Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
County Clerk
Where can I find legal forms such as deeds, claim of liens, real estate contracts, etc.?
The County Clerks Office does not provide legal forms. Legal forms can be found at most office supply or stationary stores. We will accept forms from other states as long as the document is notarized and the original document is sent for recording.
LEGAL ADVICE: Our office cannot give legal advice on whether or not the documents being recorded are correct, complete or legally sufficient. Please contact an attorney for legal verification.
DOCUMENT LEGIBILITY: Please remember that the documents that are being recorded are permanent records, and must be legible and reproducible after it has been scanned and filmed.
FORMS: Our office does not provide forms, you may purchase them at any office supply store, or download forms from various websites via the internet.
How do I go about transferring my property to someone else?
The County Clerks Office records deeds that are sent to them. We do not draft deeds nor can property be transferred without one. If you wish to transfer your property it is recommended that you seek the assistance of an attorney or a title company. Blank forms can be found at most office supply stores and you can draft the document yourself if you wish. All names of the original owners must appear on the new deed as the seller (grantor) and their signatures must be notarized.
LEGAL ADVICE: Our office cannot give legal advice on whether or not the documents being recorded are correct, complete or legally sufficient. Please contact an attorney for legal verification.
DOCUMENT LEGIBILITY: Please remember that the documents that are being recorded are permanent records, and must be legible and reproducible after it has been scanned and filmed.
FORMS: Our office does not provide forms, you may purchase them at any office supply store, or download forms from various websites via the internet.
Where can I obtain a copy of my marriage license?
If you applied for your marriage license with the Valencia County Clerk, then we will be able to provide you with a copy of the license. We need to know the name of both individuals along with an approximate year of the marriage. Be sure to include the address where you would like the copy sent and a check with the correct fee. Keep in mind that divorce information is handled through the District Court. The County Clerks Office does not have such information.
LEGAL ADVICE: Our office cannot give legal advice on whether or not the documents being recorded are correct, complete or legally sufficient. Please contact an attorney for legal verification.
DOCUMENT LEGIBILITY: Please remember that the documents that are being recorded are permanent records, and must be legible and reproducible after it has been scanned and filmed.
FORMS: Our office does not provide forms, you may purchase them at any office supply store, or download forms from various websites via the internet.
Where can I obtain a copy of my property?
Survey plats of subdivisions and individual land splits can be obtained in the County Clerks Office. A complete legal description is required in order to provide a copy. If you request a copy through the mail, a check with the correct fee is required. Keep in mind not all properties have a recorded plat. Until recently, it was not a requirement to have your property surveyed or recorded so some properties are not available.
LEGAL ADVICE: Our office cannot give legal advice on whether or not the documents being recorded are correct, complete or legally sufficient. Please contact an attorney for legal verification.
DOCUMENT LEGIBILITY: Please remember that the documents that are being recorded are permanent records, and must be legible and reproducible after it has been scanned and filmed.
FORMS: Our office does not provide forms, you may purchase them at any office supply store, or download forms from various websites via the internet.
Does the County Clerks Office have birth and death certificates?
No, the County Clerks Office cannot provide copies of birth and death certificates. You can obtain these copies from the Vital Statistics Bureau. There are two offices:
- Albuquerque 505-841-4115
- Santa Fe 505-827-8780
They are the only offices which can provided such copies.
LEGAL ADVICE: Our office cannot give legal advice on whether or not the documents being recorded are correct, complete or legally sufficient. Please contact an attorney for legal verification.
DOCUMENT LEGIBILITY: Please remember that the documents that are being recorded are permanent records, and must be legible and reproducible after it has been scanned and filmed.
FORMS: Our office does not provide forms, you may purchase them at any office supply store, or download forms from various websites via the internet.
Does the County Clerks Office record discharge papers?
Yes. Military discharge papers are recorded at no charge in the County Clerks Office.
LEGAL ADVICE: Our office cannot give legal advice on whether or not the documents being recorded are correct, complete or legally sufficient. Please contact an attorney for legal verification.
DOCUMENT LEGIBILITY: Please remember that the documents that are being recorded are permanent records, and must be legible and reproducible after it has been scanned and filmed.
FORMS: Our office does not provide forms, you may purchase them at any office supply store, or download forms from various websites via the internet.
County Treasurer
When are tax bills mailed?
Property tax bills are mailed by November 1 every year.
When are the taxes due?
The first installment is due November 10 and becomes delinquent if not paid by December 10. The second installment is due April 10 of the following year and becomes delinquent after May 10.
Are there any late fees imposed if the taxes are not paid on time?
Yes. Delinquency charges for property taxes are:
- 1% of the base tax due per month for interest until paid.
- 1% of the base tax due per month for penalty. Maximum penalty is 5%.
What are the methods in which payment can be made?
Please see below for various way to pay your taxes. If you are remitting payment in office or by mail, please make sure to use your payment coupon(s).
| In Office | Phone | Online | |
| 501 Luna Ave Los Lunas, NM 87031 |
PO Box 939 Los Lunas, NM 87031 |
(505) 866-2090 | E-Notices |
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What reference number(s) do I use when making a payment?
Our main reference number is an alpha/numeric Account Numbers (example: R012345). Please reference this account number(s) when remitting payment. Your 19 digit parcel number (example: 1012345678910000000) can still be used. When making payments online, you will need your account number, so if you do not have it, please contact our office at 505-866-2090.
Can I make partial payments if I cannot pay my taxes in full?
Yes! We encourage partial payments if you cannot pay in full. You can pay at the Treasurer’s Office, by mail or phone, as well as online by selecting custom amount.
How can I find out what my taxes are if I do not receive a bill?
If you have not received a property tax bill by the 2nd week in November, please call our office at 505-866-2090, and we will provide you with the information you need to make payment. You can also view and print a statement of your taxes at our website https://webpubusers.co.valencia.nm.us/treasurer/web/.
If I did not receive my tax bill and it’s now past due, do I have to pay delinquency charges?
A taxpayer is still liable for taxes and any other charges even though a tax bill was not received. Failure to receive a tax bill will not relieve the taxpayer from the responsibility to make payments by the delinquent dates according to NMSA 1978, 7-38-36.
When will my property be in jeopardy for a tax sale?
It is not the responsibility of the Valencia County Treasurer’s Office to set up tax sales for property taxes that are delinquent. Once a property is delinquent 3 years, it will be reported to the State of New Mexico, Delinquent Property Tax Division, at which point they will start working the account for collection or tax sale.
Will I receive a property tax bill if my mortgage company pays my taxes?
Yes, everyone who owns property in Valencia County is mailed a property tax bill. If your mortgage company is responsible to pay your taxes, you will still receive a tax bill. It is for your records only. Please do not pay this bill unless you no longer have an escrow account with your mortgage company.
How many bills are returned to the Treasurer’s Office?
We have approximately 30,000 bills returned to our office for various reasons, i.e. wrong address, moved-no forwarding address, forwarding notice expired, deceased, etc. If you haven’t received your bill and need to correct your address, please fill out an Address Change Request form from the Valencia County Assessor’s Office. Your change will reflect on the next billing cycle.
Detention Center
Can I leave a message for an inmate in custody?
No, Institutional staff are prohibited from exchanging personal messages between inmates and visitors. However you don’t have to be on the inmates visiting list to correspond through the U.S. postal service.
When will a detainee be arraigned or otherwise seen by a judge?
Detentions staff don’t give scheduled Court information out to the public due to security concerns. You can contact courts for this information.
How can I place money on an inmate's account?
Please view the Valencia County Detention Center Visitor Information Brochure (PDF).
Probate Judge
Which Probate Court should a case be filed?
The Probate Court in the county where the deceased person resided, or if the deceased person did not live in New Mexico at the time of his/her death, then the county where the deceased owned property.
Solid Waste Collection Services
How do I sign up for Service?
You can contact Universal Waste Systems via phone at 1-855-UWSOFNM (897-6366), 505-377-8833, or online at the Universal Waste System website.
What if I want opt out of service and dispose of my own trash?
You can contact Universal Waste Systems via phone at 1-855-UWSOFNM (897-6366), 505-377-8833, or online at Universal Waste Systems website.
How do I contact Universal Waste Systems?
Universal Waste Systems can be contacted by phone at 1-855-UWSOFNM (897-6366), 505-377-8833, or online at email Universal Waste Systems.
How can I pay my bill?
You can pay your bill by using the Payment Coupon attached to your invoice that you received in the mail from Universal Waste Systems (check or credit/debit card).
Pay By Mail
You may mail a check to:
Universal Waste Systems
PO Box 760
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Make sure to include your account number.
Pay By Phone
You may pay by phone at 505-377-8833.
Pay Online
You may pay online at www.uwsnm.cokm (credit/debit card).
What is my pick up day?
Cart should be place the night before your pick up date.
What time is my trash pick up?
Trash carts should be roadside by 6 am the morning of your pick up.
What if I miss my pick up?
If your garbage pick up is missed, contact Universal Waste Systems at 1-855-UWSOFNM (897-6366) or 505-377-8833. They will return the same day if they are advised before 3 pm. If they are notified after 3 pm, the missed pick up will occur the next day.
What Holidays does Universal Waste Systems observe?
Universal Waste Systems observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Trash collection will resume one day later than your normal pick up day.
What can I put in my trash cart?
What is SAP and FAP?
Special Assistance Program (SAP) The SAP provides free additional services to our senior citizen, handicapped, and/or special needs customers. Financial Assistance Program (FAP) The FAP provides discounts to qualifying homeowners in accordance with the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How do I get a Senior Discount, Special Assistance (SAP) or Financial Assistance (FAP) Form?
You can contact Universal Waste Systems via phone at 1-855-UWSOFNM (897-6366), 505-377-8833, or online at www.uwsnm.com or email a request to service@uwsnm.com.
Is Recycling available?
At this time curbside Recycling is in the works. A flyer will be sent out to all registered accounts with information as to when this will happen. If you currently have recycling, you may take it to the Conejo Transfer Station at no cost. The Conejo Transfer Station is located at 1100 Manzano Expressway, Los Lunas, NM 87031.
What will I be able to recycle?
How do I order another cart?
You may order another cart by contacting Universal Waste Systems by phone at 1-855-UWSOFNM (897-6366), 505-377-8833, online at service@uwsnm.com, or via mail at:
Universal Waste Systems
PO Box 760
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(make sure to include your account number).
What do I do if UWS refuses to service due to road conditions?
Contact Valencia County Public Works at 505-866-2475.
Where is the Conejo Collection Center?
1100 Manzano Expressway
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: 505-377-8833
Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 8 am to 3:45 pm.
