FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q- How long is the NM Conceal Carry permit good for?
A- NM Conceal Carry permits are valid for 4 years (civilians) from date of issue. LE & Military / Veteran permits are good for 5 years from date of issue.
Q- How long do I have to turn in my packet once I complete the course?
A- You have 90 days from the date of completion of the course to turn in your packet to DPS, should you decide to pursue your permit.
Q- Is my NM Conceal Carry Permit only good in NM?
A- No. Your NM Conceal Carry Permit is also valid in: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Q- How often do I have to shoot?
A- Realistically, you should be shooting (practicing) on a regular basis to keep your skills up. However, you will re-qualify every 2 years. Two years from the date of issue (approximately 22-26 months), you will need to complete a 2-hr “re-qualification”. It is important to shoot the same calibers as the original qualification (listed on card). At this time, you can also upgrade the calibers or add a style of weapon (semi-auto / revolver), should you choose to do so. At the renewal of your permit (4 years from date of issue), you must complete a 4-hr “renewal” which will also include “re-qualification” with the weapons.
Q- What is the process for the “renewal” of my Conceal Carry permit?
A- At the 4 year mark (grace period of 60 days prior to expiration date and up to 60 days after the expiration date)
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Complete the 4 year (4-hr) course.
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Complete a new packet
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Complete electronic fingerprints (must pre-register at www.cogentid.com)
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Return packet containing: 2 page application, health waiver, background waiver, check or money order to State of NM for $31, receipt for fingerprints ($44), certificate of completion of 4hr course; or $75 fee to the state of NM if you choose to not complete fingerprints again (not required).
Q- Can I still carry a conceal weapon (handgun) after my Conceal Carry permit expires?
A- NO. You must have in your possession, a valid Conceal Carry permit to carry a concealed weapon (handgun). You must wait till you receive your new Conceal Carry permit before you can carry a concealed weapon (handgun).
Q- How many concealed weapons (handgun) can I carry with my permit?
A- By law, you may only carry one (1) concealed weapon (handgun) with your permit at any time.
Q- Can I carry my concealed weapon (handgun) into a restaurant that serves beer or wine?
A- Yes. The amendment of 2007 allows a individual, with a VALID Conceal Carry permit, to carry into a restaurant that serves beer or wine ONLY. The restaurant must receive 661/3 of its gross receipts income from the “eatery” portion of the business.
Q- Can I carry any type of ammo in my handgun (reloads, hollow points, etc.)?
A- Yes. In fact, we recommend you carry a good hollow point self-defense round with proven stopping power. Things to be concerned with: over penetration, stopping power (transfer of kinetic energy AKA “knock down power”). This is why we DO NOT recommend carrying any FMJ (full metal jacketed) bullet AKA “ball ammo”.
Q- I am Retired Military or current Active Military personnel; Do I have to take the training course?
A- First, THANK YOU for your service. It depends on whether you are active duty, or based on how long ago you retired. If you are current military or retired / honorably discharged within twenty-years (20 years), NO, you do not have to take a training course. However, we recommend taking a training course for updated information on laws of conceal carry, conceal carry tactics, scenarios, Use of Force Laws, etc.) Although you are military trained, military rules of engagement and training differs from that of the conceal carry holder. If you retired or were Honorably Discharged more than twenty (20) years ago, then YES, you will have to take a full, 15 hour course.
Q- Who receives FREE NM Conceal Carry permits (by State Law)?
A- Current Military; Retired Military; Honorably Discharged Veterans; Current Law Enforcement or Retired (less than 15 years in good standing) Law Enforcement; Current New Mexico Mounted Patrol Officers (NMMP)
Q- What are the 2007 & 2010 amendments to NM Conceal Carry? (where can I carry)
A- 2007 Amendment states that a individual with a VALID NM Conceal Carry permit can carry a concealed, loaded weapon (handgun) into a business that sells package liquor for OFF PREMISES CONSUMPTION. Examples – Walmart, Walgreens, Stripes, Allsups, etc.
2010 Amendment states that a individual with a VALID NM Conceal Carry permit can carry a concealed, loaded weapon (handgun) into a restaurant that serves beer and wine ONLY. The carrier CANNOT consume alcohol during the process of carrying the weapon. Examples – Pizza Hut, Peter Piper Pizza, etc.
Q- Places that I CANNOT carry my concealed weapon (with permit) in?
A- The following are some common areas you CANNOT carry in.
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Airport Security Areas / Terminals
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Public Transportation (buses)
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Federal Property including: Military Bases / Installations, Federal Courthouse, Social Security Building, etc.
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Tribal Land / Casinos
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Schools & Universities (unless carried in your car, which is an extension of your home. (must be 19yoa or older)
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Preschools
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Courts: Municipal, Magistrate, District, Federal
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Any private property or business which has signs posted (in a conspicuous location) stating that no weapons / firearms are allowed on premises.
