OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
New Mexico Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in New Mexico. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 33 counties across 13 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of New Mexico)
  • Background checks: New Mexico DPS — Criminal Records
  • Records law: New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through NM DPS
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

New Mexico has 33 counties across 13 judicial districts. You can search court cases through the New Mexico Courts case lookup system.

County-level court records include district courts, magistrate courts, and metropolitan courts. Online case search is available for many courts.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in New Mexico are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of New Mexico — Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ New Mexico Courts — Case Lookup 🏛️ New Mexico Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in New Mexico are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains criminal records.

🔍 New Mexico DPS — Criminal Records 📋 NM DPS — Law Enforcement Records Bureau

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

New Mexico operates under the Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 14-2-1). Any person can request government records in writing. Agencies must respond within 15 calendar days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in New Mexico

Court records are maintained at the county level by each district court clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the NM DPS. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in New Mexico

New Mexico has 33 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from New Mexico state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in New Mexico for free?
Use the New Mexico Courts case lookup system.
Are arrest records public in New Mexico?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in New Mexico?
The New Mexico DPS maintains criminal records. Visit dps.nm.gov for background check information.
What is the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to inspect government records. Agencies must respond within 15 calendar days.
How many court systems does New Mexico have?
New Mexico has a multi-level court system: magistrate courts, metropolitan courts, district courts (13 districts), the Court of Appeals, and the New Mexico Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026