Albuquerque, New Mexico, like any other city, experiences its share of deaths. For individuals needing to obtain a death certificate in Albuquerque or anywhere else in New Mexico, it’s essential to understand the process. New Mexico death certificates are considered restricted access records. This means access is limited to immediate family members of the deceased or those with a proven legal interest in the record.
Who Qualifies as Immediate Family?
New Mexico law defines “immediate family” as the mother, father, sibling, child, current spouse, or maternal or paternal grandparent of the deceased. Paternal grandparents are eligible only if the father is listed on the birth certificate of the deceased. Fifty years after the date of death, death certificates become public records. It’s crucial to remember that death certificates are only issued for deaths that occur within the state of New Mexico. For deaths occurring in other states, consult the Vital Records Reference by State to determine the appropriate issuing authority.
Obtaining Death Certificates in New Mexico: Online, Phone, and Mail
There are three primary ways to request a death certificate in New Mexico: online through an authorized partner, by phone, or by mail.
Online and Phone Requests via VitalChek
While the New Mexico Vital Records office doesn’t directly accept online orders or credit card payments, they’ve partnered with VitalChek, an independent company, to provide expedited service. VitalChek offers two options:
- Expedited Processing and Overnight Delivery: Processing takes 3-5 business days with next-day delivery via UPS. This option costs $44.50 for birth certificates and $39.50 for death certificates.
- Standard Processing and Regular Mail Delivery: Processing also takes 3-5 business days but uses standard U.S. Mail delivery. The cost is $26.00 for birth certificates and $21.00 for death certificates.
You can access VitalChek’s services online through the VitalChek Express Certificate Service or by phone at 877-284-0963. They accept all major credit cards. Note that using VitalChek involves additional service and shipping fees.
Requesting a Death Certificate by Mail
To request a death certificate by mail, you can either complete a form or submit a letter containing specific information. A photocopy of your government-issued photo ID is mandatory for both options.
Death Certificate Application Form
Using the Form: Download and complete the Death Record Search Application. A Spanish version is also available.
Writing a Letter: Your letter must include:
- The deceased’s full name
- Date of death
- City and county (if known) of death
- Deceased’s Social Security Number (if known)
- Name of the mortuary handling arrangements
- Your relationship to the deceased
- The reason for requesting the certificate
- Your full name, signature, and mailing address (including a physical address even if you use a P.O. Box)
Submitting Your Request: Mail your request, along with a $5.00 non-refundable search fee (per certified copy) in the form of a certified check or money order payable to “New Mexico Vital Records,” to:
New Mexico Vital Records
Post Office Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Do not send cash.
In-Person Requests in Santa Fe
You can request a death certificate in person at the Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics in Santa Fe:
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: 505-827-0121 or Toll-Free: 1-866-534-0051
Remember to bring a current government-issued photo ID and complete a search application. The search fee is $5.00 per certificate. Public Health Offices do not issue death certificates.
Conclusion
Obtaining a death certificate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, requires adherence to specific procedures and regulations. Understanding these requirements, whether applying online, by phone, mail, or in person, ensures a smoother process. Remember to verify all information and fees before submitting your request.
