New Mexico Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs

New Mexico Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs If you're a resident of New Mexico or planning to move to the Land of Enchantment and wish to possess firearms, it's essential to understand the process of obtaining a pistol permit. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the requirements and regulations related to gun permits in New Mexico. New Mexico Gun Permit Summary The New Mexico Department of Public Safety handles the issuance of pistol permits in the state, which is classified as a shall-issue state. However, it's crucial to note that New Mexico doesn't issue purchase permits for buying firearms. Instead, prospective gun owners must undergo a criminal record check before making any firearm purchase. How to Get a Gun Permit in New Mexico? To apply for a gun permit in New Mexico, several criteria must be met. The applicant must be at least twenty-one years old and have the legal right to possess firearms. Additionally, the permit issued in New Mexico is specifically for concealed carry purposes. New Mexico Gun Permit Laws Unlike some states, New Mexico doesn't require a pistol license for open carry. As long as you are at least nineteen years old and don't have any restrictions or prohibitions related to firearms usage, you can openly carry firearms. However, certain places are designated as off-limits for carrying firearms, whether openly or concealed. New Mexico allows the possession of assault weapons, including machine guns, provided they are federally licensed. Anyone carrying such firearms must also comply with federal rules and regulations. New Mexico Pistol Permit Requirements Before applying for a pistol permit in New Mexico, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the state's gun laws. These requirements include: 1. Minimum Age: The applicant must be at least twenty-one years old. 2. U.S. Citizenship: The applicant must be a legal citizen of the United States of America. 3. Firearm Training: Completion of New Mexico firearm training is mandatory, unless the applicant is a member of the military. 4. Residency: The applicant must be a resident of New Mexico unless they are a member of the military permanently posted in the state. 5. No Fugitive Status: The applicant must not be a fugitive or have an arrest warrant in their name. 6. No Felony Convictions: The applicant must not have any felony convictions or be under indictment. 7. Mental Impairment: The applicant must not be mentally impaired or a patient of any mental institution. 8. No Substance Abuse Issues: The applicant must not be addicted to alcohol or any other substance controlled by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). 9. No Violent Misdemeanors: The applicant must not have any convictions or conditional discharges for misdemeanor crimes involving violence within ten years before the permit application. 10. No DUI Convictions: The applicant must not have any convictions for DUI-related offenses within five years before the application. 11. No Drug Convictions: The applicant must not have any convictions for possession or usage of drugs or controlled substances within ten years before application. 12. No Domestic Assault and Battery Convictions: The applicant must not have any convictions related to domestic assault and battery. 13. Federal Laws Compliance: The applicant must comply with all federal laws regarding concealed carry permits application. Different Types of Gun Permits in New Mexico New Mexico offers various types of firearm permits. Here is a summary of the different permits available: 1. State Permit to Purchase Long Guns: New Mexico doesn't issue a state permit for purchasing long guns. 2. State Permits to Purchase Handguns: New Mexico doesn't issue a state permit for purchasing handguns. 3. State Permit to Open Carry: New Mexico is a permissive state, allowing open carry without a specific permit. 4. State Permit to Conceal Carry Long Guns: New Mexico doesn't issue a state permit for concealed carry of long guns. 5. State Permit to Conceal Carry Handguns: New Mexico issues a pistol permit for concealed carry of handguns within the state. Cost of Getting a Gun License in New Mexico The cost of obtaining an initial gun permit application in New Mexico is one hundred dollars, which includes fifty-six dollars for the application fee and forty-four dollars for fingerprinting. For permit renewal applications, the cost is seventy-five dollars. Members of the military applying for pistol permits in New Mexico are exempt from paying the application fee, but they are required to pay eight dollars and three cents for fingerprinting. Gun Permits Application and Renewal Process in New Mexico To apply for a gun permit in New Mexico, you must follow these steps: 1. Complete Firearm Training: Enroll in a New Mexico firearm training program. 2. Provide Your Fingerprints: Register with Gemalto Cogent, pay the required fee, and complete your fingerprint registration at a Gemalto Cogent site. 3. Submit Other Documents: Submit your original birth certificate, firearm training certificate, and a valid state identification card or driver's license to the Department of Public Safety in New Mexico. 4. Receive Notification: After the processing period, you will receive an approval mail. For permit renewals, ensure you apply sixty days before the license expires or within sixty days after its expiration. If the permit lapses, you will need to apply for a new permit from scratch. Gun Permit Reciprocity with New Mexico New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with several states, which means they accept gun licenses from these states. The states that have reciprocity agreements for firearms permits with New Mexico 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 Additionally, some states recognize New Mexico pistol permits, allowing you to possess firearms within their territories. However, it's essential to familiarize yourself with each state's gun laws and regulations before carrying firearms outside New Mexico. The states that recognize New Mexico pistol permits are: Alabama Delaware Indiana Iowa Minnesota Montana Nebraska North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Virginia Wyoming Puerto Rico Certain states accept pistol permits from New Mexico but may impose additional requirements for carrying firearms. These states are: Colorado Florida Michigan Nevada South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Wisconsin Finally, there are states with permitless carry policies, allowing individuals to possess firearms without a pistol permit. However, you must adhere to the minimum legal age requirements specified by each state's gun laws. The states with permitless carry policies are: Arizona Alaska Arkansas Idaho Kansas Kentucky Maine Mississippi Missouri New Hampshire Oklahoma South Dakota Vermont West Virginia Relevant Gun Permit Laws and Legislature in New Mexico Several New Mexico gun laws pertain to the possession and use of firearms in the state, as well as the regulations surrounding pistol permits. Some of these laws include: 1. Possession of Firearms in Private Vehicles: Individuals can possess firearms in private vehicles if they are nineteen years old or older and have the legal right to use firearms. However, the firearm must remain in the vehicle unless the individual holds a permit. 2. Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas: Individuals with a New Mexico pistol permit or a permit from any state honored by New Mexico can possess firearms in roadside areas of the state. 3. Possession of Firearms in State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas: Permit holders in New Mexico and those with gun licenses from recognized states can conceal carry handguns in state forests and parks, but not in wildlife management areas. 4. Possession of Firearms in Restaurant and Bar Areas: Concealed carry of firearms is allowed in restaurants and bars selling beer and wine, unless there is a posted prohibition. However, it is illegal to possess firearms in restaurants and bars that sell hard liquor for onsite consumption. 5. Possession of Firearms in Hotels: Private property owners, including hotels, can prohibit firearms possession within their premises by posting appropriate signage. For hotels, firearm policies may vary, so it's essential to check the hotel's website for specific rules and regulations. Conclusion If you intend to possess firearms in New Mexico, obtaining a pistol permit is crucial. By following the guidelines provided by the Department of Public Safety and understanding the state's gun laws, you can ensure you are responsibly exercising your right to carry firearms. FAQs: Can I open carry in New Mexico without a permit? Yes, as long as you are at least nineteen years old and have no restrictions or prohibitions for using firearms, you can open carry in New Mexico without a permit. What is the cost of a gun permit renewal in New Mexico? The cost of renewing a gun permit in New Mexico is seventy-five dollars. Does New Mexico have reciprocity agreements with other states for gun permits? Yes, New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing them to accept gun licenses issued by these states. Can I possess firearms in state parks in New Mexico? Yes, permit holders in New Mexico and those with gun licenses from recognized states can carry handguns in state forests and parks, but not in wildlife management areas. Is New Mexico a shall-issue state for pistol permits? Yes, New Mexico is classified as a shall-issue state for pistol permits, meaning that applicants who meet the necessary requirements are entitled to receive a permit.