colorado public records online: a quick guide for residents

What is available

Colorado provides wide access to government information under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)vital records are restricted to eligible requesters.

How to get started

Begin with official state or county portals, then narrow by name, parcel ID, case number, or filing date. Many indexes are free to search; certified copies or bulk downloads may involve fees. If an online search falls short, submit a written CORA request describing the records, date range, and preferred format.

• State portals: regulations, licensed businesses, and open data catalogs.
• County clerks: deeds, liens, and plats.
• Courts: docket lookups and calendars.
• Public safety: inmate searches and incident logs.
• Elections: campaign finance and filings.

Frequently asked questions

Are records free? Basic searches often are; copies can carry modest fees. How fast? Agencies typically respond within a few business days, though complex requests take longer.

Tips: Use precise names, include date ranges, try alternative spellings, and request electronic delivery to save time and cost.