Westminster Directory Records
Westminster Colorado residents directory information is maintained through two county systems because the city spans both Jefferson County and Adams County. This dual jurisdiction means residents may need to search records in either or both counties depending on their specific location within Westminster. Public records access follows state guidelines established by the Colorado Open Records Act, known as CORA and codified in C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 through 205. These laws require government agencies to make most records available to the public unless a specific exemption applies, ensuring transparency in government operations across the state.
Westminster Quick Facts
Two County Record Systems
Westminster is one of the few Colorado cities that sits in two counties at once. This creates a unique situation for public records. Part of the city falls under Jefferson County. The other part is in Adams County. Each county maintains its own set of records for the areas within its boundaries.
Jefferson County records are kept at the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder's office. You can reach them through https://www.jeffco.us/655/Clerk-Recorder. Their main office is in Golden. They handle property records, vital records, and other official documents for the Jefferson County portion of Westminster.
Adams County maintains records for the eastern part of Westminster. The Adams County Clerk and Recorder's website is https://adcogov.org/clerk-recorder. Their office is in Brighton. Like Jefferson County, they keep land records, marriage licenses, and many other types of documents.
If you need records but are not sure which county to check, look at your property address. City maps show county boundaries. You can also call either clerk's office and ask. Staff can tell you which county your address falls in. This saves time and helps you search the right place.
For some records, you may need to check both counties. Court cases, for example, are filed where the incident happened or where the parties live. If you are searching for someone who has lived in different parts of Westminster over time, their records might be split between the two counties.
Land and Property Records
Property records in Westminster are divided by county line. If your property is in the Jefferson County part of Westminster, Jefferson County has your land records. If it is in Adams County, those records are there instead. Each county keeps deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents for parcels within its boundaries.
Jefferson County offers an online land records search at https://landrecords.co.jefferson.co.us/. You can search by owner name, address, or legal description. The system shows images of recorded documents. You can view these for free, but getting official copies requires payment.
Adams County also has online search tools. Visit their clerk and recorder website to find the land records database. Both counties let you search from home, which is convenient if you just need to look up information.
Property records tell you who owns land, when they bought it, and how much they paid. They show mortgages and any liens against the property. This information is public because it affects property rights and helps establish clear ownership. Real estate agents, title companies, and buyers all use these records.
The county assessor's office is separate from the clerk's office, but they also have property information. Assessors determine property values for tax purposes. Their records show assessed values, property characteristics, and tax amounts. This information is also public and usually available online.
Note: Property records are tied to the land, so they stay with the property even when it is sold.
Court and Legal Records
Court records for Westminster residents are handled through the county court system. Each county has its own courts. Jefferson County courts handle cases that occur in the Jefferson County part of Westminster. Adams County courts handle cases from their portion of the city.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides access to court records through a statewide system. You can find their public records guide at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/access-guide-public-records. This resource explains what court records are available and how to get them. Most civil and criminal cases are public, but some are sealed or restricted.
Criminal records follow special rules under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, found in C.R.S. §§ 24-72-301 through 309. This law governs access to arrest records, conviction records, and other criminal justice information. Not all criminal records are fully public. Some details may be restricted depending on the case outcome and how old the record is.
You can search court cases online through the state judicial system. The search tool lets you look up cases by party name or case number. Not every case is in the online database, especially older ones. If you cannot find what you need online, contact the court directly.
Divorce records are court records. They are filed in the county where the divorce was granted. If you need a copy of a divorce decree, request it from the court that handled the case. The clerk and recorder also has basic information about divorces, but the full case file is at the court.
Small claims cases, evictions, and civil lawsuits are all part of the court record system. These cases are generally public unless the court has ordered them sealed. You can request copies of court documents by contacting the clerk of court in the county where the case was filed.
Vital Records Access
Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. These are kept by the county clerk and recorder in the county where the event occurred. For Westminster, that means either Jefferson County or Adams County depending on where exactly the event took place.
Birth and death certificates have restricted access. Only certain people can get copies. Usually this means family members, legal representatives, or people with a direct interest. You must prove your relationship or legal right to the record when you request it. This protects privacy for sensitive information.
Marriage licenses are more open. The fact that someone got married is public information. You can request a copy of a marriage license from the county where it was issued. However, some details on the application may be restricted.
To request vital records, contact the clerk and recorder's office. They have forms you can fill out. You will need to provide identification and explain why you need the record. There is a fee for certified copies. The clerk can tell you the exact cost when you make your request.
If you need a birth or death certificate from many years ago, it may take longer to locate. Older records are sometimes stored differently than newer ones. The clerk's office will let you know if there will be a delay.
State Level Resources
Colorado maintains several statewide databases and resources for public records. The main state government website is https://www.colorado.gov/. From there, you can find links to various state agencies and services. Each agency has its own records and search tools.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides criminal history records through its online system. Visit https://www.cbirecordscheck.com/ to submit a records request. These reports show criminal convictions and pending charges across all Colorado counties. There is a fee for this service. Results are sent directly to you.
The Department of Human Services oversees social services and child welfare. Most of their records are confidential and not available to the public. However, licensing information for child care facilities and other care providers is public. You can search for licensed facilities at https://cdhs.colorado.gov/.
Professional licensing boards regulate doctors, lawyers, nurses, and many other professions. If you need to verify someone's license, check with the state board that oversees that profession. Most boards have online search tools. This information is free and public.
The state court system, accessible through https://www.cocourts.com/cocourts/, includes district courts, county courts, and appellate courts. Each level handles different types of cases. District courts hear felony criminal cases and major civil cases. County courts handle misdemeanors, small claims, and some civil matters. Appellate courts review decisions from lower courts.
Note: State agencies must follow the same open records rules as county and local governments.
How to Request Records
When you need records from the Westminster residents directory, follow these steps. First, figure out which agency has what you need. For property records, that is the county clerk. For court records, contact the court. For state records, find the right state agency.
Next, be specific about what you want. Include names, dates, addresses, or case numbers. The more detail you give, the easier it is for staff to find the records. Vague requests take longer and may cost more because staff has to spend time figuring out what you need.
Submit your request in writing. Many offices have forms on their websites. If not, send an email or letter. Make sure to include your name and contact information. The agency needs a way to respond to you.
Under CORA, agencies must respond within three working days. They do not have to provide the records in three days, but they must tell you whether the records exist and how much it will cost to get them. If the request is complicated, they may need more time to gather everything. They should let you know if that is the case.
Some records may be denied if they fall under an exception to the open records law. Common exceptions include ongoing investigations, certain personnel files, and information protected by other laws. If your request is denied, the agency must explain why and cite the legal basis for the denial. You can appeal if you disagree.
Pay any fees before you get the records. The standard copy fee is 25 cents per page. Certified copies cost more. If you need a lot of pages, ask for an estimate first. Once you pay, the agency will provide the records. You can usually pick them up or have them mailed.
Additional Search Options
Beyond county and state resources, other options exist for finding directory information. Federal agencies keep records that may include Colorado residents. The National Archives has military records, immigration documents, and historical files. These are not local records but can be useful for certain types of research.
City government offices have records related to local services. Building permits, business licenses, and code enforcement records are maintained by the city. Contact Westminster city offices for these types of documents. They have their own process separate from the county system.
Voter registration records are public. The county clerk maintains the voter list. You can request information about registered voters, but only basic details like name and address are available. Personal information like birth dates and social security numbers is protected.
Business records such as trade names and fictitious business names are filed with the county clerk. If someone operates a business under a different name, they must register it. These filings are public and searchable.
Tax records from the county assessor show property values and tax information. This data is used to calculate property taxes each year. It is also helpful for researching property values and ownership history. Most assessor offices have online search tools.
The Colorado state government directory at https://www.colorado.gov/government lists all state agencies with contact information and links to their websites. This is a good starting point if you are not sure which agency to contact.
If you have trouble accessing records or understanding your rights, legal aid organizations may be able to help. Some provide free services to those who qualify. They can guide you through the request process and assist with appeals if needed.
Jefferson County Residents Directory
A significant portion of Westminster falls within Jefferson County, which maintains comprehensive public records for residents in that section of the city. The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder's office in Golden provides access to land records, vital statistics, and various official documents through both in person services and online databases for convenient searching and retrieval.
Adams County Residents Directory
The eastern portion of Westminster is located in Adams County, requiring residents in that area to access records through the Adams County Clerk and Recorder's office in Brighton. Adams County maintains the same types of public records as Jefferson County, including property documents, vital records, and other official filings for the Westminster residents within its jurisdiction.
Nearby Cities
Access residents directory records in other major Colorado cities near Westminster: