Santa Fe County Public Records /Santa Fe County Property Records

Santa Fe County Property Records

What Is Santa Fe County Property Records

Santa Fe County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership, providing public notice of property interests, and protecting property rights for all parcels located within Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

Property records in Santa Fe County are maintained pursuant to the New Mexico Recording Act, codified under New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 14-8-1 through § 14-8-17. This legislation establishes the legal framework for recording, maintaining, and accessing property records throughout the state.

The primary purposes of Santa Fe County property records include:

Establishing legal chain of title and ownership history
Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
Protecting property rights through official documentation
Facilitating real estate transactions and property transfers
Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Enabling land use planning and development

The Santa Fe County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of property records for the county, maintaining a comprehensive system of documents that track the history and current status of all real property within county boundaries.

Santa Fe County Clerk's Office
102 Grant Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-6280
Santa Fe County Clerk

Are Property Records Public Information In Santa Fe County?

Property records in Santa Fe County are public information and accessible to all citizens under New Mexico law. The public nature of these records is established by both the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), codified under § 14-2-1 through § 14-2-12, and the New Mexico Recording Act, which specifically governs property records.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record in New Mexico
Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property documents
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating informed decision-making
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason

According to the New Mexico Recording Act, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county clerk to provide constructive notice to the public. This requirement ensures that property interests are transparent and verifiable through public records.

The Santa Fe County Clerk maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online platforms. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them may be subject to redaction under privacy laws.

How To Search Property Records in Santa Fe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Santa Fe County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems to facilitate property record searches based on the type of information needed.

For in-person searches:

Visit the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete a records request form, specifying the property information sought
Provide identifying information such as property address, owner name, or parcel number
Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by county ordinance
Review records on-site or request certified copies of specific documents

For property assessment and tax information:

Contact the Santa Fe County Assessor's Office to access property valuation records
Provide the property address or parcel identification number
Request specific assessment information, property characteristics, or tax valuation data
Pay any applicable fees for specialized searches or certified copies

Santa Fe County Assessor's Office
102 Grant Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-6300
Santa Fe County Assessor

For property tax payment records:

Contact the Santa Fe County Treasurer's Office for tax payment history
Provide property identification information
Request specific tax payment records or current tax status information

Santa Fe County Treasurer's Office
102 Grant Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-6245
Santa Fe County Treasurer

How To Find Property Records in Santa Fe County Online?

Santa Fe County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for remote searching of property information without visiting county offices in person.

The primary online resources for accessing Santa Fe County property records include:

ClerkTrack Web Portal - The official online system for accessing recorded documents maintained by the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office. Users can:
- Search by document type, recording date, or party name
- View document images for recorded instruments
- Access historical property records dating back several decades
- Create an account for enhanced search capabilities
Santa Fe County Assessor's Property Search - The comprehensive property information database maintained by the County Assessor's Office. This system allows users to:
- Search by property address, owner name, or parcel number
- Access property valuation and assessment information
- View property characteristics and improvement details
- Access parcel maps and GIS data
Santa Fe County Treasurer's Tax Records - The online portal for accessing property tax information. Users can:
- Search by property address or parcel number
- View current and historical tax payment information
- Access tax rates and special assessment details
- Make online tax payments for current obligations
Santa Fe County Growth Management Portal - The system for accessing land use and development records. This resource provides:
- Zoning and land use designation information
- Building permit history and status
- Development approvals and conditions
- Land subdivision and platting records

When using these online systems, users should note that while basic searches are generally free, fees may apply for document downloads, certified copies, or specialized search services.

How To Look Up Santa Fe County Property Records for Free?

Santa Fe County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. These free resources allow citizens to conduct basic property research without incurring fees.

Free in-person access options include:

Public access terminals at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office
- Available during regular business hours
- Self-service computers for searching recorded documents
- Staff assistance available for basic search guidance
- No charge for on-screen viewing of records
Public research stations at the Santa Fe County Assessor's Office
- Computer terminals for accessing property assessment data
- Property record cards and valuation information
- Parcel maps and property characteristic details
- No fee for on-site research

Free online access options include:

Basic property searches through the Santa Fe County Assessor's website
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values and property classifications
- Basic property characteristics
- Assessment calculation tools
Limited document searches via the ClerkTrack Web Portal
- Basic index information for recorded documents
- Limited document preview capabilities
- Search by name, property address, or document type
Tax status information through the Santa Fe County Treasurer's website
- Current tax status and payment due dates
- Tax rate information by tax district
- Special assessment details

While these free options provide substantial information, users should be aware that fees may apply for:

Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
Certified copies of official records ($5.00 per certification)
Extensive research assistance from county staff
Bulk data downloads or specialized reports

What's Included in a Santa Fe County Property Record?

Santa Fe County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific aspects of the property record.

The Santa Fe County Clerk's Office maintains the following property documents:

Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfaction and release documents
Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Easements and right-of-way agreements
Covenants and restrictions
Plats and surveys
Foreclosure notices
Probate property transfers
Tax sale certificates

The Santa Fe County Assessor's Office maintains property assessment records that include:

Property ownership information
Legal description of the property
Parcel identification numbers
Property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
Land and improvement valuations
Property characteristics (square footage, construction details)
Building permits and improvement records
Property tax exemption status
Special valuation classifications

The Santa Fe County Treasurer's Office maintains property tax records including:

Current and historical tax assessments
Tax payment history
Delinquent tax status
Special assessments and fees
Tax sale information for delinquent properties

The Santa Fe County Growth Management Department maintains land use records including:

Zoning classifications and land use designations
Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Development approvals and conditions
Subdivision plats and land divisions
Code enforcement actions
Environmental permits and restrictions

These comprehensive records are maintained pursuant to New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 14-8-4, which establishes requirements for recording and indexing property documents. The Property Tax Division of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department provides oversight for property assessment and taxation processes.

How Long Does Santa Fe County Keep Property Records?

Santa Fe County maintains property records permanently in accordance with New Mexico state law and records retention requirements. The permanent retention of property records ensures the continuous chain of title and property rights protection for all real estate within the county.

The retention periods for various property documents are governed by the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 1.19.2, which establishes records retention schedules for local governments. Under these regulations:

Deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property title: Permanent retention
Property assessment records: Permanent retention for base records, with periodic updates
Tax payment records: Minimum 10-year retention, with permanent retention of summary information
Building permits and certificates of occupancy: Permanent retention
Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
Zoning and land use records: Permanent retention for official actions

Historical property records in Santa Fe County date back to the Spanish and Mexican territorial periods, with some documents dating to the early 1700s. These historical records are maintained in special archives with appropriate preservation measures.

The Santa Fe County Clerk's Office has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve older records and improve accessibility. Many historical property records have been scanned and are available through the county's digital archives.

For research involving historical property records, specialized assistance may be required due to changes in recording systems, language differences (Spanish/English), and unique legal concepts from different governmental periods. The County Clerk's Office provides guidance for researchers working with these historical materials.

How To Find Liens on Property In Santa Fe County?

Locating liens on property in Santa Fe County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold or refinanced.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Santa Fe County:

Search for recorded liens at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office:
- Access the ClerkTrack Web Portal or visit in person
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review index entries for documents categorized as liens
- Examine specific lien documents for amount, creditor, and conditions
Check for tax liens with the Santa Fe County Treasurer's Office:
- Search property tax records by parcel number or address
- Verify current tax payment status
- Identify any delinquent taxes that constitute automatic liens
- Request a tax status certificate for official verification
Research special assessment liens through the Santa Fe County Growth Management Department:
- Check for special improvement districts affecting the property
- Verify infrastructure assessments or development fees
- Identify any code enforcement liens for violations
Verify state tax liens with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department:
- Search the state tax lien registry
- Verify if state income tax or other state tax liens exist
Check for federal tax liens at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the county clerk
- Search by property owner name
- Review for IRS or other federal agency filings
Research judgment liens through District Court records:
- Check civil court records for judgments against the property owner
- Verify if judgments have been recorded as liens with the county clerk

Common types of liens found in Santa Fe County property records include:

Mortgage liens
Mechanic's and materialmen's liens
Property tax liens
Federal and state tax liens
Judgment liens
Homeowners association liens
Special assessment liens
Child support liens

Professional title companies often provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee, which may be advisable for complex properties or transactions requiring complete assurance of clear title.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Santa Fe County?

The Property Owner Rule in Santa Fe County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through New Mexico state law, county ordinances, and judicial precedents.

Key elements of the Property Owner Rule in Santa Fe County include:

Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the Santa Fe County Clerk to provide constructive notice
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers
- Recording establishes priority of interests under New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 14-9-3
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners must report property to the Santa Fe County Assessor for valuation
- Annual property tax payments are required to the Santa Fe County Treasurer
- Tax liens automatically attach to property with delinquent taxes
- The Property Tax Division oversees assessment and collection processes
Land Use and Development:
- Property use is subject to Santa Fe County zoning regulations
- Development requires permits from the Growth Management Department
- The Sustainable Land Development Code governs land use decisions
- Historical and cultural preservation requirements apply in designated areas
Water Rights:
- Water rights in Santa Fe County are separate from land ownership
- Appropriative water rights must be documented and maintained
- Well permits and water use reporting may be required
- Domestic well regulations apply to residential properties
Adverse Possession:
- Property may be acquired through adverse possession after 10 years of open, notorious, and continuous possession
- Color of title reduces the required period to 10 years from the standard 15 years
- Payment of property taxes strengthens adverse possession claims
Easements and Access:
- Legal access to property must be maintained
- Prescriptive easements may be established through continuous use
- Utility easements are typically recorded with property documents
- Right-of-way agreements must be properly documented

The Property Owner Rule is further defined through the Santa Fe County Land Use Code, which establishes specific requirements for property development, subdivision, and use within different zones of the county. Property owners should consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.