Vital Records & Certificates in Roswell, New MexicoChaves County Clerk

In Roswell, vital records serve essential purposes from enrolling children in the highly-rated school district to applying for passports for visits to White Sands or Carlsbad Caverns. Military families stationed near Walker Air Force Base’s former location need certificates for transfers and benefits. The growing tourism industry around UFO attractions requires employment documentation, while new residents drawn by aerospace jobs at companies near the Industrial Air Center need certified records for background checks and professional licensing.

Birth certificates in Roswell are obtained through the Chaves County Clerk at 1 St Mary’s Place, conveniently located near the historic courthouse square. Babies born at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center or Presbyterian Hospital require certified copies for school registration at schools like Nancy Lopez Elementary or Sierra Middle School. The county clerk’s office maintains records for all births within Chaves County, including those at the rural communities surrounding Roswell. Processing typically takes 1-2 business days for walk-in requests, with expedited service available for urgent passport or travel needs. Parents should bring valid photo identification and know the child’s full name and birth date when requesting certificates.

Couples planning weddings at venues like the Roswell Country Club or intimate ceremonies at Spring River Park obtain marriage licenses from the Chaves County Clerk office. New Mexico requires no waiting period, allowing same-day ceremonies after license issuance. The clerk’s office at 1 St Mary’s Place processes applications Monday through Friday, with both parties required to appear in person. Popular wedding locations include the International UFO Museum for themed celebrations and Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge for outdoor ceremonies, making Roswell an unexpectedly romantic destination for couples embracing the city’s unique character.

Death certificates for Chaves County residents are processed through the county clerk’s office, regardless of whether death occurred at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, or other locations. Family members need these documents for insurance claims, estate proceedings, and Social Security notifications. The office maintains computerized records dating back several decades, with older records archived separately. Multiple copies are often needed for simultaneous processing of various administrative requirements following a loved one’s passing.

Divorce decrees from the Fifth Judicial District Court in Chaves County are available through the county clerk’s records department. Former spouses need certified copies for remarriage licenses, name change documentation, and property transfers. The courthouse maintains files for all divorce proceedings within the county, with staff able to locate records using case numbers or party names. Processing time varies depending on record age and complexity of the case filing system.

Visit the Chaves County Clerk at 1 St Mary’s Place, located in the heart of downtown Roswell near the historic courthouse. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with lunch closures from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Street parking is available along St Mary’s Place and surrounding downtown streets, with the nearby Municipal Building lot offering additional spaces. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order, with exact fees depending on certificate type and number of copies requested. The staff can provide same-day service for most requests when records are readily available.

The Chaves County Clerk office is located at 1 St Mary’s Place in downtown Roswell, just blocks from the International UFO Museum on North Main Street.