Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task armed Americans must undertake. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of New Mexico gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Land of Enchantment below.
Can You Carry a Gun in New Mexico
No permit is required for open or concealed carry of an unloaded firearm or transport of a loaded firearm in a vehicle in New Mexico. Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone at least 19 years of age who can legally possess a firearm.
Concealed carry of a loaded firearm on foot is allowed for residents with a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL) and non-residents with a permit from a state that New Mexico honors. State law limits concealed carry license holders to carrying one concealed gun at any given time. However, any number of firearms can be openly carried. New Mexico honors a total of 20 state concealed carry permits, provided the permit holders are at least 21 years old.
New Mexico Concealed Carry Permit
The minimum age to obtain a New Mexico CHL is 21 years old. A 15-hour handgun safety course that includes live-fire instruction is required. New Mexico doesn’t issue non-resident permits with the exception of members of the military permanently stationed in New Mexico and their dependents.
Stand Your Ground
According to a 1946 state Supreme Court ruling in State v. Couch, “A person who is threatened with an attack need not retreat. In the exercise of his right of self-defense, he may stand his ground and defend himself.” A defendant who kills another in self-defense while standing his or her ground must show that he or she (1) was placed in reasonable fear of immediate death or great bodily harm, (2) used a reasonable amount of force to avoid the threat and (3) did not instigate the encounter. There is also no civil suit indemnity statute.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Permits are not required when buying a handgun and there is no firearms registration in New Mexico. Private sales have to be administered by a licensed federal firearms dealer who will run a background check. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. New Mexico has no ammunition restrictions or magazine capacity restrictions.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
You may also carry pepper spray for personal protection, a stun gun or a Taser, as all are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in New Mexico?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with New Mexico’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
- Restaurants exclusively licensed to sell only beer and wine, unless posted
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
Locations where carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:
- Public schools, colleges and universities (except in a private vehicle if older than 19)
- Public school buses
- Establishments licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages other than beer or wine
- Anywhere while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including certain prescription or over-the-counter medications
- City parks and recreation facilities in Albuquerque as of June 14, 2020
- Designated child-detention or correctional facilities
- Correctional facilities and jails
- Any state, county, municipal or tribal court
- State wildlife management areas/game refuges
- Tribal land
- Public buses
- Private property where the owner has posted signs indicating that you may not carry (or if the owner tells you that you cannot carry)
- Airport security zones
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in New Mexico?
Carry is allowed in vehicles without a permit for anyone 19 or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. However, individuals without permits may not have the weapon concealed on their person upon exit from the vehicle. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas with a permit.
Ready to Learn More About New Mexico Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about New Mexico’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the New Mexico gun laws page now…
Find a concealed carry class in New Mexico today.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
