A free directory of 1434 places to get help in and around Grant County, New Mexico: shelter, food, recovery, health care, benefits, legal help and more. Kept up to date by the Silver City Gospel Mission.
47 organizations, 52 services for ID and documents
Step-by-step help for your situation
Has no ID at allUse when someone has no photo ID and needs a New Mexico state ID card for benefits, work, housing or a shelter bed.
Needs a birth certificateUse when someone needs a certified birth certificate for an ID, a job, benefits or housing. Covers people born in New Mexico and in other states.
Lost their Social Security cardUse when someone lost their Social Security card or never had one and needs a replacement for work, housing or benefits.
Needs a passportUse when someone needs a U.S. passport book or passport card, for travel, for a job, or as a strong photo ID.
Needs a marriage, divorce or death certificateUse when someone needs a certified copy of a marriage license, a divorce decree, or a death certificate, for a name change, ID, benefits, a pension, a bank or a funeral.
Who it's for: Anyone who needs ID or documents for work, housing or benefits. NO ID AT ALL - suggested order: 1) BIRTH CERTIFICATE (born in NM): Grant County Public Health Office, 2610 N. Silver St., Suite 7 (call 575-538-5318 first; vital records hours are limited). Form 607 plus the homeless Self-Attestation form = free (otherwise $10). With no photo ID, bring 2 or more backup papers (Social Security card, medical records, school records, tax form, baptismal certificate, voter card, tribal or school ID), or have a parent, sibling, grandparent, adult child or spouse with ID request it. Born in another state: use the CDC Where to Write listing. 2) STATE ID: MVD Silver City field office, 1876 Hwy 180 E (book an appointment, 888-683-4636). The Standard ID (not good for flights or federal buildings) is easiest: an identity paper from MVD List A (birth certificate, Social Security card, NM Corrections or federal prison photo ID, DD-214, Medicaid or Medicare card, SNAP/benefits printout from the HCA office, medical record under 1 year old (not ER/urgent care), Mexican consular ID, tribal ID, or an ID expired less than 1 year). If homeless, an affidavit or notarized letter from Mission staff stating where the person stays or receives services replaces the 2 proofs of NM address. The ID card is free if homeless (the person or the Mission signs an attestation; no notary needed) or 75+. A temporary paper ID is given the same day. A REAL ID also needs a birth certificate or passport plus SSN proof and 2 address proofs. 3) SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (free): with the new ID, order online at ssa.gov/myaccount (US citizens 18+, no changes), or start online and finish at the Las Cruces office (2141 Summit Ct.) within 45 days; questions 800-772-1213. 4) JUST RELEASED FROM NM PRISON: ask the probation/parole officer (Silver City 575-388-7312) to help with documents; keep the NMCD photo ID and release papers.
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
FBI Identity History Summary (your federal rap sheet)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Request your own FBI record online, then get fingerprinted at a participating Post Office. Results usually come within about 48 hours of fingerprinting. Mail requests take much longer. Used to review your record or prepare an expungement.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a copy of their own FBI criminal history. It is for personal review; employers and licensing boards use separate channels.
Bring: Photo ID for Post Office fingerprinting; $18 FBI fee (card, or certified check/money order for mail requests); email address.
NM Corrections Department - Probation and Parole District 6A
Help getting birth certificate, Social Security card and ID while on supervisionconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Probation and parole officers can help people under supervision get vital records (birth certificate, Social Security card) and connect them to housing, food, clothing, transportation and treatment help. Ask your officer.
ID, Social Security card and birth certificate before release from prisonconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Every NM state prison has an MVD kiosk that can issue a REAL ID or driver's license before release. Reentry coordinators and classification officers also help request a replacement Social Security card and birth certificate.
Hours: Through facility reentry staff
Who it's for: People held in NM Corrections Department prisons. Reentry planning starts about 210 days before release. Family or the Mission can encourage the person to ask their reentry coordinator or classification officer to start ID paperwork early.
NM Department of Public Safety - Law Enforcement Records Bureau
Get your own NM criminal history record (RAP sheet)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry
State central repository for NM arrest records. Request your own record to check it for mistakes, prepare an expungement petition, or see whether old cannabis charges were cleared. Needs a notarized release form and a fee.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants to see their own New Mexico arrest/conviction record. For an expungement you usually also need your FBI record (Identity History Summary).
Bring: Signed and notarized Authorization for Release of Information form, photo ID, and the fee (confirm current form and fee by phone).
Safe at Home address confidentiality for survivorsconfirmed October 2026
Domestic and sexual violence · ID and documents · Phone, mail and internet
Gives survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking a free substitute address to use for school, work and agencies. The state forwards their mail so the abuser cannot find their new home.
Who it's for: NM residents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault or stalking and who have moved (or will soon move) to a place unknown to the abuser. Parents/guardians can apply for a child.
Bring: Application packet completed with an application assistant at a DV or sexual assault program; must be notarized
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Veterans
Free photo ID card for veterans enrolled in VA health care. Request online (upload photo and ID) or ask the VA enrollment coordinator or at your next VA visit (Silver City VA clinic) to get the photo taken.
U.S. passport applications and passport photosconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents
Passport acceptance office: takes new U.S. passport book/card applications (Form DS-11) and takes passport photos. A passport card is a federal photo ID that also works as REAL ID-level proof of identity at MVD.
Who it's for: U.S. citizens. First-time applicants need proof of citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate) plus photo ID.
Bring: Completed DS-11 (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy, photo ID and a copy, passport photo, State Department fee (check/money order) plus a separate acceptance fee.
NM Higher Education Department - HSE Transcripts (DiplomaSender)
Copy of a New Mexico GED or HiSET diploma or transcriptnot yet confirmed: call first
ID and documents · School, GED and reading
New Mexico orders GED and HiSET (high school equivalency) diplomas, transcripts and verification letters through DiplomaSender. Records from 1943 to now. Try the testing site first.
U.S. Department of State - National Passport Information Center
Passport status and questions (phone and online)not yet confirmed: call first
ID and documents
U.S. State Department line for passport questions and to check the status of a passport application. Status can also be checked online at travel.state.gov.
Confirmed: the Grant County Public Health Office issues certified NM birth certificates in person ($10; free if homeless). Also by mail to Santa Fe (6-12 weeks) or VitalChek (from $26 plus fees). Death certificates only from Santa Fe.
Hours: Office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1); vital records hours are limited, call first
Where: 2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Only for people born in New Mexico. The person named on the record or immediate family (parent, sibling, child, grandchild, current spouse, grandparent), or someone with proof of legal interest.
Bring: Form 607 + photo ID. No photo ID: 2 or more of SS card, baptismal cert, school or medical records, tax form, voter card, tribal or school ID. Homeless: add Self-Attestation form (fee waived).
Free birth certificate for people experiencing homelessness (by mail or in persoconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents
Birth certificate fee is waived for homeless people born in NM. Send Form 607 (Birth Record Search Application) with the homeless Self-Attestation form to Vital Records, PO Box 26110, Santa Fe NM 87502, or apply at the Silver City public health office.
Who it's for: People born in New Mexico who are homeless at the time of the request. This includes people with no fixed nighttime residence, staying with others because they lost housing, living in a motel, campground or car, or in a shelter. The attestation can be signed by the person or by a school homeless liaison, social worker, or agency serving homeless people.
Bring: Form 607 + homeless Self-Attestation form + copy of photo ID. No photo ID: 2 or more backup papers (SS card, medical or school records, tax form, baptismal or voter card). Mail takes 6-12 weeks; in person is faster.
NM Motor Vehicle Division - Silver City field office
State ID and driver's licenseconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Transportation · 1 miles from Silver City
State MVD field office: driver's licenses, state ID cards (REAL ID or Standard), permits, tests, reinstatement. Gives a temporary paper ID the same day. ID card free if homeless or 75+. Local line listed by MVD: 575-538-3281.
Who it's for: New Mexico residents. A Standard ID (not valid for flights or federal buildings) does not require proof of lawful status. The ID card is free for people experiencing homelessness (attestation signed by the person or by a shelter/nonprofit such as the Mission; no notary needed) or age 75 and older. Driver's licenses are not free. Most offices require an appointment (book online at mvd.newmexico.gov or call 888-683-4636).
Bring: Originals only. REAL ID: birth cert or passport + SSN proof (SS card, W-2, SSA-1099, pay stub) + 2 NM address proofs. Standard: MVD List A paper + 2 address proofs, or a shelter/nonprofit letter if homeless.
Free library card (homeless residents welcome)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Free library card for county residents. People living in shelters or homeless in the county can get one; general delivery address is accepted. First card free, replacement $5.
Who it's for: Residents of Grant, Catron or Hidalgo County (plus Hillsboro/Kingston and the Faywood area), including people in shelters or experiencing homelessness. Children 4 and up. Short-term visitors can ask about a visitor's card.
Bring: Current photo ID (adults) and local contact information
Copies, printing and free scanningconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Phone, mail and internet
Black-and-white copies 10 cents a page; printing 25 cents (color $1); scanning is free to a USB flash drive ($2.50 at the desk). Handy for copies of ID for mail-in birth certificate requests. No fax or notary.
County Clerk (recording, marriage licenses, elections, voter registration)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · 2 miles from Silver City
Records deeds, issues marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage records (often needed at MVD/SSA to link a name change), voter registration and elections. Birth/death certificates come from NMDOH, not the clerk.
Where: 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Anyone
Bring: Photo ID; names and marriage date for a record copy. By mail: Marriage License Order Form + check or money order to PO Box 1286, Silver City NM 88062. Copies $1/page, certification fee applies.
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Public health office (vaccines, family planning, harm reduction, birth certificaconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · ID and documents · Children, youth and families · 2 miles from Silver City
Vaccines, family planning, STD/HIV/hepatitis testing, harm reduction, Suboxone (MOUD), TB care, Children's Medical Services, WIC, and NM birth certificates (call ahead for vital records hours). Appointments preferred; walk-ins as staffing allows.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
Benefits printout or letter to use as ID and address proof at MVDconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · 2 miles from Silver City
People on SNAP, Medicaid or cash aid can ask for a benefits profile printout or award letter. MVD accepts these (dated within a year) as identity and NM residency proof, which helps people with no other papers get an ID.
Sex offender registration (including registrants without a fixed address)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry · 3 miles from Silver City
Under NM law, people required to register as sex offenders register with the sheriff of the county where they live or stay, including people living in a shelter or with no fixed address, and must update within the deadlines set by law when their living si
Notary public, copies, fax and shippingconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Phone, mail and internet · 3 miles from Silver City
Has a notary on staff for affidavits and other forms; also faxing, copying and shipping. New Mexico law caps most notary fees at about $5 per notarization.
Rural addressing - get or fix a 911 street address (Planning & GIS)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Phone, mail and internet · Weather and disaster · 4 miles from Silver City
Grant County Planning & Community Development assigns rural (911) street addresses in unincorporated areas and fixes addressing problems. A real physical address helps for ID, mail, utilities and ambulances finding you. Report issues online or call GIS.
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Las Cruces
Immigration legal servicesconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry · 113 miles from Silver City
Low-cost immigration legal help from the Las Cruces office, such as green card, family petitions, work permits and other filings for refugees and immigrants.
U.S. House of Representatives - New Mexico 2nd District Office
Casework help with stuck federal cases (Social Security, VA, IRS)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Veterans · 115 miles from Silver City
The congressional office for Grant County helps constituents with problems at federal agencies such as Social Security, the VA and the IRS, for example a delayed Social Security card or benefits case. Needs a signed privacy release form.
Mexican passports, matrícula consular ID, birth records and protection helpconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry · 155 miles from Silver City
Mexican consulate that covers Grant, Luna, Hidalgo, Sierra and Doña Ana counties. Issues passports and the matrícula consular photo ID, Mexican birth certificates, and helps Mexican nationals who are detained or in trouble.
Sara McKnight Transitional Living Centerconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Domestic and sexual violence · ID and documents · Jobs and training · Children, youth and families · 155 miles from Silver City
Residential transitional shelter for homeless women with or without children, with case management, counseling, job search, life skills and help replacing IDs; YWCA also runs rapid rehousing.
Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM)
Drop-in center, case navigation and Casa Lola transitional housingconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Food · Clothing, showers and laundry · Mental health and crisis · ID and documents · 230 miles from Silver City
Drop-in center with showers, clothing closet, food pantry and lunch, computers, free counseling, help changing name/gender marker on ID, and transitional housing. Remote support available statewide.
Transforming Lives Center for Men - short-term care and recoveryconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Food · Alcohol and drug recovery · Benefits · ID and documents · Faith and community · Hygiene and personal care · 300 miles from Silver City
Christian men's center offering 7-30 day short-term care (bed, meals, clothing, showers, case management) and a path into a year-long recovery program.
Emergency shelter · Food · Clothing, showers and laundry · ID and documents · Hygiene and personal care · 315 miles from Silver City
Faith-based shelter for men, women and children (up to 90 days) with showers, laundry, help getting ID and Social Security paperwork, counseling and hot meals; warming shelter below 32 degrees.
CDC National Center for Health Statistics - Where to Write for Vital Records
How to order a birth certificate from another stateconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents
Official guide listing each state's vital records office, fees and how to order. Use it for clients born outside New Mexico; many states also have homeless fee waivers.
Hours: Statewide phone/online
Who it's for: Anyone born in another US state or territory
National Archives - National Personnel Records Center
Request a DD-214 (military discharge papers)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Veterans
Veterans and next of kin can request a free copy of a DD-214 online through eVetRecs (needs ID.me) or by mailing/faxing an SF-180 form. A Veteran Service Officer can also help request it.
Birth/death certificates by phone (VitalChek)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Death and burial
Order NM birth/death certificates by phone or online through VitalChek: $26 (regular mail) or $44.50 (next-day UPS) for a birth certificate, plus service fees; 3-5 day processing. By mail with Form 607 is $10. Death certificates only from Santa Fe.
Driver's license reinstatement (suspended or revoked)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry · Transportation
Explains how to get a suspended/revoked license back. Each suspension on a record has its own requirements; one reinstatement fee is charged. Point suspensions need an 8-hour driving safety course; 5- or 10-year revocations need a district court Order of
Free state ID card for people experiencing homelessness or age 75+confirmed October 2026
ID and documents
State law (HB 389, 2023) says MVD may not charge for an ID card for a homeless person or anyone 75+. Get it at any MVD field office (Silver City: 1876 Hwy 180 E). Temporary paper ID same day. Driver's licenses are not free.
Hours: MVD field offices: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
Who it's for: People 75 and older, and people experiencing homelessness: no fixed, regular and adequate nighttime place to stay, including staying with others after losing housing, living in a motel, campground or trailer park, a shelter or transitional housing, or a car, park, abandoned building or similar place. Homelessness is shown by an attestation (no notary needed) signed by a public or nonprofit agency serving homeless people (such as the Mission), a school homeless liaison/counselor/nurse, a licensed social worker, or the person themself. Ask MVD for its Attestation of Homelessness Status form.
Bring: Signed homelessness attestation; identity paper(s) from MVD List A; 2 NM address proofs OR an affidavit/notarized letter from a shelter or nonprofit certifying where you stay or get services (Standard ID).
Ignition interlock license (legal driving during DWI revocation)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry · Transportation
Anyone revoked for DWI can get a restricted interlock license to drive to work and appointments once a state-approved interlock is installed in every vehicle they drive. Six months of clean interlock use is needed before full reinstatement.
Bring: Interlock lease/installation certificate showing VIN, proof of insurance listing the driver, notarized Affidavit of Ignition Interlock, None for the Road certificate if age 18-24 first license or 25+ with DWI.
National line (benefits, SSI, replacement card)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Seniors and disability
SSA national line (TTY 800-325-0778): SSI/SSDI, retirement, Medicare help. Replacement SS card is free: adult US citizens with a NM license or ID can order online at ssa.gov/myaccount; others start online and finish at Las Cruces in 45 days.
Bring: Social Security number; for online card: my Social Security account (Login.gov or ID.me) and NM driver's license or state ID; no name, birth date or other changes.
Social Security Administration - Las Cruces office (serves Grant County)
SSI, disability, retirement and replacement Social Security cardsconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Seniors and disability
Nearest Social Security office for Grant County (no SSA office in Silver City). SSI, disability, retirement, Medicare help and replacement SS cards (free). Card is mailed, not given same day. Call first; many things can be done by phone or online.
Bring: Unexpired photo ID (NM ID, license or passport; if none, ask about Medicaid/insurance card, school, employee or military ID). Proof of citizenship if never shown before. For disability: doctors, medicines, work history.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Contact Center
Immigration case questions, appointments and replacement documentsconfirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Federal line for green card, work permit and citizenship case questions, rescheduling biometrics or interviews, and booking field-office appointments (e.g., proof of status, emergency travel). Automated help 24/7 in English and Spanish.
DWI awareness course required for licensing (online)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Self-paced DWI awareness study guide/course required for first NM licenses ages 18-24 and for anyone 25+ with a DWI conviction; exam taken free at a state MVD office.
Some help people need still isn't available in Grant County, like inpatient detox, a local public defender office, and help applying for disability. See the list, and tell us if your organization can help fill one, or if you know of help we've missed.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date
Phone numbers, hours and services change all the time. Volunteers call each place to make sure its listing is still right, so no one makes a trip for nothing. You can do it from home, on your own schedule. An hour a week makes a real difference.
For other organizations: this directory is free to use and share. Download the whole directory (spreadsheet, updated live).
Please credit the Silver City Gospel Mission, and remember that hours and services change: call ahead before sending someone.
Kept by the Silver City Gospel Mission · 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061 · 575-388-5071 · Updated October 28, 2026.
Information comes from the providers themselves, public sources and our staff. It is offered as a help, not a guarantee; please call ahead.