How To Get Your New Mexico Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing New Mexico's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CHL varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License below.

Steps To Get A New Mexico Concealed Carry Permit

COMPLETE a firearm 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.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety offers manual fingerprinting services at its headquarters:

New Mexico Department of Public Safety

4491 Cerrillos Rd.

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507

Phone: (505) 827-9181

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

FOR PHYSICAL APPLICATIONS

Send your application and supporting documents to:

New Mexico Department of Public Safety

SID/Concealed Carry Unit

6301 Indian School Road NE, Suite 310

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in New Mexico?

New Mexico requires that concealed handgun license applicants satisfactorily complete an approved firearms training course for the category and largest caliber of handgun the applicant desires to be licensed to carry. A training course must not be less than 15 hours in length and must provide instruction regarding:

afe handling and knowledge of single- and double-action revolvers and semi-automatic handguns
Safe storage of handguns and child safety
Safe handgun shooting fundamentals
Live shooting of a handgun on a firing range
Identification of ways to develop and maintain handgun shooting skills
Federal, state and local criminal and civil laws pertaining to the purchase, ownership, transportation, use and possession of handguns
Techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to control a violent confrontation
Techniques for non-violent dispute resolution

For a military service person discharged from military service within 20 years of the application for a license or renewal of a license, a firearms training course or refresher firearms training course is not required.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety prepares and publishes minimum standards for approved training courses, which must include classroom instruction, range instruction and an actual demonstration by the applicant of his or her ability to safely use, at a minimum, a handgun of .32 caliber.

Approved training courses are those certified or sponsored by a federal or state law enforcement agency, a college, a firearms training school or a nationally recognized organization approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety that customarily offers firearms training. Every instructor of an approved training course is required to file a copy of the course description and proof of certification with New Mexico Department of Public Safety annually.

efresher training is required at two-year intervals: A licensee shall complete a two-hour refresher firearms training course two years after the issuance of an original or renewed license. The refresher course shall be approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and shall be taken 22 to 26 months after the issuance of an original or renewed license. A certificate of completion shall be submitted to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety no later than 30 days after completion of the course.

Effective June 30, 2023, the two-year refresher course will no longer be offered online by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Contact a New Mexico Department of Public Safety-approved instructor to complete the training course. Submit training certificates to New Mexico Department of Public Safety within 30 days of receipt, as per Section 29-19-6 New Mexico Statutes Unannotated 1978.

A four-hour refresher firearms training course approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety is required for all license renewals.

What Are the New Mexico License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

Be at least 21 years old;
Be a citizen of the United States or a Permanent Resident Alien (although not reflected in state statutes, we have been informed by Permanent Resident Aliens that they were able to obtain their New Mexico Concealed Handgun License);
Complete a firearms training course (military service person's discharged from military service within 20 years are exempt);
Be a resident of New Mexico or a member of the armed forces whose permanent duty station is located in New Mexico;
Not be a fugitive from justice;
Not have been convicted of, or under indictment for, a felony;
Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution;
Not be addicted to alcohol or controlled substances;
Satisfactorily complete a firearms training course;
Not have:
- Received a conditional discharge, a diversion or a deferment, or been convicted of, pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to a misdemeanor offense involving a crime of violence within the 10-year period preceding application;
- Been convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs within 5 years immediately preceding the application for a concealed handgun license;
- Been convicted within the 10-year period preceding application of a misdemeanor offense involving the possession or abuse of a controlled substance; or
- Been convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving assault, battery or battery against a household member; and
Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of New Mexico.

What are the Fees and Terms?

$100 for Initial Permit - $56 Application Fee, $44 Fingerprint Fee. Military Members - No Application Fee, $12 Fingerprint fee

$75 for Permit Renewal

Valid for Four Years from Date of Issue. Refresher Training Course Two Years after Issuance

30 Day Processing

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL

PHYSICAL APPLICATION DOWNLOAD

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:

New Mexico grants non-resident licenses only for members of the military permanently stationed in New Mexico and their dependents. Out-of-state permits can be transferred over to New Mexico licenses.

Residency Changes:

Moving to New Mexico and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?New Mexico issues licenses to residents and members of the military permanently stationed in New Mexico and their dependents only. You can apply for your license once you establish your residence. In addition, out-of-state permits can be transferred over to New Mexico licenses.

Moving from New Mexico and have a New Mexico resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your New Mexico license remains valid?If a person with a New Mexico concealed handgun license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in New Mexico?

Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. A handgun license can be renewed 60 days before or 60 days after the expiry date. If the license has expired, then the licensee cannot carry a concealed handgun until the license is renewed.

COMPLETE a class with a certified Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) instructor, including classroom time and range qualification.

COMPLETE your online application, or download a physical copy.

COMPLETE the application and gather the following documents: