New Mexico Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in New Mexico, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
New Mexico is a shall-issue state with a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. Any resident of New Mexico at least 21 years old can apply for a concealed-carry license in New Mexico.
Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun in New Mexico?
Yes. There is a seven-day waiting period to buy a gun in New Mexico, unless you hold a valid New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
Is a permit required to purchase a gun in New Mexico?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a firearm in New Mexico.
Do you need to register handguns in New Mexico?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in New Mexico.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in New Mexico?
Any New Mexico state resident at least 21 years of age can apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
Is firearms training a requirement in New Mexico for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL)?
Yes. New Mexico requires a 15-hour handgun-safety course that includes live-fire instruction.
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in New Mexico?
An applicant for a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of New Mexico
- Meet federal law requirements
- Complete an approved firearms-training course
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in New Mexico?
- Complete a firearms-training course.
- Submit your fingerprints. As of May 2023, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety has transitioned to a new fingerprint-supported background-check provider, IDEMIA state.identogo.com.
- Complete the online application or download a physical application.
- SUBMIT your documentation. You will need:
- Certified original copy of your birth certificate issued by vital statistics in the state in which you were born (no photocopies)
- Copy of certificate of completion of firearms training
- Copy of New Mexico driver’s license or identification card
- Release forms and any other supporting documentation
- Mail your application and supporting documents to: New Mexico Department of Public Safety, SID/Concealed Carry Unit, 6301 Indian School Road NE, Suite 310, Albuquerque, NM 87110
How much does a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Cost?
The fee for a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is $56.
Does New Mexico recognize concealed carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes, New Mexico only recognizes permits from states with which New Mexico has reciprocity agreements.
Is New Mexico a Constitutional Carry state?
No. New Mexico is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is New Mexico an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in New Mexico without a license for persons at least 19 years of age who can legally possess a firearm, however, there are some restricted areas.
Is New Mexico a Stand Your Ground state?
No. New Mexico is not a Stand Your Ground state.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in New Mexico?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in New Mexico.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in New Mexico?
Yes. Higher-capacity magazines are legal in New Mexico.
Does New Mexico have gun-storage laws?
Yes. In New Mexico it is unlawful for a person who keeps or stores a firearm to do so in such manner that the firearm can be accessed by a minor without the authorization of the minor’s parent or guardian, or when used in the commission of a crime.
Is New Mexico a Red Flag state?
Yes. New Mexico has a red-flag law that allows law-enforcement officers to file a petition ordering the respondent to surrender all firearms which the respondent controls, owns or possesses, and further enjoins the respondent from purchasing, receiving or attempting to purchase, possess or receive any firearm while the order is in effect.
