New Mexico requires a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to carry concealed (NMSA 29-19-4). Applicants must be 21, complete a 15-hour training course, pass a background check, and submit fingerprints. Concealed carry is banned in schools, courthouses, and bars (NMSA 29-19-11). Private property owners can prohibit firearms. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 3 years).
Costs: CHL costs $100, plus $50-$75 for fingerprints and $100-$200 for training. Total: $250-$375.
Processing Time: Licenses are processed within 30 days.
Renewal: CHL lasts 4 years, costs $75, with a 2-hour refresher ($50-$100).
Reciprocity: New Mexico honors permits from 23 states, like Texas and Arizona. An NM CHL is recognized by 20 states.
New Mexico allows open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit for anyone 19 or older who can legally possess a firearm (NMSA 30-7-2). Open carry is banned in schools, courthouses, and tribal lands (NMSA 30-7-3). Private businesses can ban it. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
New Mexico has minimal firearm restrictions. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (NMSA 30-7-1). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are allowed if ATF-registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Ghost guns are legal with no serialization. Felons can’t possess firearms (NMSA 30-7-16). Federal violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200 each.
New Mexico follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked if passing through restrictive states. Open carry in vehicles is allowed (NMSA 30-7-2). Carry is banned in federal facilities and schools (NMSA 30-7-3). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).
New Mexico has no state permits or waiting periods (NMSA 30-7-1). Buyers must be 19 for handguns or 18 for long guns and pass a federal background check for dealer sales (18 U.S.C. § 922). Private sales require no checks unless the buyer is prohibited (NMSA 30-7-16). Violations can lead to felony charges (up to 3 years).
Costs: Background checks are free; dealers may add $10-$25.
New Mexico does not require firearm registration (NMSA 30-7-1). Ghost guns need no serialization, and lost/stolen reporting isn’t mandatory. Federal NFA items must be registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200.
New Mexico has no storage laws. No child access prevention law exists, but reckless endangerment applies if a minor causes harm (NMSA 30-6-1). No lost/stolen reporting is required. Penalties can be a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 3 years).
Sources: [1]
New Mexico has a Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground law (NMSA 30-2-7). Deadly force is allowed in your home or vehicle if you believe it’s necessary to prevent harm, with no duty to retreat anywhere you’re legally present. Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (up to 6 years).
Sources: [1]