CLICK HERE to download Frequently Asked Questions about Records Management.

CLICK HERE to download the rate sheet for SLO copy fees.

NOTICE OF RIGHT TO INSPECT PUBLIC RECORDS

All records to be inspected must be obtained through the Records Management Division.

1. The Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 et seq.) requires the New Mexico State Land Office to make all its public records available to every person for public inspection. An oral request to inspect the public records is not governed by the requirements of the Inspection of Public Records Act. However, as a courtesy to the public, oral requests will be accepted and handled as staff time permits. It is strongly recommended that all requests to inspect the public records be made in writing.

2. The records custodian must permit inspection immediately or as soon as practicable, but no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the records custodian receives your written request.  If inspection is not permitted within three (3) business days, you will receive a written response explaining when the records will be available for inspection or when the public body will respond to your written request.  If any of the records requested are not available for your inspection, you are entitled to a written response, from the records custodian, within fifteen (15)  calendar days from the date of your request, explaining the reason inspection has been denied.

3. The duty of the Land Office staff in the Records Management Division is to simply make all such records available to you for your inspection. Although the State Land Office Records Management Division staff will help as much as time permits, it is not their duty to do research or compiling for you. Requests for assistance beyond allowing and providing the records requested for inspection will be considered as time permits.

4. A written request to inspect the public records should be submitted to Lucille Sisneros, the records custodian, at the address given below, and should contain:

1. the date upon which the request is being made;

2. your name and address; 

3. your telephone number;

4. a precise statement of what records you want to search for and inspect (a vague or unclear request cannot be fulfilled);

5. and, a statement of whether you expect you will need copies.

5. Reasonable facilities for your inspection of the public records will be provided during our usual business hours. Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

6. You may request in writing that copies be made for you. If your request is accepted, you will be charged for copies. You will receive a receipt for all such charges. You may be required to pay such charges in advance.  Copy charges will be assessed as follows:

1. for the first 50 pages, 25 cents per page (8.5" x 11"); 50 cents per legal size page (8.5" x 14")

2. after 50 pages, the order will be treated as a custom order with charges increased as deemed necessary, including charges for staff time in making the copies;

3. certified copies are $1.75 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page of the same document;

4. AUTO-CAD produced maps/plats are $2.00 each page.

7. A request that the staff locate or compile particular documents should be made in writing.  Land Office staff do not have a duty to do research or abstracting.  If the request is accepted, you will be charged for copies as stated above, and also charged for staff time at the salary rate(s) of the staff involved in the research or abstracting.

8. Notice: The Land Office reserves the right to have a Records Management Division/Legal Division staff person review any documents or files before releasing them for inspection. Further, a Land Office staff person may be assigned to supervise you during your inspection of the public records. Finally, all files provided for inspection must remain at all times in the public records room.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Records Management Division at 827-7984; P.O. Box 1148, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504-1148.