LOCAL

Birth certificates obtained multiple ways for passports

Passports a must for most travel outside the United States

From Reports
  • Vital records offices are located throughout New Mexico, including Alamogordo

As New Mexicans prepare for spring and summer vacation, many will find themselves needing a driver's license or passport to travel, both of which require showing a birth certificate.

Multiple ways are available to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. With 17 Vital Records offices across the state, from Farmington to Hobbs and Silver City to Clayton, trained professionals are ready to help put together the needed documents. A copy also can be requested by mail or over the telephone. Applicants may visit the Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics office in Santa Fe or the Midtown Public Health Office in Albuquerque.

Vital Records also are provided at Public Health Offices in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Clayton, Clovis, Deming, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Lovington, Portales, Raton, Roswell, Santa Rosa, Silver City and Tucumcari. Additional vital records locations will be added in the future. Check with the offices for days and times that they are open. Applicants must present the Birth Record Search Application form, a government issued photo ID, and a $10 fee. Cash, check or money order are accepted.

Or a person can mail the Birth Record Search Application form, all required information, a photocopy of a government issued photo ID, and a $10 fee. Average processing time for applications received by mail is six to 12 weeks. Check or money order are accepted.

Birth certificates are needed to obtain passports that are required for most travel outside of the United States.

To requests online or by telephone, VitalChek Express Certificate Service is a company authorized by New Mexico Vital Records to securely process certified vital records orders online or by phone using a credit card. Orders are processed on an expedited basis. Additional service and shipping fees apply.

Birth certificates are issued only to the applicant, immediate family members, or those who represent tangible proof of legal interest. Additionally, Vital Records only issues certificates for individuals born within the state of New Mexico.  To obtain a birth certificate, a person needs to provide several required documents to prove identity and age.