New Mexico Vital Records

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Birth and Death Records
In 1907 each county in New Mexico was required to keep birth and death records. Records dating from the 1880s are available for a few counties. All of these records have been sent to the Vital Statistics Bureau (address below). To locate death records for the years 1899-1949, please visit the New Mexico Death Index online.

Statewide registration of vital statistics began in 1920 and was generally complied with by 1930. Delayed registrations of births are also available from 1935. You can obtain birth and death certificates by writing to:

Vital Statistics Bureau New Mexico Health Services 1190 St. Francis Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505 Telephone: 505-827-2338 Fax: 505-984-1048 Internet: http://dohewbs2.health.state.nm.us/VitalRec/

The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are listed in Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces (Hyattsville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1993; Family History Library book 973 V24wv). Copies of this booklet are at the Family History Library and at many Family History Centers. You must have written authorization from the family in order to obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate. The Family History Library does not have copies of these records.

Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage records were usually kept from the date each county was organized. You can obtain copies of the records from the clerk's office in the county where the marriage was performed.

Marriage records for Bernalillo, Chavez, Eddy, San Juan, Oterro, Quay, Roosevelt, and Curry counties for 1880 to 1920 have been published in Some Marriage Records of the State of New Mexico, (ca. 1880-1920) 2 vols. (N.p.: New Mexico DAR, 1971-1973; FHL book 978.9 V25d; vol. 1 on film 908289 and vol. 2 on 908026 item 4).

Many of the marriages for the state are searchable online at no cost in the Western States Marriage Index.

Divorce records are available only from the clerk of the district court in the county where the decree was granted.

Inventory of Vital Records
You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in New Mexico (Albuquerque, New Mexico: Historical Records Survey, 1942; Family History Library book 978.9 V2h; film 874077 item 7; fiche 6051288).