A New Mexico Firearm Bill of Sale records the sale of a firearm between private parties in New Mexico.
Although it is not required by New Mexico law, parties should use it to record the transaction and reduce the risk of fraud.
New Mexico does not have a waiting period for firearm sales. Nor, does the state require a license to carry a firearm. But, having a bill of sale can prove useful in many scenarios, such as proving ownership in a criminal situation.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in New Mexico
Minimum Age to Purchase
An applicant must be at least 21 years old.
Permit for Purchase
None.
Register a Gun
New Mexico does not require firearm owners to register firearms.
Additionally, you do not need to send a record of the firearm sale to the police in New Mexico.
Open Carry Permit
New Mexico allows firearm owners to open carry loaded rifles and handguns without permits.
Concealed Carry Permit
The state also allows permitless concealed carry of unloaded firearms. [1] However, the state requires a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to carry concealed loaded firearms on foot.
You can apply for a New Mexico CHL if you are at least 21 years old, a resident of New Mexico, and are legally allowed to own a firearm in New Mexico. [2]
How to Apply
Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1 – Get Trained
Complete a New Mexico Department of Public Safety-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire instruction. [3]
Step 2 – Submit Fingerprints
Consent to fingerprints with the fingerprint processing service, Gemalto Cogent.
Step 3 – Fill Out Application
Complete the two-page application and provide the required documents and fee.
Step 4 – Mail Application and Documentation
Mail the application and the supporting documents to:
NM Department of Public Safety
SID/Concealed Carry Unit
6301 Indian School Road NE, Suite 310
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Gun Reciprocity
New Mexico only recognizes concealed carry permits from other states if they meet or exceed the provisions in New Mexico’s Concealed Handgun Carry Act. [4] [5]
Currently, New Mexico recognizes permits from the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
The following states honor CHLs from New Mexico:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
You must: [6]
- Run a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check on the buyer before selling a firearm to them.
- Background checks are not required for sales between immediate family members or to law enforcement officers.
The following people cannot purchase or own a firearm: [7]
- Felons.
- People subject to an order of protection. [8]
- People convicted of battery against a household member, [9] criminal damage to a household member’s property, [10] a first offense of stalking, [11] or federal firearm offenses.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
New Mexico does not require firearm registration therefore you do not have to register a gun you inherited from a relative.
