New Mexico Vital Records Search

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What are New Mexico Vital Records?

The New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics is the government agency that collects, issues, and preserves vital records for the state. These records include birth, death, and adoption records. This agency also handles the Putative Father Registry and resources for residents' health, wellness, and statistics. You can order certified copies of vital records through the mail, in person at the local Public Health Office (PHO), and also online and by phone using the VitalChek service.

The New Mexico Department of Vital Records and Health Statistics 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25767 Albuquerque, NM 87125
Physical Address: 1105 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-827-0121

Are NM Vital Records Public?

Vital records are restricted, and only certain people close to the person named on the record may access them or obtain copies.

New Mexico Birth Records

Birth records in New Mexico are not public records until after 100 years. Then they become public records. The New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics is the agency in charge of birth records, and they have them going back to 1907. The agency was founded in 1919. You can find even older records through the Genealogy Center going back to the 1800s. Birth records are helpful when you need to get a driver's license, apply for a passport or government job, for employment, insurance, and other situations where you need to verify your identity. You can get copies of birth records in New Mexico easily in person at any PHO, through the mail, or online and by phone using VitalChek.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Birth Records

How do I find birth records in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics has a downloadable birth record search form where you can easily find and get certified copies.

How do I get a copy of my birth certificate from New Mexico?

Contact the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics and fill out the form. You can bring it to the closest PHO or drop it in the mail. You can also order through VitalChek. Either way, you will have to have a signed application, photo ID, and pay the fee.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in New Mexico?

The cost for each certified copy of a birth record is $10 in New Mexico. You can order as many copies as you like. Changing a birth record also costs $10.

Who can request birth records in NM?

Only immediate family and legal representatives can get copies of your birth record. The list of allowable persons is:

  1. The person listed on the record.
  2. Mother.
  3. Father.
  4. Grandchild.
  5. Child.
  6. Maternal grandparent.
  7. Current spouse.
  8. Sibling.
  9. Paternal grandparent.
  10. Someone with written authorization.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my New Mexico birth certificate?

When you request a copy of someone's birth record, you need the following information:

  1. Full name at birth.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. Place of birth (city/county).
  4. Gender.
  5. Mother's full maiden name.
  6. Father's full name.
  7. Purpose of the request.

As the requestor, you also must supply your personal details, a photo ID, and validation of eligibility.

Where can I find NM vital records for genealogy research?

The Genealogy Center has delayed birth records for New Mexicans on microfilm from about 1871 to 1895.

How can I correct an error on my birth record in NM?

The same form that is used for certified copies of birth records is also used for amendments. You can fill it out and return it with a fee of $10 to make a change.

Can I get a refund if my New Mexico birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

New Mexico Death Records

Death records in New Mexico are restricted access for 50 years then they become public records. The New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics is the agency in charge of issuing death certificates to eligible parties. They allow you to request copies through the mail, in person at the local Public Health Office or online, and by phone using the VitalChek network. Only certain people may have access to death records. Death records are necessary when you claim death benefits, other insurance, or plan to get remarried after your spouse has died. New Mexico has death records going back to 1907. However, the Genealogy Center has delayed birth records going back to 1871.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Death Records

How do I find death records in New Mexico?

Contact the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. They have a form you can fill out and bring with your payment to any PHO, or you can mail it in. Alternatively, you can use VitalChek to request a copy. You will have to verify your identity and prove the relationship.

Are death records public in New Mexico?

Not until they reach the age of 50.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in New Mexico?

The cost of a death certificate in New Mexico is $5. If you want to make a change to a death record, the cost is $10. You can order as many copies as you like when you fill out the form.

How long does it take to get a copy of a New Mexico death record?

If you order through the mail, it will take 6-12 weeks. With the VitalChek service, you can get a copy within 3-5 days. If you visit in person, you can get one the same day.

Who can request death records in NM?

Due to the fact that death records are private for 50 years, only certain people can get copies. That list includes:

  1. Mother.
  2. Father.
  3. Daughter.
  4. Son.
  5. Current spouse.
  6. Grandchild.
  7. Maternal grandparent.
  8. Paternal grandparent.
  9. Brother.
  10. Sister.
  11. A legal representative who can prove a legitimate purpose.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's New Mexico death certificate?

When requesting copies of death records, you will need to supply the following information:

  1. The decedent's name.
  2. Date of death.
  3. City of death. Include county if known.
  4. The decedent's Social Security Number, if known.
  5. The name of the mortuary in charge of final arrangements.
  6. Requestor's relationship to the person on the death certificate.
  7. The purpose for which you are requesting the death certificate.
  8. Your name and signature.
  9. Your mailing address.

As the requestor, you must also provide a photo ID and prove your eligibility (tangible proof of legal interest).

Where can I find historical death records in New Mexico?

The Genealogy Center has death records going back to 1871. The New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics has records dating back to 1907. Depending on how old you need them, these two places should be able to help.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

Use the same application form that you would use to request a death certificate, fill it out, and pay the $10 fee.

Can I get a refund if my New Mexico death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

New Mexico Marriage Records

Copies of marriage licenses are available through the county courts where the marriage took place. They do not have any copies older than in 1863. Bernalillo County has a website where you can freely search and request marriage records for couples that were wed in New Mexico. A copy costs $25, but they are open to the public. Marriage records come in handy when you need to change your name, apply for insurance, and other situations where you need to prove you are wed. Marriage records in New Mexico are public records, and access is not restricted to anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Marriage Records

Are New Mexico marriage records public?

Yes. Marriage records in New Mexico are public records, and anyone can search for them and request copies.

What New Mexico marriage records are available?

Some counties have records as old as 1863, but there is no guarantee. Most counties will have records from 1907 up to the present.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in New Mexico?

You can search online and print information about a marriage using the Bernalillo County website; however, not all counties have their own online records. If you order through the mail, it may take a few days, but you can always visit the court clerk in person to get a copy the same day.

How much does a New Mexico marriage certificate cost?

The cost for a certified marriage certificate is $25 each. You can order as many as you like at the same time.

When requesting NM marriage records, what information do I need?

When requesting marriage records, you will need some basic information such as:

  1. Full maiden name of party #1.
  2. Full maiden name of party #2.
  3. Date of the marriage.
  4. Place of the marriage (city/town/county).

As the requestor, you may be asked to provide your own personal details and produce a photo ID as well.

How do I get a copy of a New Mexico marriage record?

You must contact the clerk of the court where the marriage license was filed. They will have you fill out a form, pay the fee, and get a copy easily.

What if I didn't get married in New Mexico?

If you did not get married in New Mexico, you would need to contact the court in the state where your marriage license was filed.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Anyone. Marriage records in New Mexico are open to the public.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in New Mexico?

You must contact the court clerk where your marriage license was filed and fill out a particular form to make a change or correction.

New Mexico Divorce Records

The New Mexico District Courts are responsible for all divorce records in the state. The clerk of the court handles requests for copies of divorce records (both certificates and decrees). Divorce records come in handy when you want to get remarried, change your name, or need to verify your marital status. You cannot get divorce records through the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. You must fill out a form and pay the fee with the courts for copies.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in New Mexico?

No. You must visit or request in writing a copy of your divorce decree or a divorce certificate, the court where your divorce was finalized. Contact the clerk of the court. They are the ones responsible for all paperwork.

How do I find old divorce records in NM?

All divorce records are kept at the District Courts in New Mexico. "The Genealogy Center has ledgers of marriage records for Bernalillo County up through about 1934, but not copies of marriage certificates."

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Contact the clerk of the court where your divorce was finalized and request the form. You must pay a fee, and they can issue you a copy easily if they are able to find it.

What information is needed to search for New Mexico divorce records?

When you request a copy of someone's divorce records in New Mexico, you need at least the following information:

  1. Full maiden name of party #1.
  2. Full maiden name of party #2.
  3. Date of divorce.
  4. Place of divorce (county/town/city).

It also helps to know which court processed your divorce.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of New Mexico?

If you were divorced in another state, you must contact either their vital records office or the court's clerk in the state you were divorced in.

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