New Mexico Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • For immigration and visa purposes, request a Police Certificate of Good Standing from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is the document accepted for apostille.
   • Download the DPS Authorization for Release of Information form from the DPS website. Fill it out completely and legibly with your original signature.
   • Include a money order or cashier's check for $33.00, payable to 'New Mexico Department of Public Safety.' This covers both the background check and the Police Certificate of Good Standing. Personal checks are not accepted.
   • You will also need to submit fingerprints. You can get fingerprinted at DPS headquarters in Santa Fe for $9.00 (manual fingerprint card), or use IdentoGO electronic fingerprinting locations statewide for $59.00.
   • Mail the completed form, fingerprints, and payment to the Law Enforcement Records Bureau at DPS headquarters in Santa Fe. The authorization form must include your original signature — photocopies are not accepted.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Processing takes 7-15 business days from the date DPS receives your request, depending on current volume.
   • Your Police Certificate of Good Standing will be mailed to you via U.S. Mail. This is the certified document you need for apostille and immigration use.
   • The standard $15.00 name-based background check is NOT sufficient for immigration purposes. You need the $33.00 Police Certificate of Good Standing, which includes the background check plus the official certification letter with seal.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit your Police Certificate of Good Standing to the New Mexico Secretary of State for apostille.
   • You can request an apostille online at enterprise.sos.nm.gov, in person at the Secretary of State's office in Santa Fe, or by mail.
   • The apostille fee is $3.00 per document. Payment can be made by credit card or e-check for online requests.
   • In-person requests are typically processed while you wait. Mail and online requests are processed within 3 business days. No expedited service is available.
   • New Mexico Secretary of State: 325 Don Gaspar Ave., Suite 300, Santa Fe, NM 87503. Phone: (505) 827-3600.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your background check is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 per document when submitting 3 or more). Price includes notarization.
   • Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Upload a clear, color scan (300 DPI minimum) of the full apostilled document — including the apostille certificate itself.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• New Mexico requires the Police Certificate of Good Standing ($33.00) for immigration use — not the basic $15.00 name-based records check. The basic check is non-certified and cannot be apostilled.
• Fingerprints are required. Manual fingerprinting at DPS headquarters in Santa Fe costs $9.00. IdentoGO electronic fingerprinting at statewide locations costs $59.00.
• DPS requires original signatures on the authorization form — no photocopies or digital signatures.
• Payment must be by money order or cashier's check. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted for background check requests.
• New Mexico has one of the lowest apostille fees in the country at $3.00 per document.

Sources and verification