Get your certified New Mexico Birth Certificate

How to Get a New Mexico Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not have a primary ID, you can obtain a New Mexico birth certificate by providing two valid secondary forms of identification. The table above lists secondary forms of identification specified by the New Mexico Department of Health. Alternatively, an authorized third party, such as a family member or legal representative, can request the birth certificate on your behalf, provided they have the necessary documentation and proof of identity.

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in New Mexico?

The total time to receive a replacement New Mexico birth certificate depends on how you submit your application and the current wait times set by the NMDOH-BVRHS. Standard processing takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks from the date received. Expedited processing may be offered (for a service fee) through NMDOH’s website. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The New Mexico Department of Health does not require notarization for the Birth Record Search Application. However, you must provide valid identification and other needed documents when submitting your application.

Other FAQs

• How to Obtain a New Mexico if Born on an Overseas Military Base

  

  If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, you must request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), also known as form FS-240, from the U.S. Department of State. The state of New Mexico will not have your birth on record. A CRBA serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship, which is equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate, and can be used as proof of birth and citizenship for various purposes, including passport applications and accessing social services.

  If you require copies of an original birth record, you must contact the hospital overseas where the birth was recorded.

• Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My New Mexico Birth Certificate?

  

  Certified copies of your birth certificate are crucial for establishing your identity and citizenship, as they contain proof of your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names. Birth certificates are government-issued documents often necessary for various milestones in life, including legal proceedings, family matters, marriage, school enrollment, employment, and travel.
  
  Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

  Applying for a driver's license

  Applying for a new passport

  Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

  Applying for Social Security benefits

  Claiming pension or insurance benefits

  Genealogy research

  Claiming family inheritance

  Applying for a new job

  Enrolling in school

  Enlisting in military

  Obtaining a marriage license

  
  

• What Does a New Mexico Birth Certificate Look Like?

  

  Official birth certificates issued by the NMDOH-BVRHS will display unique features to verify their authenticity. They may have a different design based on the year they were issued; however, official (certified) copies will display information about your identity. State guidelines generally outline standard features such as the state seal, the individual's name, the registrar's signature, and secure paper.

  It is important to note that official (long-form) birth certificates are used for legal purposes and are distinguishable from informational (short-form) copies, generally used for personal or commemorative purposes.

  • Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

  • Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

  • Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

  • Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

  • State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

  • Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

  • Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

  • Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

  In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

  • Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

  • Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

• How to Replace a Lost or Stolen New Mexico Birth Certificate

  

  If you lose your birth certificate:

  1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the NMDOH-BVRHS (New Mexico Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics).
     a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to one of the NMDOH's four vital records offices.
     b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the NMDOH-BVRHS at:
     New Mexico Vital Records and Health Statistics
     2554 Camino Entrada
     Post Office Box 26110
     Santa Fe, NM 87502
     c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
  2. The NMDOH-BVRHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

• How to Correct or Amend a New Mexico Birth Certificate

  

  The procedure to amend a New Mexico birth certificate may vary depending on the changes needed. An addendum will be created to make the necessary corrections or changes, while the original record will remain unchanged.

  Typically, amendments to birth certificates will require:

  1. A completed Affidavit for Consent to Amend a Vital Record The affidavit must be signed by the registrant in the presence of a Notary Public.
  2. Supporting documentation: Varies based on the type of amendment or correction being requested.
  3. Appropriate fee(s): The state’s search fee (contact NMDOH for current fees). Additional copies of the amended birth certificate are $10.00 each.
  4. Mail Submission to:
     New Mexico Vital Records and Health Statistics 2554 Camino Entrada
     Post Office Box 26110
     Santa Fe, NM 87502

• How to Obtain an Apostille for a New Mexico Birth Certificate

  

  To request an apostille for a New Mexico birth certificate, you can order one directly through the New Mexico Secretary of State or online through VRO's Express Apostille Service. Only the New Mexico Secretary of State issues Apostilles, usually required when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

  If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille, complete the following steps:

  1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: Ensure you have a certified copy from the New Mexico Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics (NMDOH-BVRHS).
  2. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Complete the Apostille request form from the New Mexico Secretary of State's website.
  3. Submit the Required Documents: Submit the certified copy of the birth certificate and the completed Apostille request form.
  4. Pay the Required Fee: Include a check or money order for the Apostille fee of $3.00 per document.
  5. Submit the Request: You can request an apostille or certification online, by mail, or in person:
     a. Submit online at the New Mexico Secretary of State's website (enterprise.sos.nm.gov).
     b. Submit in person or by mail. The Business Services Division is available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Remember to include the authentication request form with your original documents, which can be completed online at enterprise.sos.nm.gov.

  Mailing Address: