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New Mexico · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death 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: Death records restricted for 50 years. Eligible: immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented tangible interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. BY MAIL (NMDOH): Complete the death certificate application (available at nmhealth.org/about/erd/bvrhs/vrp/); include photocopy of valid photo ID and proof of relationship; check or money order payable to "New Mexico Vital Records"; mail to: P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110
  4. ONLINE/PHONE (VitalChek): VitalChek (authorized vendor); expedited options available; additional fees; NMDOH helpline: 1-833-796-8773 (Mon-Fri 7 AM-8 PM, weekends 10 AM-4 PM)
  5. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of qualifying interest
  6. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application
  • Photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or tangible interest
  • Payment: check or money order for mail; card for VitalChek
Fee
Approximately $21-$40 depending on method and speed; check nmhealth.org/about/erd/bvrhs/vrp/ for current fee schedule; fee non-refundable if record not found; VitalChek adds service fee
Processing Time
Mail: several weeks; VitalChek: 3-5 business days standard; expedited available; no same-day walk-in service
Online Option
VitalChek (authorized vendor)
Where to Go
NMDOH Vital Records (mail or VitalChek); 1900 S. Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe; mail: P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502
New Mexico Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Death records restricted for 50 years; public after 50 years.
  • State has records from 1920 to present; older records at NMDOH and New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.
  • No walk-in same-day service at NMDOH - use mail or VitalChek.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
NMDOH Office of Vital Records - nmhealth.org/about/erd/bvrhs/vrp/ | 1-833-796-8773 | P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110