Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who uses the data collected by New Mexico Vital Records & Health Statistics?
- What are the secondary uses of birth/death certificates?
- What kind of Health Information do we get from Vital Records?
- Where Can I obtain a Birth Certificate?
- What is a Vital Record?
- What can I get a copy of a marriage license or divorce decree?
- Where can I get a certified copy of a birth or death certificate from another state?
- When did we start collecting Vital Records?
Who uses the data collected by New Mexico Vital Records & Health Statistics?
Typically NMVRHS provides data to approximately 350-500 requestors annually from private industry and citizens, public agencies, legislators, and universities and others from throughout N.M., the U.S. and other countries. NMVRHS also provides data to numerous contractors including the Social Security Administration, National Center for Health Statistics, Department of Energy, National Death Index, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and others. The information provided to federal sources contributes to "national" data, such as the Consumer Price Index, without which national data would be incomplete. As the data provider to national agencies, the NMVRHS is the Designated State Center for Health Statistics.
What are the secondary uses of birth/death certificates?
While the initial driving force for birth and death certificates was to collect health data, the dual component—legal uses—has grown in number and importance, and become better known to the general public than the statistical uses. Providing certificates for citizens to:
- enter school
- trace descent
- obtain licenses
- play Little League, soccer, and other sports
- qualify for pensions and Social Security
- claim life insurance
- settle estates
- obtain work permits
- trace place of interment
- enter military service
- prove citizenship
- obtain a passport
- obtain special benefits
In an average year, NMVRHS registers about 27,000-30,000 births and 10,000-14,000 deaths, issues approximately 60,000-70,000 birth certificates, 80,000 death certificates, files 600 adoptions, registers and files 7,500 affidavits of paternity, and revises 4,000 records to add fathers, change names, etc.
What kind of Health Information do we get from Vital Records?
A full time program to deter and detect fraud. Document fraud is estimated to cost the state of New Mexico approximately $813 million dollars each year, and birth certificate fraud is a key element in many welfare, food stamp and other benefit schemes.
Recognizing this problem, the legislature made birth and death certificate fraud a felony.
Where Can I obtain a Birth Certificate?
In Albuquerque or Santa Fe, Monday through Friday except for state holidays or rare special closings, and (for persons over 1 year of age) in offices throughout the state—please call us directly for the location of the office nearest you. Our number is 505-827-2338 (recorded message) or 505-827-0121.
What is a Vital Record?
A vital record is a document issued by the government that provides proof of a major life event - birth, death, marriage, and divorce. As an American, you have a right to have these certificates both for yourself and for certain members of your immediate family.
What can I get a copy of a marriage license or divorce decree?
Copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees are available from the County Clerk of the county where the marriage license was issued or the divorce decree was filed. For further information about these services, please contact the appropriate office of the county involved.
Where can I get a certified copy of a birth or death certificate from another state?
You can go to the National Center for Health Statistics and click on the State where the birth, death, marriage or divorce occurred and follow the instructions provided.
When did we start collecting Vital Records?
In 1919 a State board of Health was created, and the first unit created was that of Vital Records and Health Statistics, which would govern the reporting of births and deaths. The unit has been in continuous operation since that time.