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How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), Office of Vital Records (state level - Santa Fe)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Birth records restricted for 100 years. Eligible: the registrant, registrant's immediate family (mother, father, sibling, child, grandchild, current spouse, maternal/paternal grandparent; note: father and paternal grandparent are only eligible if the father is listed on the birth record); non-immediate family must provide tangible proof of legal interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. BY MAIL (State NMDOH): Complete the birth certificate application (available at nmhealth.org/about/erd/bvrhs/vrp/); include photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID; payment by check or money order payable to "New Mexico Vital Records"; mail to: New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110; also has a physical location at 1900 S. Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
  4. ONLINE/PHONE (VitalChek - expedited): VitalChek is NMDOH's authorized online vendor; website at vitalchek.com; expedited options available; fees higher than mail order; NMDOH helpline: 1-833-796-8773 (7 AM-8 PM weekdays, 10 AM-4 PM weekends)
  5. PHONE: Call NMDOH Vital Records at 1-833-SWNURSE / 1-833-796-8773; can provide guidance
  6. Submit with valid photo ID copy and proof of qualifying relationship
  7. Pay the fee
  8. FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATE: New Mexico waives the birth certificate fee for homeless individuals; complete the "Self-Attestation Form" with your application.
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application
  • Photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment: check or money order payable to "New Mexico Vital Records" for mail; card for VitalChek
Fee
Check current fee schedule at nmhealth.org/about/erd/bvrhs/vrp/; as of late 2025 estimates include approximately $25-$26 for standard mail orders; VitalChek expedited options: approximately $26-$44+ depending on speed; $10 per copy for amendments; fee is non-refundable if record not found (covers search)
Processing Time
Mail: weeks; VitalChek: 3-5 business days for standard; next-day air available with VitalChek; NMDOH does not offer walk-in same-day service
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor); vitalchek.com; state also accepts mail
Where to Go
NMDOH Office of Vital Records (mail or VitalChek); physical address for drop-off: 1900 S. Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505; mail: P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110
New Mexico Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Birth records RESTRICTED for 100 years; death records 50 years.
  • NMDOH strongly encourages mail or VitalChek - walk-in service is limited and not same-day.
  • State only issues certificates for individuals born in New Mexico.
  • Marriage and divorce records NOT held by NMDOH for certified copies - county Clerk (marriage) or District Court (divorce).
  • Fee non-refundable even if record not found.
  • Free birth certificate for homeless individuals.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
NMDOH Office of Vital Records - nmhealth.org/about/erd/bvrhs/vrp/ | 1-833-796-8773 | 1900 S. Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505; mail: P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110