State Public Records Guide
Public Records in New Mexico
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in New Mexico under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) (est. 1947).
Overview of Public Records in New Mexico
New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act provides a strong framework for public access to government records, supported by the state's commitment to transparency. IPRA declares that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them. New Mexico has a dedicated enforcement mechanism through the Attorney General's office, which can compel disclosure. The law applies to all public agencies including state, county, and municipal bodies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in New Mexico
Response Time
Custodians must provide records within 15 calendar days. They may request an extension of up to 15 additional calendar days if extenuating circumstances exist such as voluminous requests or records in remote storage.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge up to $1.00 per page for standard copies. If records are maintained electronically, the fee is limited to the cost of the media. Inspection of records in person is always free.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing to the records custodian. The request should describe the records sought with reasonable detail. No reason for the request needs to be stated by the requester.
Appeal Process
Requesters may enforce their rights by filing a mandamus action in district court. The court may award damages and attorney fees to a prevailing requester who demonstrates improper withholding.
Types of Public Records Available in New Mexico
Property Records
Property records in New Mexico include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in New Mexico contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on New Mexico election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
New Mexico court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in New Mexico include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
New Mexico vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in New Mexico document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access New Mexico Public Records
To request records under IPRA, submit a written request to the records custodian at the relevant public body. Agencies must respond within fifteen calendar days, with a possible extension of fifteen additional days. If a request is denied, you can file an enforcement action in court, or seek the Attorney General's assistance in obtaining the records. New Mexico counties maintain property records through county clerk offices, and the New Mexico Courts provide online access to case information through their Odyssey system.
Online Access
New Mexico courts offer online case lookup through the Judiciary website. The Taxation and Revenue Department and county assessor offices provide online property records access. The Secretary of State provides business filings.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in New Mexico
While the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in New Mexico.
- Letters of reference concerning employment, licensing, or permits
- Medical records of individuals
- Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted to government
- Law enforcement records that would interfere with enforcement proceedings
- Tax return information of individuals
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, New Mexico provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA)
Enacted: 1947
New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act is codified in NMSA 1978, Sections 14-2-1 through 14-2-12. The act establishes a broad right of access and limits exemptions. IPRA was amended in 2023 to strengthen enforcement provisions and establish clearer guidelines for response timelines. The law allows courts to award damages and attorney fees to requesters who prevail in enforcement actions.
Key Features of New Mexico's Records Law:
- New Mexico allows the Attorney General to intervene and compel disclosure of records
- IPRA was amended in 2023 to strengthen enforcement and clarify timelines
- Courts can award damages and attorney fees to successful requesters
New Mexico Public Records Facts
New Mexico has 33 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 1.3 million registered voters
New Mexico Secretary of State maintains records for over 150,000 business entities
The state's unique history creates records spanning Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American periods
Search New Mexico Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across New Mexico. Enter a name below to search public records in NM.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Public Records
How long does New Mexico have to respond to IPRA requests?
How do I access New Mexico court records?
Are New Mexico property records online?
How do I get New Mexico vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in New Mexico or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.