Getting a Copy of Your New Mexico Criminal Record
Which New Mexico agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The New Mexico Department of Public Safety's Law Enforcement Records Bureau keeps state criminal history records. New Mexico DPS, Fingerprinting and Background Checks
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The New Mexico Department of Public Safety's Law Enforcement Records Bureau keeps state criminal history records. To get your own in-state record check, complete the DPS Authorization for Release of Information form legibly, have it notarized, and mail it with your original signature and a $15.00 money order or cashier's check payable to the Department of Public Safety to P.O. Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628 (requests by mail only). Processing takes 7 to 15 working days. A Police Certificate of Good Standing (often needed for immigration) with the background check costs $33.00. Manual fingerprinting is available at DPS Headquarters in Santa Fe ($9.00 for the first two cards, $2.50 each additional; (505) 827-9181). |
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| What relief the state offers | Under New Mexico's Criminal Record Expungement Act, the district court can expunge arrest records and public records in three situations: identity theft, release without conviction, and convictions after a waiting period. Cannabis offenses that are no longer crimes are expunged automatically under the Cannabis Regulation Act. Expunged records are not destroyed, but they may not be released except by court order. |
Where to get help in New Mexico
More New Mexico expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in New Mexico
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in New Mexico
- How to File for Expungement in New Mexico
- All New Mexico expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety's Law Enforcement Records Bureau keeps state criminal history records. To get your own in-state record check, complete the DPS Authorization for Release of Information form legibly, have it notarized, and mail it with your original signature and a $15.00 money order or cashier's check payable to the Department of Public Safety to P.O. Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628 (requests by mail only). Processing takes 7 to 15 working days. A Police Certificate of Good Standing (often needed for immigration) with the background check costs $33.00. Manual fingerprinting is available at DPS Headquarters in Santa Fe ($9.00 for the first two cards, $2.50 each additional; (505) 827-9181).
Can you get a criminal record expunged in New Mexico?
Under New Mexico's Criminal Record Expungement Act, the district court can expunge arrest records and public records in three situations: identity theft, release without conviction, and convictions after a waiting period. Cannabis offenses that are no longer crimes are expunged automatically under the Cannabis Regulation Act. Expunged records are not destroyed, but they may not be released except by court order.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.