State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Colorado
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Colorado under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) (est. 1969).
Overview of Public Records in Colorado
Colorado's Open Records Act provides robust public access to government records at both the state and local level. CORA establishes that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, with certain enumerated exceptions. Colorado has been a leader in government transparency, and the state's courts have consistently interpreted CORA in favor of disclosure. The law applies to all state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other public entities throughout Colorado.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Colorado
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 3 business days. They may extend this by up to 7 additional business days if extenuating circumstances exist, with written notice to the requester.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge up to $0.25 per page for standard copies. Fees for research and retrieval are capped at $33.58 per hour (adjusted annually for inflation). The first hour of research time is free.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made in writing or orally, though written requests are recommended. Requesters are not required to explain why they want the records or provide identification.
Appeal Process
Denied requests may be appealed to the district court. The court can award reasonable attorney fees to a requester who substantially prevails in the action.
Types of Public Records Available in Colorado
Property Records
Property records in Colorado include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Colorado contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Colorado election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Colorado court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Colorado include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Colorado vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Colorado document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Colorado Public Records
Records requests in Colorado can be made to any custodian of public records, and while written requests are recommended, they are not required by statute. Agencies must respond within three business days, which is among the shortest deadlines in the nation. If additional time is needed, the agency must provide a written explanation. Colorado counties offer extensive online access to property records through county assessor and clerk and recorder websites, and the Colorado Judicial Branch provides case searches through its online system.
Online Access
Colorado's ICON system provides statewide access to court records. Most counties maintain online property and voter record portals. The Secretary of State provides online business and campaign finance searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Colorado
While the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Colorado.
- Real estate appraisals for government acquisition purposes
- Trade secrets and confidential commercial data
- Specialized details of security arrangements
- Medical and mental health records
- Sexual assault victim identities
- Addresses of domestic violence shelter participants
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Colorado provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)
Enacted: 1969
The Colorado Open Records Act is codified in Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-72-200.1 through 24-72-206. The act declares that all public records are open for inspection unless specifically exempted. CORA was amended in 2019 to address issues related to criminal justice records and body camera footage. The law includes a provision allowing courts to award attorney fees to prevailing requesters, creating a meaningful enforcement mechanism.
Key Features of Colorado's Records Law:
- Colorado has a three-business-day response deadline, one of the shortest in the nation
- CORA includes specific provisions addressing body-worn camera footage from law enforcement
- Colorado allows any person to request records regardless of residency or citizenship
Colorado Public Records Facts
Colorado has 64 counties maintaining local public records
The Colorado Secretary of State's business database contains over 1.5 million entity registrations
Denver County alone maintains over 800,000 property records
Colorado has approximately 3.8 million active registered voters
Search Colorado Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Colorado. Enter a name below to search public records in CO.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Public Records
How quickly must Colorado respond to a records request?
How do I access Colorado court records?
Are Colorado voter registration records public?
How do I search Colorado property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Colorado or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.