Question: What do I
need to include in my application for a Concealed Handgun Permit?
Answer: Complete Application consists of eight Items:
1) Complete two-page application
2) Photocopy of New Mexico Driver License of ID
3) $100.00 Application Fee (no cash)
4) Certified Original Birth Certificate**
5) Training Certificate
6) Two Fingerprint Cards, complete and signed
7) Health Information Release Form
8) Authorization for Release of Information
** Photocopies and/or Notarized copies will not suffice.
If you would like your Birth Certificate returned include a self-addressed,
stamped envelope in your packet.
Question: I understand that the Department of Public
Safety has thirty days to issue my license from the time I submit my
application, is this true?
Answer: No. Pursuant to Subsection A of NMSA 29-19-6,
the department has thirty days after receiving a completed application
and completing a background investigation, to either issue a license
or deny the applicant. It may take up to ninety (90) days to complete
a background investigation.
The first part of the process involves submission of your fingerprints
to the Criminal Justice Information Services Division of the United States
Department of Justice. The second process involves submission of your
name, date of birth and social security number to the National Instant
Criminal Background Check System at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Typically, responses from federal agencies are received in a timely manner;
however, it may take several weeks to obtain a response. If any criminal
arrest or conviction information is found, the SID must obtain certified
copies of all pertinent documents (i.e. police reports, court dispositions,
etc…) in order to justify issuance or denial of a license.
Once the federal agencies complete their checks, the SID conducts local
background checks which includes a check of Municipal, Magistrate and
District Court records. Government agencies in New Mexico have thirty
(30) days from the date of any request to provide any requested documentation.
Again if any criminal arrest or conviction information is found, the
SID must obtain certified copies of all pertinent documents in order
to justify issuance or denial of a license.
Once the SID has completed investigation of an application, the department
has 30 days to issue a concealed firearms license.
Question: How long is my license valid?
Answer: Concealed handgun licenses are valid for a
period of four years from the date of issuance, unless the license is
suspended or revoked. There is a requalification requirement at two years.
Question: Does New Mexico honor any other State’s
Concealed Carry Permits?
Answer:Yes. New Mexico recognizes other states' licenses.
Question: Can I drink alcohol while carrying?
Answer: No. Pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 30-7-4, no
person shall carry a concealed handgun while impaired by the use of alcohol,
controlled substances, or over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
Unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon consists of carrying a concealed
loaded firearm, and is a petty misdemeanor; however, it is a felony crime
to carry a firearm, loaded or unloaded, into any area of any licensed
liquor establishment in the State of New Mexico (See Sections 30-7-2
and 30-7-3, NMSA 1978). There is not an exception in the law for those
who have obtained concealed firearms licenses. If though you may have
a valid concealed firearm license, you shall not carry any firearm, loaded
or unloaded, into any licensed liquor establishment.
A licensed liquor establishment is any business licensed to sell, serve
and/or permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises;
or any establishment which has been issued a license by the New Mexico
Regulation and Licensing Department’s Alcohol and Gaming Division to
sell, serve or dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on, or off,
the licensed premises.
There are a wide variety of “licensed liquor establishments” in New
Mexico, including: saloons, bars, taverns, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants,
pizza parlors, golf courses, country clubs, private and fraternal clubs,
racetracks, sportplexes, coliseums, pavilions, concert theaters, hotel
lounges, gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, supermarkets,
mixed product stores (i.e. Wal-Mart, Costco, Walgreen’s, Sam’s Club,
Furr’s, Smith’s, Raley’s, etc…) It is a felony to carry any firearm,
loaded or unloaded, into any area of these businesses (See Sections 60-3A-3.M, & 30-7-3,
NMSA 1978).
Question: Can an owner of private property prohibit
me from carrying my concealed handgun on his premise?
Answer: Yes. Pursuant to Subsection C of NMSA 1978
Section 29-19-12, any person lawfully in possession of private property
may prohibit the carrying of concealed handguns on such private property
by posting notice in accordance with NMSA 1978 Section 30-14-6 or by
verbally notifying persons entering upon the property.
Question: How long does it take to issue a license?
Answer:On average, it takes approximately six to eight
weeks to complete a background investigation before we can process the
final license applications. The first part of the process involves submission
of your fingerprints to the Criminal Justice Information Services Division
of the United States Department of Justice. The second process involves
submission of the applicant’s name, date of birth and social security
number to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System at the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Typically, responses from federal agencies
are received in a timely manner; however, it may take several weeks to
obtain a response. If any criminal arrest or conviction information is
found, the SID must obtain certified copies of all pertinent documents
(i.e. police reports, court dispositions, etc…) in order to justify issuance
or denial of a license.
Once the federal agencies complete their checks, we conduct a local
background check which includes a check of Municipal, Magistrate and
District Court records. Government agencies in New Mexico have thirty
(30) days from the date of request to provide any requested documentation.
Again if any criminal arrest or conviction information is found, the
SID must obtain certified copies of all pertinent documents in order
to justify issuance or denial of a license.
Once we have completed investigation of an application (6-8 weeks) the
department has 30 days to issue a concealed firearms license.
Question: How do I check on the status of my license?
Answer: An applicant may contact the Special Investigations
Division by telephone or e-mail to inquire on the status of their application.
Agents may provide the information to the applicant after the applicant
has supplied sufficient identifiers such as address, social security
number, DOB, etc. However, if at any time there is a problem with your
application, a letter will be sent to your provided mailing address detailing
the situation.
Question: I will be traveling through New Mexico in
a private automobile, are there any laws that address the issue of having
a gun in my automobile?
Answer: New Mexico law allows a person to have a concealed
loaded firearm in his/her vehicle (including motorcycles and bicycles).
If you are not licensed to carry concealed in this State, you may not
have the weapon concealed on your person when you exit your vehicle or
motorcycle.
Question: If I have my gun holstered in “plain
view” on my belt will I be breaking the law?
Answer: New Mexico is an Open Carry State, meaning
it is legal to carry a loaded weapon as long as it is not concealed.
However, it is not legal to carry any firearm in any federal building,
school, state building, or licensed liquor establishment. It is the responsibility
of the person carrying the firearm to be informed as to when/where carrying
is prohibited.
Question: I am licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
As far as licensed liquor establishments are concerned, where can I legally
carry my firearm?
Answer: As of July 1, 2007, 30-7-3
NMSA 1978 allows a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun
in New Mexico to legally carry into a licensed liquor establishment
that DOES NOT sell alcohol for consumption on the premise. Please read
and ensure that you thoroughly understand above-referenced statue.
It can be accessed through the main concealed carry page. |
