Bernalillo County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Bernalillo County?

Public records in Bernalillo County are defined according to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), specifically under § 14-2-1 NMSA 1978. This statute establishes that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and official acts of public officers and employees.

Bernalillo County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business names
• Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records maintained by the Bernalillo County Assessor's Office
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the County Clerk
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commission meetings and other public boards
• Budget and Financial Documents: County financial reports, budgets, and expenditure records
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with certain restrictions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Bernalillo County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, particularly those related to property transactions, marriage licenses, and election information. The County Assessor maintains property assessment records, while the Metropolitan Court maintains court records. Each department within the county government maintains records specific to its functions in accordance with § 14-3-6 NMSA 1978, which governs the management and preservation of public records.

Is Bernalillo County an Open Records County?

Bernalillo County adheres to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), codified under § 14-2-1 through § 14-2-12 NMSA 1978. This comprehensive state law establishes the public's right to access government records.

Under § 14-2-5 NMSA 1978, the legislature explicitly recognizes that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of public officers and employees." This provision underscores New Mexico's commitment to governmental transparency.

Bernalillo County has implemented specific procedures to comply with IPRA requirements. Each county department has designated records custodians responsible for receiving and processing public records requests. The county maintains a public records request policy that outlines procedures for requesting, reviewing, and obtaining copies of public records.

Additionally, Bernalillo County complies with the Open Meetings Act (§ 10-15-1 NMSA 1978), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that reasonable notice be given of such meetings. The County Commission and other public boards regularly publish meeting agendas, minutes, and other materials in accordance with these sunshine laws.

The county has also developed electronic systems to enhance public access to records, including online portals for property records, court documents, and other frequently requested information, demonstrating its commitment to open government principles.

How to Find Public Records in Bernalillo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Bernalillo County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides multiple access points for public records:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through dedicated web portals:

   • Property records can be searched through the Bernalillo County Clerk's online database
   • Court records are accessible via the Metropolitan Court's public records portal
   • Property assessment information is available through the County Assessor's property search tool

2. In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

   • For property records: Visit the County Clerk's Office
   • For court records: Visit the Metropolitan Court Clerk
   • For assessment records: Visit the County Assessor's Office

3. Written Requests: Pursuant to § 14-2-8 NMSA 1978, individuals may submit formal written requests:

   • Requests must include the requester's name, address, and telephone number
   • Describe the records sought with reasonable particularity
   • Written requests may be submitted via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate department

4. Records Request Form: The county provides a standardized Public Records Request Form that can be submitted to any department

Under current law, records custodians must respond to requests within three business days, either by providing the requested records or explaining when the records will be available (not to exceed 15 calendar days from receipt of the request). For exceptionally burdensome or broad requests, the custodian may request additional time.

For specialized records such as vital records (birth and death certificates), requesters should contact the New Mexico Department of Health's Vital Records Office, as these are maintained at the state level rather than by the county.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bernalillo County?

Bernalillo County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 14-2-9 NMSA 1978, which permits reasonable charges for copying public records. The current fee structure includes:

• Standard Paper Copies: $0.50 per page for standard 8.5" x 11" documents
• Large Format Documents: $3.00 per page for oversized documents such as maps and plats
• Digital Copies: $6.00 per CD/DVD for electronic records
• Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document for certification

Specific departments may have varying fee schedules:

• County Clerk's Office:

  • Marriage License: $25.00
  • Recorded Documents: $1.00 per page
  • Certified Copies: $1.00 per certification plus copy fees

• Metropolitan Court:

  • Case Documents: $0.50 per page
  • Certified Court Records: $1.00 per certification plus copy fees

• County Assessor's Office:

  • Property Record Cards: $1.00 per parcel
  • Tax Maps: $3.00 per page

The county currently accepts the following payment methods:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Personal checks
• Money orders
• Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees)

It is important to note that under § 14-2-9(B) NMSA 1978, no fee shall be charged for the right to inspect public records. Fees are only assessed for obtaining copies. Additionally, the statute provides that "the custodian may charge a reasonable fee for copying public records, not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) per page for documents eleven inches by seventeen inches in size or smaller."

For extensive research or compilation of records, the county may charge additional fees based on staff time required, though this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in compliance with state law.

Does Bernalillo County Have Free Public Records?

Bernalillo County provides free access to certain public records in accordance with New Mexico state law. Under § 14-2-9 NMSA 1978, the right to inspect public records is free of charge to all citizens. The following free services are currently available:

• In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine any non-exempt public records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office

• Online Access: Several free online resources are maintained by the county:

  • The Bernalillo County Clerk's Records Search provides free access to property records, marriage licenses, and other filed documents
  • The County Assessor's Property Search offers free access to property assessment information
  • The Metropolitan Court Records Portal provides free case information searches

• Public Meeting Records: Agendas, minutes, and supporting documents for County Commission meetings and other public boards are available for free on the Bernalillo County website

• Budget and Financial Reports: The county's annual budget, financial reports, and audit information are freely accessible on the County Finance Department website

While inspection is free, the county does assess reasonable fees for copies of records as permitted by state law. However, in certain circumstances, fees may be reduced or waived if the custodian determines that the request is in the public interest and not primarily for commercial purposes, as provided in § 14-2-9(C) NMSA 1978.

The county has also implemented public access terminals at various county facilities, including the County Clerk's Office and public libraries, where residents can access digital records at no cost.

Who Can Request Public Records in Bernalillo County?

Under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), specifically § 14-2-1(A) NMSA 1978, "every person" has the right to inspect public records of Bernalillo County. This broad eligibility extends to:

• New Mexico residents
• Non-residents and out-of-state requesters
• Organizations, businesses, and corporations
• Media representatives
• Government agencies
• Non-citizens

The law does not require requesters to:

• Provide identification for most records requests
• State the purpose or reason for their request
• Be a resident of New Mexico or Bernalillo County
• Demonstrate a "legitimate interest" in the records

However, certain exceptions apply to specific record types:

• Vital Records: Birth and death certificates require the requester to demonstrate a tangible interest as defined in § 24-14-27 NMSA 1978
• Voter Registration Information: While available to the public, the use of this information is restricted by § 1-4-5.5 NMSA 1978
• Law Enforcement Records: Access may be limited for ongoing investigations pursuant to § 14-2-1(A)(4) NMSA 1978
• Medical Records: Protected by both state law and HIPAA regulations

When requesting one's own records that contain personal information, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure. This is particularly relevant for records containing Social Security numbers, financial information, or other sensitive personal data.

Government agencies processing requests are prohibited from discriminating based on the identity of the requester or the purpose of the request, except where specifically authorized by law. The focus remains on the content of the records rather than the identity of the requester.

What Records Are Confidential in Bernalillo County?

Bernalillo County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions specified in the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) under § 14-2-1(A) NMSA 1978 and other applicable state and federal laws. The following categories of records are generally not available for public inspection:

• Law Enforcement Records: Information that would:

  • Reveal confidential sources, methods, or information
  • Interfere with ongoing investigations or prosecutions
  • Endanger an individual's safety
  • Reveal identity of victims of certain crimes

• Personal Privacy Information:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Financial account information
  • Medical records (protected under HIPAA)
  • Personnel medical and disciplinary information

• Juvenile Records: Court and law enforcement records involving minors, protected under § 32A-2-32 NMSA 1978

• Sealed Court Records: Including expunged criminal records and sealed civil matters

• Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and strategy documents between county attorneys and officials

• Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential business information submitted to the county

• Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, facility vulnerabilities, or emergency response plans

• Preliminary Policy Deliberations: Draft documents and preliminary recommendations not yet adopted as policy

• Adoption Records: Protected under § 32A-5-8 NMSA 1978

• Child Abuse and Neglect Records: Confidential under § 32A-4-33 NMSA 1978

• Certain Personnel Information: Including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal contact information

• Educational Records: Protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

When a record contains both public and confidential information, § 14-2-9(A) NMSA 1978 requires that the confidential information be redacted and the remainder of the record be made available for inspection. The county must provide a written explanation citing the specific legal authority for any denial of access to records.

The New Mexico courts have established a "rule of reason" balancing test that weighs the public's right to know against legitimate privacy interests and the effective functioning of government, as articulated in State ex rel. Newsome v. Alarid, 90 N.M. 790 (1977).

Bernalillo County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Bernalillo County Clerk's Office
One Civic Plaza NW, 6th Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 468-1290
Bernalillo County Clerk

Regular Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Recording Division Hours:
Document Recording: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Marriage License Division:
License Issuance: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Additional Service Locations:

Bernalillo County Clerk's Office - South Valley Satellite Office
3907 Isleta Blvd SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505) 468-1290
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Bernalillo County Assessor's Office
One Civic Plaza NW, 6th Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 468-7777
Bernalillo County Assessor
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
401 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 841-8151
Metropolitan Court
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Bernalillo County Clerk's Office serves as the official recorder of public documents for the county. The Recording Division processes and maintains records including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other property-related documents. The office also issues marriage licenses and maintains vital records. All recorded documents become part of the permanent public record of Bernalillo County and are available for public inspection during regular business hours or through the online records portal.

Lookup Public Records in Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County Clerk's Records Search

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Records

Bernalillo County Property Records