Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviroment (CDPHE) has removed the marriage and divorce indexes from their Web site. An error is received starting this week on the site that formerly had the Divorce Index. The following statement is posted on the Marriage Index Web site:

    Since 2003, the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics has operated a web site where the general public may access information on marriages and dissolutions of marriage. As the issue of identity theft has grown, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential for misuse of this information. As a result, these records are now treated confidential consistent with other vital records in this state. Agencies that believe they have a direct and tangible interest in being granted access to researching these records need apply to the Office of the State Registrar by obtaining an agency application at the Colorado Dept. of Health and Public Environment website: www.cdphe.state.co.us

    Individuals needing verification of a Marriage or Dissolution need to apply to the State Vital Records office. An application may be obtained by visiting the state website: www.cdphe.state.co.us

The Marriage Index included the years 1975- present. The Divorce Index included the years 1859-1939 and 1968 to present. The issue of identity theft and privacy does not apply to the older records from 1859-1939. No reason was given for taking this index off line.

Thanks to Paul Daraghy for the tip about this story.