New Mexico became the 47th state to join the United States on January 6, 1912. It is the 5th largest state by land area, covering over 121,000 square miles, and ranks 36th in population, with just over 2 million residents. The state is divided into 33 counties, each functioning as a local extension of the state government. These counties elect officials and operate various public agencies, including law enforcement, courts, and offices that manage official records.
New Mexico’s commitment to government transparency is upheld through its Open Records Statutes (NMSA 1978). These laws, modeled after the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966, grant public access to records and meetings held by state and local agencies.
Under these laws, any individual or organization—including residents, journalists, and advocacy groups—can request access to government information for oversight, transparency, or personal use. Public records requests may include:
Budgets and expenditures
Meeting minutes and agendas
Public contracts and communications
Department operations and planning documents
Both businesses and private individuals rely on public records when conducting background checks in New Mexico. Employers use these checks to evaluate potential hires, while individuals may request their own background report to verify what others can see.
Key resources include:
New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Offers online access to criminal history reports, including arrests for felonies, misdemeanors, and DUI offenses from the state’s central repository.
State Judicial System
Online databases allow users to search for criminal case filings, judgments, and divorce records. These systems provide quick access to pending cases, court decisions, and trial outcomes.
Driving Records
Driving history, license status, and traffic violations can be requested as part of a full background check.
New Mexico public records are also used to uncover assets and verify property or business ownership:
Property Records
County assessors and clerks provide access to documents that include property ownership, land value, and parcel descriptions.
Business Entity Search
Conduct an instant online search through the New Mexico Secretary of State’s business database to view officers, directors, filing dates, and company status.
Bankruptcy Records
Search federal bankruptcy case information through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system for details on personal or business financial disclosures.
New Mexico offers numerous free and instant searches for matters of public safety and professional credibility:
Sex Offender Registry
Search for registered offenders in your area, particularly when considering a move.
Inmate Locator and Most Wanted Lists
Access databases of currently incarcerated individuals and view photos and profiles of fugitives.
Professional Licensing
The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department allows users to verify the licensing status of medical professionals, contractors, attorneys, and others before hiring.
UCC Filings
Instantly search for Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings through the Secretary of State’s website, useful for uncovering business liens and secured transactions.
Finding the right public records can be challenging, especially for individuals unfamiliar with New Mexico’s government structure. Fortunately, online directories are available to help guide users to the correct state or county agency.
These resources provide:
Direct links to official state websites
Downloadable forms for submitting requests
Step-by-step instructions on how to request specific records
Contact information for agencies maintaining the data
Whether you're conducting a background check, researching property ownership, or verifying a business or license, knowing where to look can save time and ensure accuracy. Use trusted directories and state resources to access accurate, updated, and legally available records in New Mexico.
