About Colfax County
Colfax County is located in northeastern New Mexico, bordered by Colorado to the north. Colfax County Seat is Raton, situated along Interstate 25 near the historic Raton Pass. Established in 1869, Colfax County includes approximately 3,757 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in New Mexico by area. Colfax County population is estimated at around 12,000 residents. The scene ranges from high plains to dramatic mountain terrain, including portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Notable landmarks include Capulin Volcano National Monument, a striking extinct cinder cone volcano that rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding scene, and the historic Philmont Scout Ranch, a premier high-adventure base operated by the Boy Scouts of America spanning over 140,000 acres. Colfax County's history is deeply rooted in the Santa Fe Trail, coal mining, and ranching industries. The Maxwell Land Grant, one of the largest and most controversial land grants in American history, covered much of Colfax County and led to significant legal battles in the late 1800s.
Key agencies serving residents include Colfax County Clerk's Office located at 230 North Third Street, Raton, NM 87740; Colfax County Assessor's Office at the same address; and Colfax County Clerk, also housed in Colfax County courthouse complex. Colfax County's economy has transitioned from coal mining to a mix of ranching, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Major communities include Raton, Cimarron, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire, a popular ski destination.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Colfax County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Colfax County. The office conducts regular patrols, manages Colfax County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. These programs will enhance public safety and foster community relations.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Colfax County is provided by both Colfax County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Raton Police Department, Springer Police Department, and Angel Fire Police Department are the primary city law enforcement agencies. These departments handle local policing within their respective jurisdictions and collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and regional law enforcement initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Colfax County is primarily provided by Colfax County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 116 South Third Street in Raton, NM 87740. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly at or visiting the facility in person during business hours. Booking logs and current inmate rosters may be available upon request.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Processing times vary, but agencies must respond to public records requests within three business days indicating whether the records will be provided and any applicable fees.
- For historical arrest records or case-specific information, requesters may also need to contact Colfax County District Court Clerk's Office.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Colfax County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the New Mexico State Police, which offers full criminal history reports for people in Colfax County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Colfax County are maintained by Colfax County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Colfax County Detention Center, located in Raton, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Colfax County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through Colfax County's official website, where residents can search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict security protocols. The bond and bail process in New Mexico allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Colfax County are taken and retained by Colfax County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or potentially through third-party websites. New Mexico does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
Colfax County is served by the Eighth Judicial District Court of New Mexico, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $10,000, domestic relations, and appeals from lower courts. Colfax County District Court is located at 230 North Third Street, Raton, NM 87740, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The court serves both Colfax and Taos counties. For case searches, New Mexico offers an online case lookup system through the New Mexico Judiciary website at nmcourts.gov, though not all historical records may be digitized.
- Magistrate Court in Colfax County handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $10,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations.
- Fees for copying court documents typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
- In-person requests at the court clerk's office often yield faster results than written requests.
The Raton Magistrate Court is located at 237 North Second Street, Raton, NM 87740. Probate matters are handled by Colfax County Probate Court at Colfax County courthouse. The City of Raton operates a Municipal Court for city ordinance violations and traffic matters at 200 Clayton Road.
Court records are generally public under the New Mexico Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 et seq.) and court rules governing access to judicial records. Some sensitive records, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family court documents, are restricted. Parties to a case can typically access their own records more easily than the general public.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Colfax County are maintained by Colfax County Clerk's Office, which is the County Recorder, located at 230 North Third Street, Raton, NM 87740 The Clerk's Office records and maintains deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens (including mechanic's liens and judgment liens), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, subdivision maps, and other instruments affecting real property. Documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description.
- Recording fees vary depending on the type and length of the document, typically starting around $25 for the first page and $2-3 for additional pages.
- The office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone.
- Certified copies are available for an additional fee of approximately $1.00 per page plus certification charges.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Colfax County Assessor's Office at the same courthouse address The Assessor maintains parcel ownership data, property valuations, legal descriptions, and tax assessment information. While some New Mexico counties offer online GIS and property search systems, Colfax County's online access may be limited; researchers should contact the Assessor's Office directly to inquire about current online search capabilities or visit in person.
Property tax payment information is handled by Colfax County Treasurer's Office. All property records are public under New Mexico's Public Records Act, though restricted information such as social security numbers is redacted.
Vital Records
Vital records for Colfax County, New Mexico, are maintained at both Colfax County and state levels. Birth and death certificates can be requested through Colfax County Clerk's Office at 230 North Third Street, Raton, NM 87740, phone, for events occurring within Colfax County. Birth certificate requests typically cost $10 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Death certificates have similar fees. Processing times vary from a few days for in-person requests to 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87502, maintains statewide vital records and can fulfill requests for any New Mexico vital record.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee, with expedited shipping options.
- The license fee is approximately $25 and is valid for one year.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record (such as being the person named, a parent, spouse, or legal representative). The New Mexico Department of Health, Vital Records and Health Statistics, located at 1105 St. Marriage licenses are issued by Colfax County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in New Mexico.
Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are obtained through the District Court Clerk's Office where the divorce was filed. New Mexico vital records law is codified in the Vital Statistics Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 24-14-1 through 24-14-30, which governs record confidentiality and access.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Colfax County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the New Mexico Secretary of State maintains the official registry. The Secretary of State's online business search portal at portal.sos.state.nm.us allows free searches of registered business entities, including status, registered agent, formation date, and principal office address.
- These records are public and searchable by request at the Clerk's Office.
- The Raton-Colfax County Chamber of Commerce, located in Raton, provides resources for new and existing businesses and maintains information on local economic development opportunities.
Businesses operating under assumed names or DBA (doing business as) registrations may file with Colfax County Clerk's Office at 230 North Third Street, Raton, NM 87740 Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, nurses, and real estate agents are regulated by various state boards and commissions, with records searchable through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Sales tax permits and Combined Reporting System (CRS) numbers are issued by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Colfax County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be contacted through Colfax County administration offices. Business owners in incorporated areas such as Raton must also comply with city business registration and licensing requirements through their respective municipal offices.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Colfax County, New Mexico, are administered by Colfax County Clerk, who is the County Clerk and Election Administrator. The office is located at 230 North Third Street, Raton, NM 87740, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in New Mexico can be completed online through the New Mexico Secretary of State's voter portal at nmvote.org, in person at the County Clerk's office, or by mail using a printed voter registration form. The registration deadline is 28 days before any election.
- New Mexico offers same-day registration during early voting, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote simultaneously at early voting locations.
- Absentee voting in New Mexico is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the Secretary of State's portal, by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office, or by phone.
- Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Thursday before Election Day, though earlier requests are encouraged.
- Transparency in elections is governed by the New Mexico Election Code (NMSA 1978, Chapter 1) and the Inspection of Public Records Act, so that citizens can monitor and verify election processes and results.
To find your polling place in Colfax County, voters can use the polling place locator on the New Mexico Secretary of State website or contact the County Clerk's office directly. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding confidential information such as social security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate declarations and nominating petitions, and precinct-level election results. Colfax County Clerk's office maintains historical election results and sample ballots.
Typical voter turnout in Colfax County ranges from 50-65% in presidential election years and 35-45% in midterm elections, generally tracking with state averages. In the November 2024 general election, Colfax County saw turnout consistent with these historical patterns. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate seats, New Mexico statewide offices, and state legislative seats. New Mexico also offers early in-person voting at designated locations beginning 28 days before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Colfax County's economy has historically been dominated by coal mining, ranching, and agriculture, though tourism and outdoor recreation have become increasingly important. Colfax County's coal mining industry, once a major employer with operations in Raton and surrounding areas, has declined significantly, with most mines now closed or operating at reduced capacity. Ranching and cattle production remain vital to the rural economy, with thousands of acres dedicated to grazing.
- The median household income in Colfax County is estimated at approximately $38,000 to $42,000, below both state and national averages.
Major employers in Colfax County include the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the Philmont Scout Ranch (employing seasonal and year-round staff), NRA Whittington Center (a shooting sports facility), school districts, healthcare facilities such as Miners' Colfax Medical Center in Raton, and local government agencies. Tourism centered on outdoor recreation drives significant economic activity, particularly in Angel Fire, which features a ski resort, golf courses, and year-round recreational amenities. Capulin Volcano National Monument attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Colfax County's location along Interstate 25 between Albuquerque and Colorado Springs supports some transportation and service sector employment. Unemployment rates have fluctuated with seasonal tourism and the decline of traditional industries. Economic development efforts focus on diversifying the economy, attracting remote workers and retirees, and capitalizing on Colfax County's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Colfax County has faced population decline in recent decades as younger residents have moved to urban areas for employment.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (via state portal) | Property: Limited: Online (contact Assessor) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (state database) | Elections: Yes: Online (state portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Colfax County provides access to most public records, though many require in-person visits or phone contact rather than online portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Colfax County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Colfax County, New Mexico.