded. This unique identifier makes it easy to locate specific documents in the county system.

The county assessor maintains separate property information for tax purposes. Assessor records show property values, improvements, and tax assessments. Both the clerk and assessor offices maintain property data but serve different functions.

Making CORA Requests

Colorado's Open Records Act governs public access to government documents. The law is found at C.R.S. § 24-72-201 through 24-72-206. CORA requires that most public records be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times.

Submit CORA requests in writing to the custodian of the records. Each office or department controls its own files. La Plata County does not have a central records office. Contact the specific agency that created or maintains the documents you want.

Agencies must respond within three working days. They can extend this by seven days under certain circumstances. A response doesn't mean you'll immediately receive records. It means they'll tell you if records exist and provide cost estimates.

CORA allows agencies to charge fees for research and copying. The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, counties can charge up to forty-one dollars per hour. Copies cost twenty-five cents per page. Electronic records sent by email are often free. Some agencies require payment in advance.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files are exempt. Medical and mental health records are protected. Attorney-client communications are confidential. Work product is exempt. Security plans may be withheld. If a request is denied, the custodian must cite the legal exemption.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates are not issued by county offices in Colorado. Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for vital records. The state health department maintains centralized birth and death records since 1910.

Marriage licenses are issued by the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder. Couples apply at the clerk's office in Durango. The marriage license is valid for use anywhere in Colorado. The county keeps copies of marriage certificates. Certified copies are available for a fee.

Divorce records are maintained by the district court. If a divorce was granted in La Plata County, contact the 6th Judicial District Court. For divorces in other counties, contact that county's court. The state vital records office only provides index verification, not certified copies of divorce decrees.

Criminal Justice Records

Statewide criminal records are maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. CBI keeps computerized criminal history records based on fingerprints. The database includes Colorado arrests and convictions only. Out-of-state records are not included.

Run a background check through the CBI Internet Criminal History Check System. Online searches cost five dollars per name. Mail-in requests cost thirteen dollars. Results show Colorado arrest records, charges, and dispositions.

The La Plata County Sheriff's Office maintains local law enforcement records. This includes incident reports, arrest records, and investigation files. These records are subject to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some records may be withheld if release could jeopardize investigations or endanger persons.

Court records also contain criminal case information. District court handles felony cases. County court handles misdemeanor and traffic cases. Search court files for case details, proceedings, and outcomes. Court records are separate from CBI records.

Historical Documents

The Colorado State Archives holds historical documents from counties throughout Colorado. The archives have death records, probate files, marriage records, and other historical materials. Not all La Plata County records are held by the state archives.

Archives visits require appointments. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule a visit. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from ten a.m. to four p.m. Many records can be searched online through the archives website before you visit in person.

Some older records remain with La Plata County. Check with the county clerk about historical documents. Very old records may be stored differently than current files and may have different access procedures.

State Resources

The Colorado Secretary of State provides information about CORA and public records. Their website has tips for making effective records requests. The Secretary of State maintains business entity records, UCC filings, and other statewide records.

Business records can be searched online for free. This includes corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities registered in Colorado. UCC filings show security interests in personal property. Both databases are accessible through the Secretary of State website.