IPRA Request Overview
Use an IPRA request to ask the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) for copies of public records. The portal lets you submit the request online, track its status, and download the records when they are ready.
Registered Tier 1 and Tier 2 users. If you do not have an account yet, see New User Registration.
Have the following ready:
- Request details – a specific description of the records you want (subject, source and date range).
- Document format – Digital or Printed. For printed records, also decide on the delivery method: Pickup or Mail.
- Requester type – whether you are filing as an Individual or for a Company.
- Contact information – your name, address, phone number and email.
- Spend limit – the most you are willing to pay in fees. You are contacted if the charges will exceed this amount.
What is IPRA?
IPRA is the Inspection of Public Records Act, a New Mexico state law that gives the public the right to access public records held by government agencies, including the NMPRC. Under IPRA, any person may inspect public records and request copies of them.
How It Works
- Open the IPRA form from Submit New on your dashboard.
- Complete the IPRA form: document format, requester information, request details and spend limit.
- Submit your IPRA request and note the Confirmation Number.
- Manage your IPRA request: track its status, answer clarification requests and download production documents.
The NMPRC acknowledges the request within 15 business days, as required by New Mexico law. You receive email notifications as the status changes.
Request Statuses
| Status | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledged – Pending Review | The request was received and is under review. | Wait for the next update. |
| Clarification Required | More information is needed. | Check your email and the request in the portal, then respond. See Respond to a clarification request. |
| Extension Request | More time is needed to process the request. | Wait for the next update; you will be notified. |
| Payment Request | Payment is required before the request is fulfilled. | Follow the payment instructions in the email. |
| Production Documents Available | Documents are ready to download. | Download them from the request's Documents tab. |
| Rejected – Closed | The request was rejected. | Review the reason; you may resubmit with corrections. |
| Wrong Custodian – Closed | The request was filed with the wrong custodian. | Contact Get Help for guidance. |
| Broad and Burdensome | The request is too broad and needs refinement. | Narrow the request and resubmit. |
| Closed | Processing is complete. | Download any final documents. |
Example
A researcher studying utility rate cases needs rate case documents from 2023.
- They register as a Tier 1 user (about 10 minutes).
- They sign in, click Submit New and select Submit an IPRA Request.
- They complete the form (about 10–15 minutes):
- Request Details: "All rate case documents and filings for docket numbers 23-XXXXX through 23-YYYYY from calendar year 2023"
- Document Format: Digital
- Individual or company?: Individual
- They submit the request and receive a Confirmation Number.
- Within 15 business days, the NMPRC acknowledges the request, and staff then locate and prepare the documents. Preparation time varies.
- When the documents are ready, they download them from the request in the portal. Email notifications keep them informed of each status change.
A specific request description helps NMPRC staff locate documents faster and may reduce processing time.