How Do I Request Public Records in New Mexico?

What is the Process for Requesting Public Records in New Mexico?

You've heard that government records are supposed to be public. Maybe you want to know how your city spent tax dollars on a contract. Or you're curious about a decision your school board made. Or you just want to see what's in a police report.

But when you try to figure out how to actually get those records, you hit a wall. Government websites are confusing. Nobody answers the phone. You're not sure if you're even allowed to ask.

Here's the good news: New Mexico law gives you broad rights to inspect government records. You don't need a lawyer. You don't need a special reason. You just need to know how to ask.



Let's walk through it.

The Short Answer

New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) gives every person the right to request and inspect most government records. You submit a written request to the agency. They have 15 days to respond. Most records are available—agencies can only withhold records when a specific law says they're exempt.

What Is IPRA?

IPRA stands for the Inspection of Public Records Act. It's a New Mexico law that requires state and local government agencies to let you see their records.

If you've heard of the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), IPRA works similarly—but it applies to New Mexico agencies, not federal ones.

The law reflects a simple idea: in a democracy, citizens have a right to know what their government is doing. Public records help you make informed decisions, advocate for your community, and hold officials accountable.

What Records Can You Request?

The short answer: almost everything.

IPRA covers records "used, created, received, maintained, or held by or on behalf of any public body." That includes:

• Emails between government officials
• Contracts and invoices
• Meeting minutes
• Police reports
• Inspection records
• Personnel files (with some limits)
• Permit applications

The law presumes records are public. Agencies cannot withhold documents just because they'd rather you not see them. They can only deny your request if a specific legal exemption applies.



In practice, the vast majority of records are available—if you know how to ask.

How Do You Make a Request?

A valid IPRA request has three parts:

1. Put it in writing. Email counts. So does a letter or fax. Oral requests don't give you the same legal protections.
2. Include your contact information. Give your name, address, and phone number so the agency can reach you.
3. Describe what you want. Be as specific as you can. Instead of "all records about the new park," try "contracts and invoices for construction of Riverside Park between January 2023 and December 2024."



That's it. You don't need to explain why you want the records. The law actually says the agency shouldn't ask.

What Happens After You Submit?

Once the agency receives your written request, the clock starts.

Within 3 business days: If they can't provide the records right away, they must send you a written acknowledgment. This letter should tell you when to expect a response.

Within 15 calendar days: The agency must either provide the records or explain why they're withholding them. If your request is large or complex, they can take more time—but they have to tell you.

If they miss the deadline: You can treat the request as denied and take action to enforce your rights.

What If the Agency Doesn't Respond?

This happens more than it should. Agencies get busy. Staff turnover causes delays. Sometimes they hope you'll just go away.

Don't.

Start by following up in writing. A simple email works: "I submitted a records request on [date]. Please provide an update on the status."

Keep copies of everything—your original request, their responses, your follow-ups. This paper trail matters if you need to escalate.



If the agency keeps ignoring you, or if they deny your request without a valid legal reason, you have options. New Mexico courts can order agencies to produce records and award monetary penalties for violations.

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?

Most records requests don't require legal help. You can handle a straightforward request yourself.

But sometimes agencies stonewall. They miss deadlines. They claim exemptions that don't apply. They make the process so frustrating you want to give up.

That's when an attorney with IPRA experience can help. Lawyers can push back on improper denials, file enforcement actions, and—when agencies violate the law—recover penalties on your behalf.

The Bottom Line

New Mexico law gives you the right to see how your government operates. IPRA exists because transparency makes democracy work.

You don't need a special reason to request records. You don't need permission. You just need to put your request in writing and describe what you want.

Most agencies will cooperate. When they don't, the law is on your side.

At 505 Legal, we help New Mexicans exercise their right to government transparency. If you've submitted a records request and the agency isn't cooperating, or if you're unsure how to proceed with a complex request, we're here to help you understand your options.

Written by Kenneth H. Stalter, Co-Founder, 505 Legal.