What are the Gun Laws in New Mexico?
New Mexico has a relatively lenient approach to gun laws, with some restrictions in place to ensure public safety and prevent gun violence. As of 2020, New Mexico allows adults 18 years or older to purchase and possess rifles, shotguns, and handguns. However, there are certain regulations that gun owners must comply with to ensure they are responsible and law-abiding. In this article, we will delve into the main gun laws in New Mexico, highlighting the key aspects and requirements.
Ownership and Possession
h2>General Requirements
To own or possess a firearm in New Mexico, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old for the purchase and possession of firearms
- Be 21 years old for the purchase and possession of handguns
- Hold a valid New Mexico address
- Not have any felony convictions
- Not have any mental illnesses or disabilities that prevent you from owning or possessing a firearm
- Not have any restraining orders or protection from abuse orders that prevent you from owning or possessing a firearm
h2>Violent Crime Background Checks
New Mexico requires that all firearms be transferred after a background check has been conducted. This applies to:
- All handgun transactions
- All federal firearms licensees (FFLs) selling non-handgun firearms
- Private sales and transfers (with some exceptions)
Concealed Carry
h2>Allowable Places to Carry Concealed
In New Mexico, you are allowed to carry a concealed firearm in most public places. However, there are some exceptions:
- Schools and school zones (except for on-duty school security personnel)
- Public transportation
- Prisons and federal facilities
- Most government buildings
- Any place where smoking or vaping is prohibited
- Any place where open carry is prohibited
Concealed Carry Permits**
There are two types of concealed carry permits in New Mexico:
* **New Mexico Concealed Handgun Carry Permit**: Issued by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, this permit is valid for 8 years and requires **18 hours of firearms training**, a **background check**, and **fingerprints**
* **Concealed Carry Permit**: Issued by the local sheriff or police department, this permit is valid for 6 years and requires **proof of residency**, ** fingerprinting**, and **character references**
**Registration of Firearms**
*h2>Licenses and Permits*
New Mexico does not require **licensing** or **registration** for firearms. However, firearms dealers must:
* **Obtain a federal Firearms License (FFL)** from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
* **Collect and report firearms sales to the ATF**
* **Maintain accurate records** of firearms transactions
*h2>Open Carry*
