How to Request Public Records (IPRA) from Doña Ana County — step-by-step for families
Need information about a loved one's detention or county operations? New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) gives you the right to ask. Here's how to submit an IPRA request to Doña Ana County — what to include, expected timelines, and any fees you might pay.
New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) gives everyone the right to inspect Doña Ana County public records. You don't need to be a lawyer or explain why you're asking - if the law treats a record as public, you can request it.
Doña Ana County has a public records coordinator who oversees IPRA compliance. Knowing this role exists can help if you need to follow up - there's someone specifically responsible for making sure the county meets IPRA rules and deadlines.
You can make an IPRA request orally or in writing. But here's the thing: IPRA's enforcement procedures and penalties only apply to written requests. Put your request in writing. It creates a clear record of what you asked for and when.
The easiest route is online. Go to https://www.donaana.gov/ipra and submit your request through the county's IPRA portal (RecordBook).
Prefer paper? Mail or hand-deliver your written request to: Doña Ana County IPRA Custodian, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Box #17, Las Cruces, NM 88007.
What to Include
- ✓ Your name
- ✓ Your address
- ✓ Your telephone number
- ✓ A description of the records you want, written clearly enough for the records custodian to identify and locate them
Once the records custodian receives your request, the county must let you inspect the records immediately or as soon as practicable. The hard deadline is 15 calendar days from receipt.
If you don't get access within three business days, you should receive a written response explaining when the records will be available or when the county will respond.
If any records aren't available for public inspection, the county must send you a written denial explaining why. This denial must be delivered or mailed within 15 calendar days of receiving your request.
Want copies instead of just viewing the records? Doña Ana County charges $1.00 per single-sided page for standard copies up to 11 x 17 inches.
Larger copies, records requiring special equipment, or records on other media (photographs, tape recordings, discs) cost a reasonable rate determined by the county.
The custodian may require payment upfront before making copies. Ask for a receipt if you want documentation that fees were paid.
Running into delays or confusion? Remember that Doña Ana County's public records coordinator oversees IPRA compliance. A clear, written request gives them what they need to keep things moving.
Submit your request online at https://www.donaana.gov/ipra, or mail/hand-deliver it to the Doña Ana County IPRA Custodian at 845 N. Motel Blvd., Box #17, Las Cruces, NM 88007.
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