New Mexico issues pistol permits for the possession of firearms in the state.
Before you apply, make sure that you meet all requirements provided by New Mexico gun permit licenses.
New Mexico Gun Permit Summary
The department of public safety is in charge of issuing a pistol permit in New Mexico, and it is a shall-issue state.
The state does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms, but you must complete a criminal record check before buying firearms.
- Recommended Reading: New Mexico Gun Laws
How To Get A Gun Permit In New Mexico?
To apply for gun permits in New Mexico, you must be at least twenty-one years old and still have your right to possess firearms intact.
New Mexico gun license is for only concealed carry.
New Mexico Gun Permit Laws
You do not need a pistol license to open carry in New Mexico. As long as you are more than the age limit of nineteen years old and you do not have any prohibition or restriction for the use of firearms, you can open carry.
However, there are places defined as off-limits for the possession of firearms, and it is a prohibition to either open or conceal carry in these places.
New Mexico permits the possession of assault weapons such as machine guns that are federally licensed. Also, anybody carrying such firearms must comply with federal rules and regulations.
New Mexico Pistol Permit Requirements
Before applying for a pistol permit in New Mexico, you must meet the requirements provided by its gun law:
The requirements are:
- You must meet the minimum age requirement of twenty-one.
- You must be a legal citizen of the United States of America.
- You must complete New Mexico firearm training, except you are a member of the military.
- You must reside in New Mexico, except you are a member of the military permanently posted to the state.
- You must not be a fugitive or have an arrest warrant in your name.
- You must not be a convict of any felony case, or under an indictment.
- You must not be mentally impaired or a patient of any mental institution.
- You must not be an addict to alcohol or any other substance under the Drug Enforcement Agency’s control.
- You must not be a convict or plead guilty to any misdemeanor crime involving violence or have a conditional discharge for ten years before the permit application.
- You must not be a convict for any misdemeanor crime that involves DUI for five years before the application.
- You must not be a convict for the possession or usage of drugs or controlled substances ten years before application.
- You must not be a convict for any crime that has to do with domestic assault and battery.
- You must meet all federal laws that have to do with CCW permits application.
Different Types Of Gun Permits In New Mexico
A summary of firearms permits in New Mexico includes the following:
- State permit to purchase long guns: New Mexico does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
- State permits to purchase handguns: New Mexico does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
- State permit to open carry: New Mexico is a permissive state, so no permit required to open carry.
- State permits to conceal carry long guns: New Mexico does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
- State permits to conceal carry handguns: New Mexico issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In New Mexico?
For an initial permit application in New Mexico, you will pay a total of one hundred dollars. This consists of fifty-six dollars for the application fee and forty-four dollars for the fingerprint.
Renewal permit application costs seventy-five dollars.
Members of the military do not pay for pistol permit applications in New Mexico, except the cost of eight dollars and three cents for fingerprints.
Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In New Mexico?
The processes to apply for gun permit application in New Mexico includes the following:
Complete Your Firearm Training
Enroll for a New Mexico firearm training.
Provide Your Fingerprints
First, register with Gemalto cogent and pay the required fee. After this, you will receive a registration ID.
Take the ID to a Gemalto Cogent site and complete your fingerprint registrations.
Note that there are a lot of Gemalto Cogent sites in New Mexico, and their operational hours differ.
Submit Other Documents
Other documents you have to submit are:
- Your original birth certificate from your state of birth.
- Your firearm training certificate.
- A form of state identification. This could be a New Mexico issued driver’s license or an identification card.
Send all documents to the Department of Public Safety in the state.
Receive Notification
You will receive an approval mail after the processing time.
The permit renewal process for a renewal permit application in New Mexico is sixty days before the license expires and sixty days after the license expires.
After the expiry date, you can no longer use the permit for concealed carry until you renew it. If you elapse the processing period, you have to apply for a permit all over again.
Gun Permit Reciprocity With New Mexico
New Mexico has reciprocity deals with some states in the country. As a result of this, they accept gun licenses from these states.
Other aspects of its reciprocity include the following:
States That New Mexico Will Accept Their Pistol Permits
New Mexico has reciprocity agreements for firearms permits with these states. If you have a gun license issued by any of the states, you can possess firearms within New Mexico territories. They include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
States That Recognize New Mexico Pistol Permits
You can possess firearms in these states if you are a New Mexico gun licensee. However, you must respect the states’ gun laws and regulations concerning the possession of firearms within their territory. They include:
- Alabama
- Delaware
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Wyoming
- Puerto Rico
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With New Mexico
These states will accept a pistol permit from New Mexico, but you must meet some individual requirements before you can possess firearms. They are:
- Colorado
- Florida
- Michigan
- Nevada
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
States That Have Permitless Carry Policy
In these states, you can possess firearms without a pistol permit because of its permitless carry policy. However, you must meet the minimum legal age requirements to carry firearms as provided by the states’ gun laws. They are:
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
FAQs About Gun Permits In New Mexico
Some of the most frequently asked questions about pistol permit applications in New Mexico include the following:
Do I Need A Gun Permit To Conceal Carry In New Mexico?
Yes, you can only conceal carry with a gun permit in New Mexico.
For How Long Is New Mexico Pistol Permit Valid?
The validity period for a pistol permit in New Mexico is four years. Active and retired law enforcement permit is valid for five years.
Can Non-Residents Apply For New Mexico Gun Permits?
No, only military members that are non-residents can apply for a pistol permit in New Mexico.
How Can I Change The Name And Address On My New Mexico Gun License?
To change your name or address on New Mexico pistol permit, notify the Department of Public Safety at least thirty days before effecting the change. Then complete and submit a replacement permit application.
What Can I Do If I Lost My New Mexico Permit Or It Gets Stolen?
For stolen, missing, or destroyed gun licenses, the permit becomes invalid, and you have to obtain a replacement license.
For missing permits, submit a notarized statement to your law enforcement agency, for stolen permits obtain a police report, and add the case number to your statement while submitting.
Afterward, complete the replacement permit application within at least ten days.
How Soon Can I Apply For New Mexico Concealed Weapon Permit After Moving To New Mexico?
As soon as you establish residency in New Mexico, you can apply for a pistol permit. If you have a permit from a state that New Mexico recognizes, you can convert it to a New Mexico gun license.
Can I Make Use Of New Mexico Pistol Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?
No, upon establishing residency in another state, your New Mexico expires immediately and becomes invalid.
Do I Need A New Mexico Pistol Permit To Open Carry In The State?
No, you do not need a permit to open carry firearms in New Mexico.
New Mexico is a permissive open carry state, and anybody, nineteen years old or more, can open carry firearms as long as they have no prohibition against using them.
What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For New Mexico Gun Permit?
You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a pistol permit in New Mexico.
Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In New Mexico?
No, New Mexico does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms in the state.
Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In New Mexico?
No, even if you are a New Mexico gun permit licensee, you must complete a criminal record background check before buying firearms in the state.
Do I Need A New Mexico Gun Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?
No, in New Mexico, you do not need to be a permit holder to possess firearms in private properties, dwelling places, or private cars.
Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For New Mexico Pistol Permit?
Yes, you must complete a firearm training course before applying for a pistol permit in New Mexico. A certified firearm instructor must conduct the training.
Also, as long as you are a permit holder, you must undergo refresher training every two years.
What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In New Mexico?
The processing period for a New Mexico firearm permit is thirty days.
Is New Mexico A Preemption Gun Law State?
Yes, the state government has all rights to regulate the possession of firearms in all political subdivisions of New Mexico.
Can I Conceal Carry With A New Mexico Pistol License While Hunting?
Yes, if you have a pistol permit or anyone from a state that it recognizes, you can conceal carry while hunting.
However, you cannot use the firearm to take wildlife. It is only for self-defense and safety reasons.
What Is The Minimum Age For The Possession Of Firearms In New Mexico?
You must be at least nineteen years old to possess firearms in New Mexico.
Relevant Gun Permits Laws And Legislature In New Mexico
Some New Mexico gun laws concerning the possession of firearms in the state and use of pistol permits include the following:
Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles
You can possess firearms in private vehicles without a New Mexico gun license as long as you are nineteen years old or more, and you have legal rights to use firearms.
However, the firearm must remain in your vehicle while you exit, except you, are a permit holder.
[N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-3]
Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas
Yes, you can possess firearms in roadside areas of the state if you have a New Mexico pistol permit or that of any state that it honors.
Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas
According to the statute, [N.M. Admin. Code 19.5.2.21], if you are a permit holder in New Mexico or you have a gun license from any state that it recognizes, you can conceal carry handguns in state forests and parks.
However, it is a prohibition to do so in Wildlife management areas.
Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas
You can conceal carry firearms in restaurants and bar areas that sell beers and wines, except there is a post prohibiting firearms in such premises.
However, it is illegal to possess firearms in restaurants and bars that sell hard liquor for onsite consumption.
[N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-3]
Possession Of Firearms In Hotels
Owners of private properties can prohibit the possession of firearms within their premises by posting signage to communicate this.
For hotels, the management can develop gun policies and laws for the possession of firearms on the premises and conceal carry as well. Therefore, you have to visit the hotel website for more information.
[N.M. Admin. Code 10.8.2.16]
Additional Resources
New Mexico Gun Laws
New Mexico Concealed Carry Laws
New Mexico Open Carry Laws
