What are Valencia County Public Records?
According to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, Valencia County public records consist of materials received or generated by a public agency during the conduct of public business. Records may exist as photographs, maps, tapes, books, letters, recordings, and papers. Access to some records may be restricted if they contain confidential information. Examples of such records include:
- Records concerning physical and mental examinations and medical treatments of any person confined to an institution.
- Letters of reference relating to employment, licensing, or permits.
- Matters of opinion in personnel or student cumulative files.
- Law enforcement records that reveal confidential sources and methods or the individuals accused but not charged with crimes.
- Any record included in the Confidential Materials Act.
- Trade secrets, information protected by attorney-client privilege, and business plans of public hospitals discussed in closed meetings.
- Tactical response plans or procedures prepared by a subdivision of a state that may be used to execute a terrorist attack if disclosed.
- Records containing protected personal identifier information, such as names, photographs, and social security numbers.
- Any other record that is made confidential by law or through a court order.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for extensive searches. Record seekers may opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Valencia County Crime Statistics
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains Valencia County crime statistics. For 2020, the Department of Public Safety recorded 2,167 crimes, consisting of 889 violent crimes and 1,278 property crimes. The violent crimes included one murder, 30 rapes, 20 robberies, and 838 assaults, while the property crimes included 401 burglaries, 683 larcenies, and 194 motor vehicle thefts. Compared to the crime statistics of 2019, there was a 51% decrease in crime.
Are Valencia County Criminal Records Public?
Valencia County criminal records are open to the record subject, counsel, or authorized agent. Any interested person must complete the Authorization for Release of Information Form signed by the subject of the criminal record search (see the Spanish version of the release form).
Generally, the form must include the name of the requester, the record subject's name, the record subject's social security number, and the record subject's date of birth. It should also include an address. Furthermore, the requester must notarize the form and attach a money order or a cashier's check for the $15.00 search fee made payable to the Department of Public Safety.
Valencia criminal records are usually made available within seven to 15 days from the day the request is received. The records will include all adult arrest records. Interested persons should submit requests by mail to:
Department of Public Safety
Attn: Records
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628
Requests for local records can also be made to the Valencia County Sheriff's Office at:
543 Luna Avenue
P.O. Box 1585
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2400
Fax: (505) 866-2027
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.
How to Obtain Valencia County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Valencia County Sheriff maintains Valencia County arrest records and police reports. These records are open to the public. They include accident reports, traffic incidents, arrest records, and case reports. However, some documents may not be open to inspection if they are confidential. Records check and case reports cost $1 per page to obtain copies. Requests should be made to:
Valencia County Sheriff's Office
543 Luna Avenue
P.O. Box 1585
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2400
Fax: (505) 866-2027
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Requests can also be made to city police departments for Valencia arrest records and police reports of events that occurred within those cities.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Valencia County
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains a sex offender registry. Any person can use the registry to find the location of sex offenders and confirm whether a person is a sex offender. Information about sex offenders on the registry is limited to those offenders who were convicted or incarcerated on or after 1 July 1995. The accuracy of the information is also dependent on what the offender provides while complying with the registration requirements.
Users can search for sex offenders in the registry with different parameters, including location, internet names, emails, phone numbers, and non-compliance. There is also an option to view a list of all offenders that are still incarcerated. The information provided regarding each offender includes names, addresses, dates of birth, photographs, physical descriptions, crimes, and dates of conviction. Additionally, anyone can register to receive email alerts when a sex offender moves into a community. The user would need to provide their address, city, state, zip, and email address.
How to Find Valencia County Inmate Records
The Valencia County Sheriff's Office maintains Valencia County inmate records. Interested persons can also contact the Valencia County Adult Detention Center for detainee information. Information that is provided concerning inmates includes names, ages, court dates, offenses committed, and dates booked. Any person can request to:
Valencia County Sheriff's Office
543 Luna Avenue
P.O. Box 1585
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2400
Fax: (505) 866-2027
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Valencia County Detention Center
436 Courthouse Road
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 565-8900
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Valencia County Jail?
Persons visiting an inmate at the Valencia County Detention Center must be on the inmate's visitation list. The Detention Center accepts visitors on weekdays. Inmates would need to turn in a paper visitation list to receive visits. Visitation lists may include up to five names, can be submitted once the inmate has spent up to 15 days incarcerated, and can be changed every three months. Each visit may last for up to 30 minutes, and visitors should call (505) 565-8900 up to 24 hours in advance to schedule or confirm visits.
Visitors to the Detention Center should follow the rules, including:
- Visitors should not bring contrabands, such as deadly weapons and alcoholic beverages, into the Detention Center.
- Electronic devices are not allowed in the Detention Center.
- Visitors should not wear hats, jackets, tight or short dresses, skirts, clothing promoting gang activity, and other clothing the detention officials deem inappropriate.
Visits can be completed at:
Valencia County Detention Center
436 Courthouse Road
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 565-8900
Valencia County Court Records
Valencia County's court system includes a district court, magistrate courts, probate courts, and municipal courts. The different courts have jurisdiction over different parts of the law. For example, probate courts have jurisdiction over ensuring the allocation of liabilities and debts of deceased persons. There are also clerks to make records of cases heard by the courts available.
Location of Courts in Valencia County
Valencia County 13th Judicial District Court
1835 Highway 314 SW,
P.O. Box 1089,
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 865-2400
Valencia County Magistrate Court - Division I and III
1206 Main Street,
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 865-4637
Fax: (505) 865-0639
Valencia County Magistrate Court - Division II
901 West Castillo,
Belen, NM 87002
Phone: (505) 864-7509
Fax: (505) 864-9532
Valencia County Probate Court
444 Luna Avenue,
P.O. Box 969,
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2432
Fax: (505) 866-2023
Belen Municipal Court
525 Becker Avenue,
Belen, NM 87002
Phone: (505) 966-2670
Fax: (505) 864-0361
Bosque Farms Municipal Court
1455 West Bosque Loop,
P.O. Box 660,
Bosque Farms, NM 87068
Phone: (505) 869-9231
Fax: (505) 869-6898
Los Lunas Municipal Court
660 Main Street NW,
P.O. Box 1209,
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 839-3844
Fax: (505) 352-3581
Peralta Municipal Court
90A Molina Road,
P.O. Box 432,
Peralta, NM 87042
Phone: (505) 869-2205
Fax: (505) 869-2958
Rio Communities Municipal Court
360 Rio Communities Boulevard, Suite 2,
Rio Communities, NM 87002
Phone: (505) 861-6803
Are Valencia County Court Records Public?
Yes. Valencia County court records are open to the public, in line with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. Only records that have been sealed, such as court records concerning juveniles and adoptions, are closed to the public due to the confidential nature of such records. Any person can make a request to the Valencia County Clerk to obtain copies of Valencia court records. These records may also be available at the courthouse that heard the case.
How to Obtain Valencia County Civil Court Case Records
Any interested person can obtain Valencia County civil court case records through a request to the Valencia County Clerk. Requests for court records can be made in person, online, or by mail. The requester may need to pay the applicable fees, depending on how the request is made and the specific request. Any person can find cases online with the New Mexico Case Lookup Portal. Users can find cases using either the names of the parties or the case number.
The Valencia County Clerk accepts online requests. Requesters using this option will need to provide their full name, phone number, email address, and a description of the court record they wish to obtain. Requests can also by mail or in-person and may be made to:
Valencia County Clerk
444 Luna Avenue
P.O. Box 969
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2073
Fax: (505) 866-2015
Requests can also be sent to the courthouse that heard the case.
How to Obtain Valencia County Criminal Court Records
The Valencia County Clerk provides public access to Valencia County criminal court records. Interested persons can make requests online, by mail, or in person. Online requests are accepted through the online requests portal. Any person submitting the online form would need to provide their name, phone number, email address, and a description of the court record they want. Mail and in-person requests can be made to:
Valencia County Clerk
444 Luna Avenue
P.O. Box 969
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2073
Fax: (505) 866-2015
The New Mexico Lookup Portal can also help interested persons to find criminal court records. Users can search for cases on the portal with either the name of the party or the case number. Additionally, requests can be made at the courthouse that heard the case.
What are Valencia County Vital Records?
Valencia County vital records document life events that occur in the County. Vital records include records of marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. They are maintained at both the state and county level, depending on the record. The County Clerk maintains Valencia marriage records for marriages conducted in the County, while the District Court maintains divorce records. Birth and divorce records are maintained by the New Mexico Department of Health. Birth and death records are closed to the public and are only available to close family members.
Where and How to Obtain Valencia County Divorce Records
The Valencia County District Court maintains Valencia County divorce records, which are open to the public. Requesters need to provide their full name, address, and telephone number. The Valencia District Court only maintains records for divorce cases it determines. Requests can be made online, in person, or by mail. Online requests should be made through the Online Request Form, while in-person and mail requests should be made to:
Valencia County 13th Judicial District Court
1835 Highway 314 SW,
P.O. Box 1089,
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 865-2400
Where and How to Get Public Valencia County Marriage Records
The Valencia County Clerk maintains Valencia County marriage records and makes these records open to the public. Requesters will need to provide the name of the bride, the groom's name, and the approximate year of the marriage. There is a $1 per copy fee for Valencia County marriage certificates. Interested parties can direct requests to:
Valencia County Clerk
444 Luna Avenue
P.O. Box 969
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 866-2073
Fax: (505) 866-2015
Where and How to Find Valencia County Birth Records
Eligible persons can request the New Mexico Department of Health for Valencia County birth records. The death should have occurred in New Mexico. Valencia County birth certificates are restricted to 100 years from birth. When they become unrestricted, they are public records that are open to the public. However, within the first 100 years, only close family members may obtain the records. Eligible persons include:
- The registrant.
- The registrant's mother.
- The registrant's father.
- The registrant's guardian.
- The registrant's sibling.
- The registrant's child.
- The registrant's spouse.
- The registrant's grandchild.
- The registrant's grandparents.
Requesters will need to complete the Birth Record Search Application, which is also available in Spanish. Eligible persons should also provide a government-issued photo ID with the request. The requester can also alternatively write a letter containing essential information, such as the registrant's full name, the date of birth, the city of birth, the full name of the registrant's parents, and the requester's information. Mail and in-person requests cost $10. Mail requests should be made to:
New Mexico Vital Records
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
In-person requests may be made to:
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm
Phone: (505) 827-0121
Midtown Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
2400 Wellesley Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 841-4100
Socorro County Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
214 Neel Avenue NW
Socorro, NM 87801
Phone: (575) 835-0971
McKinley County Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
1919 College Drive
Gallup, NM 87301
Phone: (505) 722-4391
The New Mexico Department of Health also accepts online and phone requests for birth certificates through VitalChek. Eligible persons may call (877) 284-0963 for phone requests. Next-day delivery of birth certificates costs $44.50, while delivery within three to five days by mail costs $26.
Where and How to Find Valencia County Death Records
The New Mexico Department of Health maintains Valencia County death records. The death should have occurred within New Mexico. These records are restricted and are only available to close family members and persons with a tangible interest in accessing the records. Valencia County death certificates become public 50 years from the date of death. Persons that can access the records while they are restricted include:
- The decedent's mother.
- The decedent's father.
- The decedent's guardian.
- The decedent's maternal grandparents.
- The decedent's paternal grandparents, if the father's name is included on the certificate.
- The decedent's siblings.
- The decedent's spouse.
- The decedent's child.
- The decedent's grandchild.
Requesters would need to provide a government-issued photo ID to obtain a copy of Valencia's death records. Requests can be completed by mail, in person, by phone, or online. For mail requests, the requester may complete the Death Record Search Application form, which is also available in Spanish. Alternatively, the requester can write a letter. The letter should include:
- The decedent's name.
- The date of the death.
- The place of death.
- The decedent's social security number, if known.
- The name of the mortuary in charge of the final arrangements.
- The requester's relationship to the decedent.
- The purpose of the request.
- The requester's name and signature.
- The requester's mailing address.
Mail requests cost $5. Payment should be made through certified check or money order payable to New Mexico Vital Records. The form or letter and fee should be mailed to:
New Mexico Vital Records
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
In-person requests cost $5, and the request should be made at:
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
Phone: (505) 827-0121
The New Mexico Department of Health also accepts online and phone requests through VitalChek. Eligible persons can call (877) 284-0963 for phone requests. Next-day delivery of death certificates costs $39.50, while delivery within three to five days by mail costs $21.
