Public Records Request
Notice of Right to Inspect Public Records
By law, under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), every person has the right to inspect public records of the Indian Affairs Department unless the records are protected by law. Compliance with requests to inspect public records is an integral part of the routine duties of the officers and employees of the Indian Affairs Department.
A person desiring to inspect public records may submit a request to the IPRA Records Custodian orally or in writing. The request must describe the records sought in sufficient detail to enable the IPRA Records Custodian to identify and locate the requested records. All Inspection of Public Records Act requests are processed pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, Section 14-2-1, et seq.). If the Indian Affairs Department does not maintain the public records you are requesting, we will notify you in writing and refer your request to the proper records custodian, if known.
The Indian Affairs Department is not the custodian for any police records or accident reports. Please visit the Department of Public Safety’s website for state police records or accident reports (https://nmdps.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(y0sh5tzc5pbpeiwhh5bvlsvo))/SupportHome.aspx).
The Indian Affairs Department is not the custodian for any ancestry and/or tribal membership or enrollment records. For ancestry and/or tribal membership or enrollment information, please contact the Nation, Pueblo or Tribe directly or visit the Bureau of Indian Affairs website (https://www.bia.gov/guide/tracing-american-indian-and-alaska-native-aian-ancestry).
The Indian Affairs Department may charge a copy fee for all requested documents. You will be notified in writing of any fee for your requested documents. Payment must be received prior to the disclosure of documents. It is a felony to tamper with, destroy, conceal, mutilate or remove public documents (NMSA 1978, Section 30-26-10).
Please review the comprehensive Inspection of Public Records Compliance Guide publication if you have any questions regarding IPRA requirements or its application.
SUBMITTING IPRA REQUESTS
Please use the form linked below to submit New Mexico Indian Affairs Department specific IPRA requests.
Any additional questions may be directed to:
Email: IAD.IPRA@iad.nm.gov