Access Adams Residents Directory

Adams County maintains its residents directory through the Clerk and Recorder's office located at 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy, 1st Floor, Suite E2400, Brighton, CO 80601. The office phone number is 720-523-6020, and you can email them at adams.recording@adcogov.org for recording-related inquiries. Their website at https://adcogov.org/clerk-recorder provides access to information about available services. The Clerk and Recorder oversees Recording, Elections, and Motor Vehicle departments, making it a central hub for various public services. For court matters, you should contact the Adams County Judicial Center at 303-659-1161, as court records are maintained separately from Clerk and Recorder documents. Elections information is available through a dedicated website at www.adamsvotes.com where voters can register, check ballot status, and find polling locations.

Clerk and Recorder Office Structure

The Adams County Clerk and Recorder operates three distinct departments under one office. The Recording Department handles property documents, vital records, and other official filings. The Elections Department manages voter registration and conducts elections. The Motor Vehicle Department processes titles and registrations for cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

This consolidated structure means you can access multiple services at the same location. If you need to record a deed, register to vote, and title a vehicle, you can accomplish all three tasks by visiting the office in Brighton. Each department has specialized staff who understand the specific requirements for their area.

The image below shows the Adams County Clerk and Recorder website. https://adcogov.org/clerk-recorder

This portal provides information about all three departments and links to online services where available.

Office hours and procedures may vary by department. It's wise to check the website or call ahead if you have specific needs. Some services require appointments, especially during busy periods. The office strives to accommodate walk-in visitors but scheduling ahead can save you time.

Recording Department Services

The Recording Department maintains property records for all of Adams County. These records include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real estate. Recording these instruments creates public notice and establishes legal priority among competing claims.

Property owners use these records to prove ownership. Lenders record mortgages to secure their loans. Contractors file mechanic's liens when they aren't paid for work. Government agencies record tax liens for unpaid taxes. All these documents become part of the official property records chain.

You can search property records by owner name, legal description, or property address. The county maintains indexes that help locate specific documents. Many recent records are available online, though some older documents may only exist in physical form at the county office. Staff can assist if you're having trouble locating particular records.

The recording process involves presenting documents to county staff, paying required fees, and having the documents officially filed. Once recorded, documents are indexed and become part of the public record. You receive stamped copies showing the official recording date and time, which establishes priority.

Note: Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, with state law setting maximum amounts counties can charge.

Elections and Voter Services

The Elections Department handles voter registration for all Adams County residents. You can register online, by mail, or in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office. Colorado allows same-day voter registration, so you can register and vote on election day if needed. The dedicated elections website at www.adamsvotes.com provides comprehensive information about registration and voting.

Registered voters receive mail ballots for all elections. Colorado conducts elections primarily by mail, though in-person voting options are also available. You can track your ballot online to see when it's mailed, when it's received, and when it's counted. This transparency helps ensure election integrity.

The department maintains voter registration records that are partially public. Basic information like name and address appears in public voter lists. Other details like social security numbers and dates of birth are confidential. Political campaigns and researchers can access public voter files for legitimate purposes under specific legal requirements.

Election results are posted on the county website as votes are counted. The Elections Department also handles candidate filings, petition verification, and campaign finance reports. These records provide transparency about who's running for office and who's funding campaigns.

Motor Vehicle Department

The Motor Vehicle Department processes titles and registrations for vehicles owned by Adams County residents. When you buy a car, truck, or motorcycle, you must title it in your name. The county issues the title document and maintains records of vehicle ownership. These records help prove ownership and protect against theft or fraud.

Registration is separate from titling but handled by the same department. You must register your vehicle annually and display valid license plates. Registration fees fund road maintenance and other transportation programs. The county collects these fees and forwards portions to state and local governments.

Vehicle records are partially public. Ownership information can be accessed for certain purposes, but there are restrictions to protect privacy. Law enforcement, insurance companies, and licensed investigators can obtain detailed vehicle records. The general public has more limited access under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

The Colorado state portal at https://www.colorado.gov/ provides links to statewide motor vehicle services and other government resources.

Some motor vehicle services are available online through the state Department of Revenue, which oversees the system that counties administer.

Court Records Access

Court records in Adams County are maintained separately from Clerk and Recorder documents. The Adams County Judicial Center at 303-659-1161 handles questions about court files. This separation reflects the constitutional division between judicial and executive branches of government.

The county has both county court and district court. County court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and smaller civil disputes. District court handles felony criminal cases, larger civil cases, and family law matters. Each court maintains its own case files and records.

Colorado's Open Records Act found at C.R.S. sections 24-72-200.1 through 205 applies to court records with certain exceptions. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act at C.R.S. sections 24-72-301 through 309 specifically governs criminal records. Chief Justice Directive 05-01 provides additional guidance on how courts should handle records requests.

Most civil court records are open to public inspection. You can review case files at the courthouse or request copies. Criminal records have more restrictions, with some information available only to parties involved in cases or to authorized agencies. Sealed records are not accessible to the public at all.

Online case lookup systems may be available for some court records. These systems typically provide basic case information but not complete files. You may need to visit the courthouse or submit a formal records request to obtain detailed documents from specific cases.

Public Records Requests

Colorado law requires government agencies to respond to public records requests within three business days. This response might provide the requested records, give an estimate of when records will be ready, or explain why records can't be released. CORA sets the framework for this process throughout the state.

When requesting records from Adams County, be specific about what you're seeking. Include names, dates, addresses, case numbers, or other details that help staff locate relevant documents. Vague requests take longer to process and may result in higher research fees if extensive staff time is required.

Standard fees apply to most records requests. Copies cost $0.25 per page for paper documents. Research time may be charged if staff must spend significant time locating and reviewing records. Electronic copies are often provided at no charge beyond any applicable research fees. The county will provide a cost estimate before fulfilling expensive requests.

Some records are not public under Colorado law. Personnel files, attorney-client communications, and certain law enforcement records have restrictions. The county will explain if your request seeks confidential information. You may be able to access restricted records if you have a legal right or relationship to the case or matter involved.

Cities in Adams County

Adams County includes several significant cities. Thornton and Westminster are the two largest, each with substantial populations and their own municipal services. Commerce City, Brighton, Northglenn, and Federal Heights also have sizable communities within the county. However, county offices handle most public records for these cities.

Other communities in Adams County include Bennett and various unincorporated areas. Parts of Aurora also extend into Adams County, though Aurora is primarily in Arapahoe County. These municipalities rely on county offices for property recording and many other public records functions.

Nearby Counties

Adams County shares borders with several other Colorado counties. If you're researching records near county lines, you may need to check with multiple offices to find the information you need.