← Help in Grant County

Needs a birth certificate

Use 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.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Find out where they were born

You can ask"What state were you born in?"
You can ask"Do you have any photo ID right now?"
You can ask"Are you homeless right now, or staying with others because you lost your housing?"

2Born in New Mexico: go in person (fastest)

Go to the Grant County Public Health Office, 2610 N. Silver St., Suite 7.
Call 575-538-5318 first. Vital records hours are limited.
NM Department of Health - Vital Records
Birth certificates
575-538-5318
2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City · Office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1); vital records hours are limited, call first
Bring
  • Form 607
  • photo ID, or 2 or more backup papers (Social Security card, baptismal certificate, school or medical records, tax form, voter card, tribal or school ID)
  • homeless Self-Attestation form
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission can sign the homeless Self-Attestation form. Then the birth certificate is free. Otherwise it costs $10.

3Born in New Mexico: by mail (slower)

Mail Form 607 and the homeless Self-Attestation form to: NM Vital Records, P.O. Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502.
NM Department of Health - Vital Records
Free birth certificate for people experiencing homelessness (by mail or in perso
833-796-8773
· Statewide phone/online; mail
Bring
  • Form 607
  • homeless Self-Attestation form
  • copy of photo ID or 2 backup papers
  • a mailing address
NM Department of Health - NMHealth Helpline
State health helpline (incl. vital records questions)
833-796-8773
· Weekdays 7am-8pm; weekends 10am-4pm

4Born in another state

Each state has its own office, form and fee.
Use the CDC "Where to Write for Vital Records" guide to find the right office.
CDC National Center for Health Statistics - Where to Write for Vital Records
How to order a birth certificate from another state
· Statewide phone/online
You can ask"Is there a fee waiver for people who are homeless?" Many states have one.
Bring
  • A mailing address
  • any ID or backup papers they have

5Get a mailing address before you order

The certificate comes by mail unless they get it in person.
Help them set up General Delivery at the post office. See the guide "Needs a phone or a mailing address".

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.