Carrying a Firearm
Section 30-7-2 — a concealed loaded firearm is unlawful away from home and car, without a license
Unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, a petty misdemeanor, is carrying a concealed loaded firearm or any other deadly weapon anywhere except in these cases.
Who handles this in New Mexico: Enlace Comunitario; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Mexico directory.
- In the person's residence, or on real property they own, lease, rent or are licensed to use.
- In a private automobile or other private conveyance, for lawful protection of the person's or another's person or property.
- By a peace officer acting under the agency's policies.
- By a person holding a valid concealed handgun license under the Concealed Handgun Carry Act.
Nothing in the section prevents carrying an unloaded firearm. Carrying a deadly weapon means having it on the person, or close enough to be readily accessible for use.
| A concealed handgun license applicant | As the act requires |
|---|---|
| A concealed handgun license applicantAge | As the act requiresTwenty-one or older |
| A concealed handgun license applicantCitizenship and residence | As the act requiresA United States citizen, and a New Mexico resident or a service member stationed in the state, or a dependent |
| A concealed handgun license applicantRecord | As the act requiresNo felony conviction and no pending felony indictment |
| A concealed handgun license applicantTraining | As the act requiresA department approved firearms course for the category and largest caliber to be carried |
The department denies a license to an applicant convicted of a misdemeanor DWI within five years, of a misdemeanor crime of violence or controlled substance offense within ten years, or ever of misdemeanor assault, battery or battery against a household member. A licensee has the license on them whenever carrying a concealed handgun.
Sources for this section (4)
- NMSA 1978, § 30-7-1 — "Carrying a deadly weapon"
- NMSA 1978, § 30-7-2 — Unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon
- NMSA 1978, § 29-19-4 — Applicant qualifications
- NMSA 1978, § 29-19-9 — Possession of license
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of November 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Mexico attorney.