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Questions & Answers (Q&A)
BIRTHS
Who can get a certified birth certificate?
The person named on the birth record, members of the immediate
family, legal representatives of those named above, and others
demonstrating a direct and tangible interest in the record may request a
copy.
What information is needed to obtain a certified birth
certificate?
- Person’s name appearing on the birth certificate.
- Date and place of birth.
- Parents' names along with mother’s full maiden name.
- Purpose for the copy.
- Your relationship to the person on the certificate.
- Your signature.
- Payment for the number of copies you are requesting.
- Copy of the requestor's valid identification.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card for my
child once the official birth certificate has been filed?
Parents may register their newborns for Social Security
cards at the time of birth. The service is free, and a card is sent to the
parents in approximately 2-3 weeks after the certificate is filed.
For more information contact the Social Security Office,
Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM, at (800) 772-1213. The address for the
local branch is 4949 Pearl East Circle, Suite 101, Boulder, CO.
How can I establish paternity for my child?
If the parents are not married at the time of the child's
birth, the father's name will not be listed on the birth certificate
unless a "Statement of Paternity" form is filled out. If the "Statement of
Paternity" is completed while mother and baby are still in the hospital,
there is no charge.
Paternity forms can also be submitted after the child is
born to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital
Record Division. The processing fee is $20.00.
To obtain an Acknowledgement of Paternity form (voluntary) or
additional information, contact the State of Colorado Vital Records at 303-692-2230 or e-mail
vital.records@state.co.us.
What is the time period for registering the original
birth, death, and fetal death certificates?
Birth certificates must be filed within 10 days after
birth with the local registrar or filed directly with the Office of State
Registrar, if the birth certificate is filed electronically. Death and
fetal death certificates must be filed with the local registrar within
five days after the death. How do I get a birth/death certificate changed or corrected?
Changes in birth and death certificates must be made through the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,
Certification Section, Vital Record Division.
- For birth records, call 303-692-2226.
- For death records, call 303-692-2188.
- For adding a father's name, call 303-692-2230.
- For processing recent adoptions, call 303-692-2227.
- For filing delayed birth records, call 303-692-2188.
DEATHS
Who can get a certified death certificate?
Certified copies of death certificates may be issued to: parents,
grandparents, stepparents, siblings, spouse, adult children, stepchildren,
or grandchildren of the deceased; legal representatives of any of the
above; legal representatives of the deceased; probate researchers;
genealogists representing family members with appropriate credentials;
others who may demonstrate a direct and tangible interest when information
is needed for determination or protection of a personal property right. What information is needed to obtain a certified death certificate?
- Person’s name appearing on death certificate.
- Date and place of death.
- Purpose for the copy.
- Your relationship to the person.
- Your signature.
- Payment for the number of copies you are requesting.
- Copy of the requestor's
valid identification.
What are the requirements for the disposition of human remains or cremains?
There is no requirement that a dead human body or fetus be buried in an
established cemetery. Bodies or fetuses may be buried on private land
unless local ordinances prohibit it. Cremation is considered "final
disposition," and the State retains no control over disposition of the
ashes. Ashes may be disposed of as the next of kin desires except for any
restriction by local ordinances. It is important to check all federal,
state, or local laws and ordinances first before disposing of remains.
A funeral director is not required; however, the funeral director or
person acting as such who first assumes custody of the body is the person
primarily responsible for the process of completing the death certificate,
obtaining the medical certification, and filing it with the local registrar
in the county of death.
Embalming is not required if disposal is within 24 hours; however, a dead
human body or fetus kept longer than 24 hours before burial or cremation
MUST be embalmed or properly refrigerated.
The requirement is not specific concerning type or brand of container for
transport. The intent is to preserve the public health and dignity
with which the dead human body is treated. The dead human body or fetus
must be in a "tightly sealed container that will prevent the leakage of
fluids or odor."
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