Request Certified City Records from Denver Clerk

General Governance and Administration Colorado 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Denver, Colorado you can obtain certified city records through the Denver Clerk and Recorder. This guide explains who to contact, what documents are commonly certified (ordinances, resolutions, deeds, meeting minutes, vital records), the typical steps to request a certified copy, and practical tips for submitting requests in person, by mail, or online. Where official procedures or fees are given by the city we cite the Clerk and Recorder; where a specific figure or deadline is not posted on the city page, we note that it is not specified on the cited page and direct you to the official contact for confirmation.

What qualifies as a certified city record

Certified city records are documents the Clerk attests as true copies of official city records. Common certified items include ordinances, resolutions, deeds recorded with the county, and vital records held by the Clerk and Recorder.

  • Ordinations and resolutions recorded in the city record books.
  • Recorded deeds, plats, and official land records.
  • Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage) where the Clerk maintains custody.
Bring a government photo ID and a clear description of the record you need.

How to submit a request

You can start with the Denver Clerk and Recorder online services or visit the Clerk's office in person to request certified copies. For official procedures and available online services see the Denver Clerk and Recorder page Clerk and Recorder[1]. If the city page does not list a fee or a specific form for the record you need, that information is not specified on the cited page and you should contact the office directly.

  • Decide whether you will request in person, by mail, or online.
  • Provide the exact document title, date, book/page or document number if known.
  • Include payment or inquire about fees; see the Clerk for current fee schedules.
  • Contact the Clerk and Recorder for records not listed online or for certified vital records.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City Clerk enforces the integrity of certified copies and the recordkeeping system. Specific penalties for falsifying or altering certified city records are governed by applicable city ordinances and state law; exact fine amounts and escalating penalties are not specified on the Clerk page cited above. For enforcement of record integrity and any disciplinary or legal actions, the Clerk coordinates with the City Attorney and law enforcement as appropriate.

  • Enforcer: Denver Clerk and Recorder, with referral to the City Attorney for suspected fraud or criminal alteration.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: submit a complaint to the Clerk's office or to the City Attorney when fraud or tampering is suspected.
  • Appeal/review: procedures not specified on the cited page; contact the Clerk for appeal instructions and any time limits.
  • Monetary fines and escalation: not specified on the cited page.
Altering a certified document is a serious offense; contact the Clerk immediately if you suspect tampering.

Applications & Forms

Some certified records require a specific request form or application; others can be requested by written letter or online request. The Clerk's official service pages list available online forms where provided; if no form is published for your record type, mail or in-person requests are typically accepted. Fees for certified copies are given on the Clerk's fee schedule when published; if a fee or form is not visible on the city's page, it is not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact record (title, date, document number) you need.
  2. Contact the Denver Clerk and Recorder to confirm availability, required form, and fee. Phone or online inquiry is recommended for unusual records.
  3. Complete any published request form or write a signed request specifying the certification needed.
  4. Include required payment or arrange payment method per the Clerk's instructions.
  5. Submit the request in person, by mail, or via the Clerk's online portal and retain proof of submission.
  6. If denied, ask the Clerk for the reason and appeal path; follow the Clerk or City Attorney guidance for review.

FAQ

How long does it take to receive a certified copy?
Processing times vary by record type and method of request; the Clerk's page does not specify a universal turnaround time, so contact the Denver Clerk and Recorder for the current estimate.[1]
How much does a certified copy cost?
Fees for certified city records depend on the document type; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited Clerk page and should be confirmed with the Clerk's office.[1]
Where do I submit my request?
Submit requests to the Denver Clerk and Recorder in person, by mail, or through any online services the Clerk publishes; see the official Clerk page for contact details and options.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Denver Clerk and Recorder to confirm availability and requirements.
  • Provide exact document identifiers to speed retrieval.
  • Verify fees and payment methods with the Clerk if not listed online.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City and County of Denver - Clerk and Recorder

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