Frequently Asked Questions
The United States Concealed Carry Association is a great resource for checking reciprocity and reviewing the laws in states to which you may be traveling.
You can find a brief overview on the georgia.gov website.
Anyone may take the class including those who reside in other states and foreign nationals. However, you must meet certain state requirements to qualify for a license. The requirements are that you must be at least 21 (18-20 with certain military training also eligible), a US citizen or permanent resident, and pass several background checks.
You may start your application online. You must still appear in person at your county probate court to complete the application process.
The United States Concealed Carry Association is a great resource for checking reciprocity and reviewing the laws in states to which you may be traveling.
Yes and no. Part of your training is demonstrating handgun proficiency during a qualification shoot. You must score 72% or higher and demonstrate safe gun handling skills. While you may not necessarily fail the class, you may fail to meet the required score during the qualification shoot. This would prevent you from getting a license until you have met the required score. The only way to fail the class is to intentionally violate one of the gun safety rules. Safety is the primary concept taught in the class and must be followed at all times.
Notepad, pen, a good attitude, and an open mind.
You do not need a firearm to take the class. I will go over selecting a handgun that’s right for you. Firearms are available for rent to use during required qualification for a nominal fee (with prior notice). Ammunition is not included in the rental fee.
Absolutely. The class covers shooting fundamentals and the operation of a handgun. You will leave the class knowing the basics of shooting.
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 could take up to ninety (90) days or more to complete a background investigation. For any New Mexico licensing questions, please refer to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Conceal Carry Unit. Click here to go to NM DPS CCU.
In New Mexico, licensees can only carry one concealed handgun at any time. It is legal to carry more than one firearm. However, only one firearm may be concealed on your person at a time. This restriction does not apply to firearms carried in your vehicles, on or off your person. You may NOT carry a handgun, openly or concealed, in: Schools…except in vehicle if older than 19 (30-7-2.1 NMSA 1978, fourth degree felony) University Premises…except in vehicle if older than 19 (30-7-2.4 NMSA 1978 petty misdemeanor) Preschools (29-19-8 NMSA 1978) Courts (29-19-11 NMSA 1978, without the consent of the presiding judge) Court means: any Federal, State, County, Municipal, or Tribal Court; Tribal Land (29-19-10, NMSA, unless authorized by the governing body of the tribe or pueblo) Public buses (30-7-13 NMSA 1978, misdemeanor) Airport security zones Federal Properties…Military Bases, Courthouse, etc. National Parks and National Wildlife Management Areas are OK if you have a NM Permit/License to Carry or a Permit/License valid in New Mexico. On private property where the owner has posted signs indicating that you may not carry or if the owner tells you that you cannot.
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. 10.8.2.16 NMAC, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LICENSE reads: B. Consumption of alcohol prohibited. No person shall consume alcohol while carrying a concealed handgun.
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.
On average, it takes approximately eight to twelve weeks to complete a background investigation before the license is issued.
An applicant may contact the Concealed Carry Unit 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.
No. New Mexico law allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited 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 or in a state that NM recognizes, you may not have the weapon concealed on your person when you exit your vehicle or motorcycle.
New Mexico is an Open Carry State, meaning it is legal to carry a loaded weapon without a license as long as it is not concealed. However, it is not legal to carry any firearm in any federal building or school. It is the responsibility of the person carrying the firearm to be informed as to when/where carrying is prohibited.
As of July 1, 2010, 30-7-3 NMSA a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun in New Mexico is allowed to legally carry into a licensed liquor establishment that DOES NOT sell alcohol for consumption on the premise. Further a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun in New Mexico is allowed to carry into a restaurant licensed to sell only beer and wine that derives no less than sixty percent of its annual gross receipts from the sale of food for consumption on the premises, unless the restaurant has a sign posted, in a conspicuous location at each public entrance, prohibiting the carrying of firearms, or the person is verbally instructed by the owner or manager that the carrying of a firearm is not permitted in the restaurant. Please read and ensure that you thoroughly understand above-referenced statute.
No, but NM law changed in 2015 to allow for military and law enforcement to be waived from application fees and sometimes also waived from the qualification requirements. These individuals still need to apply, but the application may be slightly different than normal. Please contact us and we will explain the details for those who fall under this requirement.
A person establishing New Mexico residency must transfer his or her license from another state. The license holder has 90 days from establishing New Mexico residency to file an application for a New Mexico renewed license on the form prescribed by the department. An applicant for transfer shall not carry a concealed handgun in New Mexico until the applicant receives a New Mexico license unless he or she has a license from a state that has been accepted by reciprocity by New Mexico.
You are required to notify the Department of this change. Please review 10.8.2.19 NMAC (Rules and Regulations) and submit the outlined paperwork.
Carrying a loaded gun is not meant to bring some excitement into your life. When you carry a concealed handgun, you take on an extra burden and a significant responsibility to yourself, your family and your community. You carry the means to protect life and deal out death. You will be held to a higher standard of conduct.
If you cannot accept this responsibility, adapt your lifestyle, and make a significant commitment to training, you should not carry a handgun. You will be a risk to yourself and those around you.
