Colorado Public Health and Environment 2026: Services, Phone & Records
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is commonly searched as CDPHE, Colorado DPH, Colorado health department, Colorado vital records, Colorado public health agency, Colorado facility license lookup, Colorado immunization records, Colorado restaurant complaint, or Colorado environmental records. Most users need the correct official route before they call, pay, mail a form, file a complaint, or drive to Denver.
This plain-English guide is written for Colorado residents, seniors, caregivers, families, health facility staff, employers, applicants, and out-of-state users who need Colorado records or public health services. It is not the official CDPHE website; it helps you choose the right official page and prepare the right details first.
Quick answer: what Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment helps with in 2026
CDPHE handles Colorado vital records, immunization records through CIIS, health facility licensing and certification, health facility complaints, public health and environmental concerns, air and water records, restaurant complaint routing, foodborne illness reporting guidance, local public health agency connections, public records requests, and many public health and environmental programs.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Senior-friendly tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment phone number | CDPHE Contact Us page or 303-692-2000 | Topic, county, callback number, and any record or facility number | Ask, “Which program handles this, and what official page should I use next?” |
| Colorado birth certificate or death certificate | CDPHE Vital Records, online ordering, mail, appointment, or local vital records office | Application, ID, proof of eligibility, fees, full name, date, county or city | Vital records are confidential and not searchable online; eligibility matters. |
| Colorado marriage, civil union or divorce verification | CDPHE verification route, county clerk for marriage records, district court clerk for divorce records | Names, event date, county, ID, eligibility, fee and exact document type | A divorce decree usually comes from the court, not CDPHE. |
| Colorado immunization record | Colorado Immunization Information System, called CIIS | Name, date of birth, ID, parent/guardian proof if applicable, release form if needed | CIIS records may not be complete; they include records reported to CIIS. |
| Colorado health facility lookup | CDPHE Find and Compare Facilities tool | Facility name, city, provider type, county or license details | Inspection results generally cover surveys from the previous 3 years. |
| Doctor, nurse, pharmacy or professional license lookup | Colorado DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations license lookup | Name, license number, profession, city or business name | Many individual professional licenses are handled by DORA, not CDPHE. |
| Healthcare facility complaint | CDPHE Health Facilities Complaints | Who, what, when, how, where, facility name, resident/patient details and documents | Anonymous complaints are accepted, but provide enough facts to investigate. |
| Restaurant complaint or food poisoning | Local public health agency or CDPHE foodborne illness contact for specific counties/uncertainty | Restaurant name, full address, county, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt or photos | Start with the local health agency where the restaurant is located. |
| Air, water, hazardous waste, radiation, spill or environmental records | Environmental records, Air Pollution, Water Quality, HMWMD or Incident Reporting Line | Address, facility, permit number, incident details, date range, photos and location | Environmental requests often route by division, not one general form. |
| Public records request | CDPHE Public Records and Requests / Colorado Open Records Act route | Program name, record type, date range, subject, facility, address or permit number | Vital records are not public records and require vital records eligibility. |
For Colorado public health tasks, first decide whether you need CDPHE, DORA, a local public health agency, a county vital records office, a county clerk, a district court clerk, CIIS, or a specific environmental division. That one decision prevents most wrong calls and wrong payments.
Colorado CDPHE route finder: choose the right official page before calling, paying or filing
Use this simple route finder when you are unsure whether your issue belongs with CDPHE, a local public health agency, DORA, CIIS, a county vital records office, a county clerk, district court, or an environmental division.
Colorado public health task router
Select your need. The next best route appears below.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment phone number, email routes and call script
The main CDPHE phone number shown on official CDPHE pages is 303-692-2000. For vital records, use 303-692-2200 and vital.records@state.co.us. For health facility licensure and certification contact, CDPHE lists 303-692-2836. Use the program phone when you know the program; use the main number when you need routing.
General routing
303-692-2000 for general department contact and office routing.
Certificates
303-692-2200, vital.records@state.co.us, and fax 1-800-423-1108.
Licensure & portal
303-692-2836 for facility licensure/certification and portal support contact.
Incident line
1-877-518-5608 for immediate public health or environmental assistance when applicable.
Use one short call script
Say: “I need help with [birth certificate, death certificate, immunization record, health facility complaint, facility lookup, environmental records, restaurant complaint, air complaint, spill report, public records request]. My county is [county]. Which official CDPHE page or local agency should I use?”
Use local routing for address-based public health issues
Restaurant complaints, local food inspections, septic systems, private wells, housing condition concerns, local outbreaks, and county clinic services often start with the local public health agency instead of the CDPHE main office.
Before calling, write your topic in one line, then write county, address, certificate order number, facility name, license number, or permit number if you have one. Short and specific calls get routed faster than long stories.
Colorado vital records: birth, death, marriage, divorce, adoption and certificate ordering
Colorado vital records are confidential under Colorado law and are not public records searchable online. CDPHE states that vital records, including birth, death, adoption, marriage and divorce, can only be released to eligible requesters. For final eligibility, fees, proof and processing details, use the official CDPHE Vital Records pages.
| Record need | Best route | Prepare first | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | CDPHE order certificate, mail, appointment, or local vital records office | Application, ID, proof of eligibility, fees, full name, birth date and place | Birth certificate requests require identification and eligibility proof. |
| Death certificate | CDPHE order certificate, mail, appointment, or local vital records office | Application, ID, proof of eligibility, fees, decedent name, death date and county | Ask the receiving agency which version it needs before ordering. |
| Marriage or civil union verification | CDPHE verification route or county clerk/recorder for marriage records | Names, event date, county, ID, eligibility and fee | County clerk and recorder offices are important for marriage records. |
| Dissolution, divorce, separation or annulment | CDPHE verification route or district court clerk for divorce records | Names, event date, county, court details and exact document requested | A divorce decree or full case file usually routes through district court. |
| Correction or change | CDPHE correction pages for birth or death certificate changes | Correction form, ID, eligibility proof, documentary evidence and fees | State office in-person service is by appointment only. |
| Missing or stolen certificate | CDPHE report missing certificate route | Certificate details, identity information and explanation of loss or theft | Report quickly to reduce identity misuse risk. |
Check current processing times and fees before ordering
CDPHE says normal processing time for online orders is thirty business days from the date received, but the official order page shows current processing status and fee updates. Credit or debit card surcharges may apply for online payments.
Know the official vendor routes shown by CDPHE
CDPHE lists online ordering through VitalChek and GoCertificates, with GoCertificates noted for birth and death requests only. The CDPHE page lists VitalChek customer service numbers 866-632-2604 and 866-300-8540, and GoCertificates customer service at 800-324-6380, Option 1.
Use appointment rules for state in-person service
CDPHE says its State Vital Records in-person service is by appointment only and that no walk-in services are available. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices, so check the local office option before driving to Denver.
Do not use a general public records request to get a Colorado birth, death, adoption, marriage or divorce record. Vital records are confidential and have their own eligibility and application process.
Colorado birth certificate and death certificate: ID, eligibility, mail and local office checklist
Colorado birth and death certificate requests require a completed application, a copy of identification and proof of eligibility, non-refundable fees, and mailing to the address listed on the application when ordering by mail. The State Vital Records Office phone is 303-692-2200, and the office hours listed are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
| Prepare | Birth certificate | Death certificate | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Use current birth certificate application. | Use current death certificate application. | Using an old PDF saved from a non-official site. |
| ID and eligibility proof | Required to prove you can receive the record. | Required to prove you can receive the record. | Mailing an unreadable ID copy. |
| Record details | Name, date of birth, place of birth, parent information if requested. | Decedent name, date of death, county, requester relationship if needed. | Not knowing the county or exact spelling. |
| Fees and payment | Check current CDPHE fee schedule before paying. | Check current CDPHE fee schedule before paying. | Sending the wrong payment amount. |
| Delivery route | Online, mail, appointment, or local vital records office. | Online, mail, appointment, or local vital records office. | Driving to Denver without an appointment. |
Use official order or correction route
Use the CDPHE order page for standard or heirloom birth certificates. Use the correction page if the birth certificate needs a change.
Order certificateAsk which copy is needed
Before ordering, ask the bank, insurer, attorney, benefits office or court whether it needs a specific death certificate version.
Open order pageWhen ordering for a parent, spouse, child, estate or legal matter, gather relationship proof before paying. Missing eligibility documents can delay or stop the request.
Colorado marriage, civil union and divorce records: verification versus certified copies
Colorado users often search CDPHE for marriage or divorce records, but the right route depends on the document. CDPHE provides a verification route for marriage, civil union and dissolution records. County clerk and recorder offices are important for marriage records, while district court clerks are important for divorce, separation or annulment records.
County clerk may be needed
For a marriage record or license issued by a county, use the county clerk and recorder route if a certified county copy is required.
Open vital recordsDistrict court may be needed
If the receiving agency needs a divorce decree, separation order, annulment record or full court file, use the district court clerk route.
Open CDPHE order pageA verification, certificate, license, decree, court order and court case file are not the same document. Ask the receiving agency which exact document it accepts before ordering.
Colorado immunization records, CIIS Public Portal and vaccine record help
The Colorado Immunization Information System, called CIIS, is Colorado’s lifelong immunization record tracking system. Individuals and parents or guardians of minors can use the CIIS Public Portal to view and print an official immunization record. CDPHE also notes that CIIS immunization records may not be complete because they include what has been reported to and entered into CIIS.
Use the CIIS Public Portal first
Use exact identifying information. If your name, date of birth, phone, email, or guardian information does not match the record, the portal may not find the record.
Use the release form route if portal access is not enough
Individuals and parents or guardians of minors can request immunization records by completing and submitting the Request to Release Immunization Record Form. CDPHE says incomplete forms, forms without proper ID, or forms without supporting documentation when applicable will not be accepted.
Contact the CIIS Help Desk for record or portal help
CDPHE lists the CIIS Help Desk at 303-692-2420, fax 303-758-3640, and email cdphe.ciis@state.co.us. Staff hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding Colorado state holidays.
For school, camp, childcare, college, work, travel, military or out-of-state moves, print or save the official record early. If an old dose is missing, contact the provider who gave the vaccine or use CIIS support because older records may not have been reported.
Colorado health facility lookup, CDPHE license search, inspections and certification records
CDPHE licenses, certifies and surveys many healthcare facilities and services in Colorado. This includes hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated and non-designated trauma centers, long-term care facilities, air ambulance services and other facility or agency types. For individual professional licenses, use DORA; for facility lookup and inspection history, use CDPHE.
Use Find and Compare Facilities for facility information
The CDPHE Find and Compare Facilities tool allows users to search for inspection results for surveys conducted within the previous three years for healthcare providers licensed by CDPHE, state-certified by Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing, or federally certified by CMS. It may include citations, regulation text and a plan of correction when available.
Use facility licensing pages for new or existing providers
Health facility licensing is mandatory for providers that must be licensed to operate in Colorado. CDPHE also performs the survey portion for Medicare and Medicaid certifications. Facility application, change of ownership, certification, fee and letter-of-intent details live in the health facilities licensing section.
Licensure and certification
CDPHE lists licensure and certification contact at 303-692-2836 and cdphe.healthfacilities@state.co.us.
Open contactFacilities web portal
CDPHE lists facilities web portal support at 303-692-2836 and cdphe.hfemsportalsupport@state.co.us.
Open portal helpFor a nursing home, assisted living residence, hospital, home health agency, hospice or clinic, check the official facility information and inspection history. For a nurse, doctor, pharmacist or individual professional, use Colorado DORA license lookup instead.
Colorado professional license lookup: when to use DORA instead of CDPHE
Many users search “Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment license lookup” when they really need a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, therapist, dentist, counselor, social worker, nursing home administrator or other professional license. In Colorado, many individual professional and occupational licenses are handled by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, known as DORA DPO.
| Need | Likely official route | What to search |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital, clinic, assisted living, home health, hospice, dialysis, EMS agency or facility inspection | CDPHE Health Facilities | Facility name, city, county, provider type, inspection or occurrence |
| Doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, therapist or other individual professional | Colorado DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations | Name, license number, profession, city or business |
| Health professional profile | DORA Healthcare Professions Profile Program where applicable | Search licensee first, then open profile details when available |
| CDPHE health facility license or certification application | CDPHE Facility Licensing, Fees, and Certification | Facility or agency type, letter of intent, change of ownership or initial licensure |
Check a business or professional license
Use DORA when you need to verify many Colorado professional or occupational licenses.
Open DORA lookupApply, renew, verify or complain
Use DPO pages for profession-specific application, renewal, complaint and continuing education details.
Open DPOColorado health facility complaints: nursing home, hospital, assisted living and care quality concerns
CDPHE Health Facilities investigates concerns about quality of care, patient or resident rights, and building or equipment safety. Anyone with knowledge or concerns about a healthcare entity can file a complaint, including family members, concerned citizens and health care professionals.
Prepare the five complaint facts
CDPHE complaint contact guidance says complaint information should include who was involved, what happened, when it happened, how it happened and where it happened. Add the facility name, address, unit, resident or patient details, dates, documents and your contact information if you want follow-up.
Anonymous complaints are accepted, but details matter
CDPHE says anonymous complaints are accepted and investigators do not share your name with the health care entity unless you instruct otherwise. However, anonymous complaints still need enough information for an effective investigation.
If a patient, resident or visitor is in immediate danger, do not wait for an online complaint response. Use emergency services, facility emergency procedures, adult protective services when appropriate, or immediate official safety channels.
Colorado restaurant complaint, food poisoning and foodborne illness reporting
If you think you got sick from a restaurant in Colorado, CDPHE says to contact the local health department where the restaurant is located. For Clear Creek, Dolores, Moffat, Ouray, Park, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties, or if you are unsure which county the restaurant is in, CDPHE lists 303-692-3645, option #1. Healthcare professionals can report suspected outbreaks by calling 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 after hours only.
| Collect this before reporting | Example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Business name and full address | Restaurant, food truck, grocery, school kitchen, caterer or event location | Local health staff need jurisdiction and exact location. |
| County, date and time | Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, Larimer, Weld, Boulder or another county | Colorado routing often depends on county. |
| Food item and order details | Dish, drink, delivery order, packaged item, buffet item or ingredient | Helps identify exposure and source. |
| Symptoms and onset time | Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and when symptoms began | Helps outbreak investigation. |
| Proof if available | Receipt, photos, package label, delivery app order or leftover food details | Strengthens the complaint facts. |
Start with the local public health agency for most restaurant complaints
Local public health agencies inspect many retail food establishments and handle many restaurant-related concerns. Use the county where the restaurant is located, not the county where you live.
Use inspection reports when you want restaurant history
CDPHE publishes inspection reports for restaurants, fast food operations, delis, markets, cafeterias, convenience stores and other retail food establishments inspected by CDPHE or delegated county partners.
Report quickly. Waiting too long can make the complaint harder to investigate because food may be gone, staff schedules change, and other diners may not be identified.
Colorado environmental records, air complaints, water quality, spills and public health concerns
Because CDPHE includes public health and environment, many users need air quality, water quality, hazardous materials, waste, radiation, spills, environmental records, or exposure-health guidance. The fastest route is choosing the correct environmental division instead of sending every concern to the main contact page.
Air quality complaint
Use the Air Pollution Control Division complaint route for air-related complaints.
Air complaintWater records
Use water quality records searches for clean water, drinking water, permits and enforcement records.
Water recordsHazardous waste records
HMWMD records include solid waste, hazardous waste, radiation management, X-ray and cleanup records.
HMWMD recordsIncident reporting
For immediate assistance on public health or environmental concerns, use the Colorado Incident Reporting Line.
Report concernCall the Incident Reporting Line when immediate assistance is required
CDPHE lists the Colorado Incident Reporting Line at 1-877-518-5608 when immediate assistance is required for a public health or environmental concern. Water quality spills must be reported to the Incident Reporting Hotline within 24 hours of discovery when applicable.
Use ToxCall for environmental exposure health questions
For health-related symptoms and concerns related to air quality or other environmental exposures, CDPHE air complaint guidance lists ToxCall at cdphe_toxcall@state.co.us and 303-692-2606. For emergencies, call 911.
Colorado public records request, CORA, environmental records and what is not public
CDPHE public records requests are governed by the Colorado Open Records Act, often searched as CORA. Public records requests are not the right route for confidential vital records, personal medical records from a provider, or private documents held outside the department. CDPHE environmental records may also route by division.
Use the public records page for department-held records
CDPHE’s Open Records policy says the department provides copies of public records in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act and within cost guidelines. Some categories of records may be withheld or exempt, including medical and personnel records as defined by law.
Use environmental records pages for air, water and hazardous materials
CDPHE environmental records are separated by Air Pollution Control Division, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division, and Water Quality Control Division. A narrow request with address, facility, permit number, county, date range and record type is easier to process.
Do not ask for “all records about a topic” unless you truly need a broad search. A better request names the program, facility, permit, address, county, record type and date range.
Find your Colorado local public health agency: county services, restaurant complaints, septic, wells and local help
CDPHE provides a county-by-county directory for Colorado local public health agencies. Use this for county-level public health routing, restaurant complaints, local food service questions, community health issues, private wells, septic, certain nuisance issues, communicable disease follow-up and local program questions.
Local health agency
Select your Colorado county and use the listed agency contact.
Restaurant complaints
Most restaurant complaints start with the local public health agency where the restaurant is located.
Septic, wells, property
Many address-based environmental health issues are local, not state-main-line tasks.
Report emergency
For immediate public health or environmental assistance, use the official incident reporting route.
Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Pueblo, Greeley, Boulder, Longmont, Grand Junction, Castle Rock, Loveland, Broomfield, Parker, Littleton, Commerce City, Brighton and rural counties may route through different local public health agencies. Always search by county first.
CDPHE Denver office map, address, vital records office hours and before-you-visit warning
CDPHE’s main address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. CDPHE official pages list main phone 303-692-2000. The State Vital Records Office lists 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, but state vital records in-person service is by appointment only and office space can change during renovations.
| Need | Better than driving first |
|---|---|
| Birth or death certificate | Check online order, mail, appointment rules, or a local vital records office first. |
| Marriage or divorce document | Confirm whether you need CDPHE verification, county clerk record, or district court record. |
| Facility complaint | Use the official complaint intake route and prepare who, what, when, how, where. |
| Environmental record | Use the Air, Water Quality or HMWMD record route before requesting an office review. |
| Professional license lookup | Use DORA DPO, not a CDPHE office visit. |
Call or check the official page first. Many CDPHE services are online, by mail, by appointment, through a county agency, or through a separate portal.
Official Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final instructions, fees, forms, portals, current phone numbers, complaint submission, license lookup, facility records, environmental records, CIIS records and local public health routing. This independent guide does not collect records, process payments, verify licenses, file complaints or issue certificates.
People also search for: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Google and Bing intent guide
These search terms are common around “Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.” Use the matching route so the page answers real search intent without sending users to broad pages.
colorado department of public health and environment phone number
Use 303-692-2000 for main CDPHE routing or program-specific numbers for vital records, facility licensing, CIIS and foodborne illness.
Phone routecolorado vital records
Use CDPHE Vital Records for birth, death, adoption, marriage, divorce and certificate order guidance.
Records routecolorado birth certificate online
Use the CDPHE Order Certificate Now page and prepare application, ID, eligibility proof and fees.
Birth routecolorado death certificate
Use CDPHE death certificate ordering and ask the receiving agency which version it needs.
Death routecolorado immunization records
Use CIIS Public Portal or the Request to Release Immunization Record Form.
CIIS routecolorado health facility lookup
Use CDPHE Find and Compare Facilities for licensed facility inspection and occurrence information.
Facility routecolorado health facility complaint
Use CDPHE Health Facilities Complaints and prepare who, what, when, how and where.
Complaint routecolorado local public health agency
Use the CDPHE county directory for restaurant complaints, local environmental health and county service routing.
Local routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent public service guide. It is not the official Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website, not Colorado.gov, not CDPHE, not DORA, not CIIS, not VitalChek, not GoCertificates, not a county vital records office and not a local public health agency.
Do not send Social Security numbers, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, driver licenses, passports, medical records, immunization records, license documents, complaint evidence, payment cards, permit records or patient information to an independent guide page. Use only official secure pages for final submission.
Fees, forms, office hours, temporary locations, processing times, eligibility rules, vendor options, phone numbers, email addresses, complaint routes and mailing instructions can change. Confirm final details on official CDPHE, Colorado.gov, DORA, CIIS, county, court or approved vendor pages before taking action.
Colorado Public Health and Environment FAQs
What is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment phone number?
The main CDPHE phone number shown on official CDPHE pages is 303-692-2000. For vital records, use 303-692-2200. For health facility licensure and certification contact, CDPHE lists 303-692-2836. Use the program number when you already know your topic.
Where is CDPHE located?
CDPHE’s main address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Before visiting, check the official CDPHE contact page because some services are online, by mail, through a county office, through an appointment, or temporarily moved during office changes.
How do I order a Colorado birth certificate?
Use the official CDPHE Order Certificate Now page. Prepare the completed birth certificate application, copy of identification, proof of eligibility, non-refundable fees, full name on the record, date and place of birth, and mailing details. State in-person service is by appointment only.
How do I get a Colorado death certificate?
Use the official CDPHE Order Certificate Now page or a local vital records office that offers birth and death records. Prepare the death certificate application, identification, proof of eligibility, fees, decedent name, death date and county. Ask the receiving agency which copy it needs before ordering.
Are Colorado vital records public records?
No. CDPHE states that vital records, including birth, death, adoption, marriage and divorce, are confidential under Colorado law and are not public records searchable online. They can only be released to eligible requesters through the vital records process.
Where do I get Colorado marriage or divorce records?
CDPHE provides a verification route for marriage, civil union and dissolution records. For marriage records, county clerk and recorder offices may be needed. For divorce, separation or annulment records, district court clerks may be needed, especially when a decree or court file is required.
How do I access Colorado immunization records?
Use the Colorado Immunization Information System, called CIIS. Individuals and parents or guardians of minors can use the CIIS Public Portal to view and print an official record. If the portal is not enough, use the Request to Release Immunization Record Form with proper ID and supporting documents when needed.
How do I look up a Colorado health facility?
Use CDPHE’s Find and Compare Facilities tool. It allows users to search for inspection results and other information for regulated healthcare providers. For many individual professionals, such as doctors or nurses, use Colorado DORA license lookup instead.
How do I file a complaint about a Colorado health facility?
Use the CDPHE Health Facilities Complaints page. Prepare who was involved, what happened, when it happened, how it happened and where it happened. CDPHE accepts anonymous complaints, but anonymous reports still need enough detail to investigate.
How do I report food poisoning or a restaurant complaint in Colorado?
For most restaurant-related illness or complaints, contact the local public health agency where the restaurant is located. If the restaurant is in Clear Creek, Dolores, Moffat, Ouray, Park, Pitkin or Rio Blanco county, or if you are unsure which county it is in, CDPHE lists 303-692-3645, option #1.