Summary 

• Permit required: Yes. New Mexico generally requires a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to carry a concealed handgun on your person; a physical license must be carried while concealed carrying.

• Minimum age:  21 for a New Mexico CHL.

• Duty to inform: No general duty to proactively inform law enforcement (you should still comply with lawful commands and be prepared to present your license/ID if asked). 

• Where you can/can’t carry: Many places are allowed, but common prohibitions include schools, many campus areas, courts (without consent), airport secure areas, public buses, and posted private property

• Vehicles: You can generally have aconcealed loaded firearm in your vehicle if you’re not otherwise prohibited, but you cannot keep it concealed on your person when you exit unless you have a NM license or a permit NM recognizes. 

New Mexico concealed handgun licensing is handled statewide by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) Concealed Carry Unit, rather than by county sheriffs or local agencies. The state is commonly described as a shall-issue for qualified applicants (meet eligibility, training, and background check requirements), but it isnot a broad permitless/constitutional concealed-carry state for carrying concealed on foot.

For reciprocity, New Mexico publishes arecognition/reciprocity list indicating which out-of-state permits are accepted for visitors and which states accept New Mexico licenses. Always verify your specific permit on the NMDPS list before traveling, since recognition can change. 

For residents and visitors, the practical “watch-outs” arerestricted locations (schools, courts, certain alcohol-licensed premises, federal secure areas) and private-property rules (signage/verbal notice can bar carry). When transporting or staying in shared spaces (vehicles with passengers, hotels, rentals), prioritize secure storage (locked container/safe) and consider a Faraday-protected SLNT bag for discreet, protected transport of sensitive electronics/keys/communications, useful when you’re moving valuables between the car and a room or storing items in shared environments.

Useful Links

• New Mexico Concealed Carry Laws (overview/reciprocity guide)

• Giffords – Ammunition Regulation in New Mexico

• AP News – New Mexico 2024 firearms restrictions near polling places (news explainer)

Official Links

• NMDPS Concealed Carry Licenses (Concealed Carry Unit)

• New Mexico Legislature – Firearms in liquor establishments (30-7-3)

• ATF – New Mexico Firearms Statutes and Codes (official compilation download page)